Are you suffering from anxiety or any other psychiatric Disorder? And looking for medication that treats these disorders then Benzodiazepines (Ativan and Xanax) can help. Medication can often play a key role in helping people learn how to manage their anxiety and know about their medication for free from their disorders. In the United States, benzodiazepine use is more common among women and Adults. Today we’re going to look at comparing two benzodiazepines Ativan(Lorazepam) Vs Xanax (Alprazolam), so you can get a better idea of which medicine to choose.

Ativan vs. Xanax: What are they?

Ativan and Xanax are both Benzodiazepine family drugs. Ativan’s brand name is Lorazepam and Xanax’s brand name is Alprazolam. Both are used to treat mental health like Anxiety, Panic disorders, insomnia, or depression.

They have many similarities but also have different properties that’s why they are used differently. Both drugs are available as a brand and generic.

These medicines work in the central nervous system by increasing activity at receptors for GABA. It reduces the activity of nerves in the brain and improves your sleep condition.

Ativan and Xanax are starting to work within one hour but Ativan effects last for 8 hours and Xanax effects last for 6 hours. Both medicines also have some mild and severe side effects. Please continue reading the below information to find out which is right for you.

Ativan Vs Xanax: Similarities

Ativan and Xanax are FDA-Approved Medications to treat Anxiety and Panic Disorders. They have scheduled IV control substances. Both produce a calming effect in the brain and work as a binding to the receptors. Both work as chemical messengers of the brain.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) recommends Ativan or Xanax as a second-line treatment for general anxiety disorders. It can only used when other first-line treatments are not helpful. Both medicines start work within 30 minutes and reach maximum effect in two hours.

These medications have the same potential for misuse, negative consequences, and dependence. If you stop this medicine suddenly then it can cause withdrawal signs. Helpful For Ativan or Xanax for sleep disorders.

Ativan and Xanax have similar effects on the patient’s body, so doctors often prescribe these medications for similar reasons. It also has a number of similar side effects like Drowsiness, Dizziness, Dry mouth, Headache, Blurred vision, and so on.

Differences Between Ativan & Xanax

Ativan and Xanax have a lot in common, but they also have some differences that can affect treatment. The most important differences are their onset action, duration of effect, Safety profile, and formulation. Ativan’s generic name is Lorazepam and Xanax’s generic name is Alprazolam.

Xanax is a more rapid-acting medicine than Ativan. Once you take this medicine, It starts working within 30 minutes to 1 hour, On the other side Ativan takes a peak in two hours. Ativan has a longer effect on the body than Xanax. It lasts for 8 hours but Xanax lasts for 6 hours.

Ativan vs Xanax half-life-

Ativan has a half-life of about 12-20 hours. However, Xanax has a half-life of about 10-11 hours. This longer half-life effect allows Atvian to have a long-lasting effect than Xanax. Benzodiazepine equivalency tables state that 0.5mg of Xanax is approximately equivalent to 1mg of Ativan.

Ativan vs Xanax Addiction

Ativan is less addictive than Xanax because it causes fewer withdrawal symptoms and less chance of misuse.

Cost of Ativan vs. Xanax

According to Actionpills: Ativan 1 mg costs $533. Xanax 0.5 mg costs about $259. Xanax 1 mg extended-release costs about $533. The final cost will depend on the individual’s Distributors.

Ativan & Xanax Dose Availability

Ativan is available in tablet form, injection, and oral concentrate. Xanax is available as both immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) tablets, as well as an oral concentrate. Ativan works faster when injected. If injected into your vein It works within one to three minutes, and 15 to 30 minutes if given into your muscle.

Xanax is used in Adults and Ativan is used in children who are 12 years or older. Ativan is safer than Xanax because of its low risk of rebound of anxiety and depression. Its lower peak time and longer effect can cause less likely misuse and abuse than Xanax.

In the market, Atvian is available in different variants: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg, and 10mg. Xanax is also available in different variants: 0.5 mg, 1mbg, 2mg, 3mg. It also has different types like white Xanax, Blue Xanax, green Xanax, and Yellow Xanax. The standard dose range is 2 to 6 mg per day in divided doses or, 1 mg tablet taken 3 times daily. Ativan dose Usual range is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg taken 3 times daily; dosage varies depending on the patient’s condition.

Store medications at a room temperature dry place away from water and heat. Don’t break, chew, or divide any of the tablets because it can decrease the effect of the medicine.

Drug Interaction: Ativan vs. Xanax

Ativan has fewer unfavorable interactions with other medications when compared to Xanax. Both interact with other sedatives, opioids, cough and cold medicines, antiepileptics, muscle relaxers, and alcohol can increase respiratory depression. Other drug interactions with this medication can increase the side effects chance in the medicine. Before taking any kind of drug or medicine tell your doctor about all the medications such as prescription medicine, non-prescription medicine, or herbal medicine. After reading this do not stop doses abruptly without your doctor’s approval.

Which Is Stronger Ativan Vs Xanax

In treating Anxiety both Ativan and Xanax are similar but the difference is in their effectiveness and onset action. Xanax is more fast-acting and the Ativan effect stays for a longer duration in the body. After long use of these medicines if you suddenly stop taking them it can cause medicine withdrawal. Ativan vs. Xanax lasts how long- depending on the certain dose.

Ativan can be prescribed to treat children aged 12 years or older and Adults, unlike Xanax can only prescribed to adults. Patient’s health condition, medical history, Occupation and working time can decide which medication is suitable for patients. A doctor can prescribe appropriate medicine depending on your condition.

Precaution: Ativan vs. Xanax

If we take some medication we must follow precautions so that medicine overdose, high chances of coma, and life-threatening signs do not occur.

  • Ativan vs. Xanax with alcohol- Alcohol may increase the side effects of the medications as it leads to increased depression that causes coma or death.
  • Ativan or Xanax as anxiety medication while pregnant or while breastfeeding is not safe. It can cause withdrawal symptoms in newborns, so avoid taking these medicines during pregnancy.
  • Ativan may worsen hepatic diseases therefore, lower doses may be sufficient in such patients.
  • These drugs reduce the driving skills of older people, It makes them confused about directions and angles. So, to Prevent automobile accidents take medicine according to your doctor.
  • Patients with seizure disorders are at higher risk for withdrawal symptoms. Patients with panic disorder often use higher doses of Xanax, so there may be a higher risk of dependence. So, Consult your Doctor before taking these medicines.

Ativan vs. Xanax: Side Effects

Ativan and Xanax have some similar side effects because of their activity in the brain. Common side effects of Ativan and Xanax are dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, and unsteadiness, but people who abuse the drug can experience more severe symptoms that require medical attention.

Side Effects of Ativan and Xanax:

  • Ativan: Constipation, Nausea, Appetite changes, Drowsiness, Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Hypothermia, Headache, Restlessness, etc.
  • Xanax: Increased salivation, Constipation, Nausea, Appetite changes, Weight gain, Weight loss, Unsteadiness, Drowsiness, Dizziness, Dry mouth, Menstrual disorders, Incontinence, Headache, Restlessness, etc.

Ativan and Xanax may cause serious side effects such as trouble speaking, vision changes, and memory problems. Allergic reactions may include skin rash, itching, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience shallow breathing, severe drowsiness, or always feel sleepy then call the emergency number or your doctor.

CONCLUSION

Here we discuss the topic: Comparing Two Benzodiazepines: Ativan(Lorazepam) Vs Xanax (Alprazolam).
Ativan and Xanax are both effective for anxiety and mental health conditions. Both medicines have similar side effects, warnings, and drug interactions. Ativan Vs Xanax onset action is different from one to another. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider to see if one of these medications is appropriate for you and your condition. Pregnant women can not take these medications because they cause abnormalities in fatal. Alcohol is very harmful during the medication period. We think the above information can help you if you need more information visit the links or ask your doctor about it.