Ativan and Gabapentin are both commonly prescribed medications, but are used for different purposes. Ativan is used for the treatment of anxiety, while Gabapentin is primarily used for nerve pain and seizures. The Ativan pill is a class of benzodiazepines that provides soothing effects on the brain by increasing the natural chemical effects. Prescribed Ativan pills are used in different treatments like excessive worry, restlessness, acute stress, and panic disorder. On the other hand, Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic drug, that affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures.
Difference Between Ativan and Gabapentin:
Both Ativan and Gabapentin are different medications. Ativan is prescribed for acute anxiety, and it works fast, but it causes a higher risk of addiction and dependence. Gabapentin is a prescription medication used for chronic nerve pain, and it works slowly but is safe for long-term use. Here, we will discuss many differences between them:
- Drug Class: Ativan belongs to the drug class of benzodiazepines, and Gabapentin belongs to the anticonvulsant or neuropathic pain agent.
- Mechanism: Ativan or Lorazepam can enhance the activity of GABA, which leads to the calming effects, whereas Gabapentin can block the voltage-gated calcium channels to reduce the transmission of nerve signals.
- Uses: Initially, Ativan is used for short-term relief from anxiety and to manage alcohol withdrawal, whereas Gabapentin is approved for nerve pain, restless legs syndrome, and is sometimes used off-label for anxiety.
- Common Side Effects: Ativan causes side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and memory problems. Gabapentin can cause drowsiness, fatigue,e and swelling.
- Use of Duration: Ativan is used for short-term relief, whereas Gabapentin is used for long-term pain relief.
- Interactions: Both Ativan and Gabapentin can interact with certain medications those are affecting for the nervous system.
Best Medication For Anxiety: Ativan Or Gabapentin?
If we compare both drugs, which are the best for anxiety, it is frequently said that Ativan is better for anxiety relief than Gabapentin. Here we will discuss how Ativan is the best for anxiety.
Ativan:
- Ativan is fast acting within 15-30 minutes and helps to calm acute anxiety or panic attacks.
- Though it is fast and effective, it is not recommended for long-term use, and it shows a high risk of dependence and withdrawal.
- Ativan pills are best used for short-term anxiety relief and pre-procedural anxiety.
Gabapentin:
- It is not FDA-approved for anxiety relief, but in some cases, it is used off-label.
- It works slowly and shows a lower risk of dependence.
- Though it works slowly, it is used as a long-term relief where benzodiazepines are not appropriate.
Many researchers reported that, if individuals use Ativan as well as Gabapentin for anxiety relief, at that time Ativan is the first choice to treat anxiety rather than the Gabapentin pill. Because Ativan belongs to a benzodiazepine class and is fast acting for the treatment of acute anxiety relief, and works within 15-30 minutes. But Gabapentin comes from the class of anticonvulsants, which is used for off-label anxiety. It works slowly to treat sleep and anxiety over time.
Ativan & Gabapentin For Alcohol Withdrawal
In case of alcohol withdrawal, both are prescribed, but it is different due to their potential for dependence and withdrawal. Ativan or Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine, which has a high potential for abuse and is a standard treatment for moderate to severe alcohol withdrawal. It is fast fast-acting anti-seizure to replace the calming effect of alcohol by enhancing the GABA activity. Gabapentin is not addictive and is rarely used for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. Due to its lower abuse potential, it helps treat sleep, anxiety, and craving.
Interactions
When both are taken together, they can help to increase drowsiness, dizziness, and other side effects due to their CNS depressant properties. Normally, when a doctor recommends taking both together, avoid alcohol; otherwise, it increases life risk even death.
When taken Ativan and Gabapentin together, it affect CNS depression a resulting it causes sleepiness and slower reflexes. In rare cases, if you take both, they can increase the breathing problems.
If Ativan interacts with other medications that affect liver enzymes may help to increase or decrease the levels of Ativan in the body. Whenever Gabapentin interacts with other medications that affect kidney function, as it is primarily excreted through the kidneys.
Gabapentin and Ativan For Sleep:
If one person wants to use both for sleeping disorders, they must use it, but both medications work in different ways and are also used for different sleeping issues.
Ativan is used to relieve sleeping disorders or insomnia due to anxiety and works to enhance the GABA activity to slow the brain. It is very fast and effective within 15-30 minutes when one is facing difficulty falling or staying asleep during acute pain.
Gabapentin is less effective than the discussed in relieving insomnia, modulating nerve activity, and changing the sleep architecture (more sleep). So, Ativan is most preferred for immediate sleep relief.
Commonly Asked Questions
Is Ativan & Gabapentin The Same?
No, they are not the same. Ativan belongs to the benzodiazepine class and is used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and seizures, whereas Gabapentin belongs to a class of anticonvulsants that is used for nerve pain and seizures.
Does Gabapentin Help In Severe Anxiety?
In some cases, Gabapentin is effective for anxiety, but it is not FDA-approved or the first choice for anxiety relief.
Can I Switch From Ativan to Gabapentin?
Yes, you can switch from Ativan to Gabapentin with the proper guidance of a healthcare provider.
Is It Safe To Mix both medicines?
No, it is not safe to mix Ativan with Gabapentin because it causes severe side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.
What Is More Effective Than Ativan For Anxiety?
Klonopin is more effective than Ativan for anxiety relief.
Is Gabapentin Addictive?
No, Gabapentin is not highly addictive. But it can be misused and lead to dependence in some individuals.
Summing It Up
In conclusion, Ativan and Gabapentin are two different medications. Ativan is mainly used for anxiety and seizures, whereas Gabapentin modulates the neural activity and potentially improves the sleep architecture. Both medications cause side effects, but Ativan has a higher potential for dependence and withdrawal. It is advised to take proper guidance from a doctor before taking these two medications.