These are two powerful anxiety and panic medications. Both Ativan and Xanax belong to the benzodiazepine class of medications. These medications are controlled substances due to their potential for misuse and dependence. Both of these medications work with your brain’s natural calming system by enhancing the effects of GABA, a neurochemical that helps reduce anxiety. While these drugs have similarities, it’s important to understand their unique characteristics and effects. Welcome to our article, where we will explain the differences between Ativan vs Xanax.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorder. The generic name of Xanax is Alprazolam. Xanax is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, creating a calming and relaxing effect. It also enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA, which calms and decreases brain activity. It is available in both immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) forms.
What Is Ativan?
Ativan is a benzodiazepine used for the short-term treatment of anxiety disorders. Lorazepam is the generic name of Ativan. Ativan medications help calm the central nervous system to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Ativan works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter. It comes as an immediate-release (IR) tablet. It is also used for sedating hospitalized and aggressive patients.
Xanax vs Ativan Dosage
The tablets of Xanax and Ativan depend on their forms and the condition they’re helping to treat. Both specifics are available in different lozenge strengths, and the specific lozenge specified will depend on the existent’s condition and response to treatment. Xanax, on the other hand, is available in colorful forms, including tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and extended- release tablets. The starting dosage for anxiety is generally 0.25 to 0.5 mg, taken three times daily. For fear diseases, the original cure is slightly advanced at 0.5 mg, taken three times daily. The typical starting dosage for treating anxiety is 2 to 3 mg per day, divided into lower boluses. The lozenge for managing wakefulness is generally lower, starting at 1 to 2 mg at bedtime
| Medication | Form | Dosage |
| Ativan | Immediate release Tablet, Injection | 1mg and 2mg 2-3 mg per day, divided into smaller doses |
| Xanax | Immediate release, Extended-release | 1mg,2mg, XR 3mg, 0.5mg and 0.25mg 0.25-0.5 mg, three times dail |
Is Ativan Better Than Xanax?
Ativan and Xanax are both effective medicines to treat anxiety disorders, but which one is stronger depends on individual variability. The half-life of Xanax vs Ativan reportedly lasts longer than the effects of Xanax. However, you may consider taking traditional supplements to help manage your symptoms if you suffer from these conditions. By taking the time to consider all the factors involved and discussing your specific requirements with your doctor, eventually, choosing between Ativan and Xanax is a decision that should be made in consultation with your doctor. You can ensure that you receive the best possible treatment for your anxiety and fear diseases.
Which Drug Is More Addictive? Xanax vs Ativan
Both Ativan and Xanax should only be used short term due to the threat of habit and dependence. Xanax and Ativan together readily enter the brain, which strengthens medication taking and is generally associated with more severe withdrawal symptoms. Research directly comparing Ativan with Xanax isn’t available; still, numerous experts have particularly advised that Xanax be used with caution as it has been associated with particularly severe withdrawal symptoms.
Side Effects Of Xanax vs Ativan
When comparing Xanax vs Ativan, it’s essential to consider the possible side effects of each drug. They may need an indispensable drug, or they may need a lower dosage to reach the same effectiveness compared with young adults. Both Xanax and Ativan have the same side effects, but Ativan may have slightly smaller or milder side effects compared with Xanax.
Here are some of the most common side effects:-
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Depression
- Difficulty Speaking
- Poor coordination
- Seizures
- Excessive restlessness
- Confusion
- Trouble staying awake
- Skin rashes
Warnings & Precautions
Using anti-anxiety medications at the same time can cause deep sleep, slowed breathing, coma, and in some cases, death. For Xanax Vs Ativan, in the elderly usually not preferred because of cumulative toxicity. The safety of using Ativan or Xanax while pregnant or breastfeeding has not been established. Due to this risk, their use during pregnancy is not recommended. Alcohol can interfere with the effects of these medications because the combination can cause respiratory depression, excessive sedation, coma, or even death. But if used more frequently than recommended, suddenly stopping the medication or reducing the dose can cause withdrawal symptoms, which can include life-threatening seizures.
Conclusion
After comparing Ativan and Xanax, it is clear that they belong to the same class of drugs. In general, Ativan is better for people wanting to end the anxiety rapidly. However, its effects do not last as long as the effects of Xanax. The decision between Xanax vs Ativan should be made in discussion with a healthcare professional. Some people ask which of these two medicines is better for the treatment of anxiety. The answer to this question depends on the actual situation, and only your doctor can decide on proper treatment.