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Benzodiazepines (Ativan and Xanax ) are used by doctors to treat several illnesses, such as mania, insomnia, anxiety disorders and panic disorders. Despite the many similarities between Xanax (alprazolam) and Ativan (lorazepam), doctors are aware of their differences and choose which one to use based on its special qualities. The similarities and differences between Ativan and Xanax are examined in this article, along with their applications, mechanisms of action, effects and uses.
Which conditions do they treat?
Ativan and Xanax are two names that frequently come up when discussing anxiety management. Although there are some similarities between the two benzodiazepines, understanding their differences is essential to making wise decisions regarding your mental health. Xanax or alprazolam is frequently used for anxiety and panic disorders.
Ativan or lorazepam is usually prescribed for anxiety and sleeplessness due to its calming qualities. More ailments are cured by Ativan than by Xanax. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved these uses for Xanax and Ativan. Despite being off-label, doctors may prescribe these medications for a variety of reasons, three times per day.
How do these drugs work?
Xanax XR reduces the symptoms of anxiety disorders and insomnia by blocking the nervous system. Those who take this medication as prescribed and under a doctor’s supervision may experience a reduction in irritability due to its calming effects. As a CNS depressant, Ativan slows down central nervous system activity, just like Xanax does.
As a result, symptoms that are closely associated with particular anxiety disorders, insomnia, and other conditions mentioned above may be lessened or mitigated. Both medications work by enhancing the relaxing effects of GABA neurotransmitters in the brain.
Which Benzodiazepine is more Effective?
Ativan and Xanax are related somewhat differently in terms of duration of effect. Compared with Ativan, Xanax usually begins acting faster and it may also act less long. Xanax, however, unlike Ativan, is provided in both immediate and extended-release (IR and ER) tablets. Due to this factor, the chances of abusing and getting addicted to Xanax are a bit higher with Xanax than to Ativan.
Ativan has a slower-acting duration than that of Xanax and with each dose, it has a longer duration. It is a bit less prone to misuse or dependency than Xanax. The fastest acting benzodiazepine is called Xanax because it works in less time than any other drug of the kind. This can be of special value in case the medication is used in an emergency circumstance that may develop quickly, including a panic attack.
Xanax vs Ativan: Major Differences
Xanax vs. Ativan. Both medications are given as liquids and tablets. The other form is Xanax xr, which is the long-acting version of the drug and is designed to last longer. Ativan is also given as an injection, which is suitable for use in hospitals due to its ability to calm anxiety more quickly and effectively.
- Onset of action:
Xanax begins to act quicker than the former, usually soothing anxiety after 15 to 30 minutes. This is quick and therefore suitable when one has a sudden panic or high stress attack. Ativan, however, on the other hand, requires an average of 30 to 60 minutes once consumed before starting to work.
- Action time:
Compared to Xanax, Ativan remains in your body for a longer period. It may take 6 to 8 hours before the calm wears away, as compared to Xanax, which takes only 4 to 6 hours. Such an extended effect of Ativan can lead to decreased frequency of doses throughout the day, as per the requirements of a person undergoing the treatment.
- Elimination and metabolism
The liver degrades Ativan, which is mainly excreted through the kidneys. Xanax, which is also metabolized in the body by the liver, leaves the body primarily in the urine. Your body might deal differently with each drug that affects the duration of its action and the frequency of use.
- Half Life:
The duration of time that different medications remain in the body varies. The half-life of Ativan is about 10 to 20 hours, which implies that it stays longer in your system. Comparatively, the half-life of Xanax is 6 to 12 hours, which is a shorter duration than that of Ativan and because of this property, the relaxing response is much shorter.
- Dosage form
Both medications are given as liquids and tablets. There is also Xanax XR, a long-acting version of the drug that is meant to last longer. In the meantime, Ativan is also administered in the form of an injection, which can be used in hospitals because it is injected to control anxiety faster or more efficiently.
Xanax vs Ativan: Which one is best to treat Anxiety?
Although Xanax and Ativan are both useful drugs for treating anxiety, they work in different ways. Xanax gets quick results, so this medication is necessary when a person feels a panic attack, but also when it has to cope with a strong stressful experience (surgery, etc.). It is good to be sudden or unpredictable.
Ativan, on the other hand, does not wear off as quickly, and this is beneficial when there are regular or anticipated anxiety moments, such as in public speaking or everyday stress. Ativan is a better option than diazepam when memory or attention is paramount, as the effect of this drug lasts longer. The difference between them is in the pace of getting relief and the frequency of developing anxiety.
Xanax vs Ativan: Dosage?
Both Xanax and Ativan are taken orally. Physicians frequently start with the lowest dosage and raise it in response to your body’s response. Typically, Ativan tablets are available in strengths of 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg. People often take two to six milligrams in two or three doses per day. Furthermore, Ativan is available as a liquid or injectable.
Xanax comes in a variety of forms, including liquids, tablets that dissolve, immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) tablets, and more. For IR Xanax, the most typical dosage range is 0.25 to 2 mg. People typically begin taking 0.25 to 0.5 mg three times a day for general anxiety. The standard starting dosage for panic disorder is 0.5 mg three times a day..
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the duration of Ativan?
A: Although some individuals can experience the calming effects of Ativan within 12 hours, the effect mostly lasts between 6 to 8 hours. It is useful in the long-term effects of anxiolysis without excessive doses throughout the day since it is released slowly.
- Why are doctors liking Ativan better than Xanax?
A: Physicians do tend to prefer using Ativan since it lasts longer and is smoother in its calming effect. There is also less likelihood of sudden withdrawal, which is safer than using it on a routine basis or during hospital stays, compared to the immediate effects of Xanax, which are more pronounced.
- Is Xanax as addictive as Ativan?
A: Xanax is more addictive because it takes a shorter time to wear off as compared to Ativan. This quick response may result in increased cravings and addiction, particularly as use increases or dosages of the medical drug are raised, giving way to its misuse.
