Similar properties and effects don’t make two different medicines same to another. The purpose of saying this is Ambien and Ativan acts similarly for calming effect, but they can’t considered as same. Because they vary in their functionality timing and some other properties. Therefore, let’s explore Ambien Vs Ativan differences in this article and how they are used in different cases having similar mechanisms. Ambien and Ativan are both approved by FDA for human use, but should be used carefully. So always prefer a trusted site like newlifemedix.com for safe and quality service. Here you will know about the detailed information about Ambien and Ativan similarities, uses, and risk factors.
A Comparative Study Of Ambien Vs Ativan Differences
If you want to take Ambien or Ativan, then it is important to know their differences as well as similarities to avoid drug interactions and negative circumstances. Sometimes it seems to be interchangeable because of similar properties, but here you will see how the differences is matters while choosing the appropriate pill.
Summarization of Ambien and Ativan Characteristics
Ambien is a Non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug comes under Schedule IV drug class. It is the brand name for Zolpidem, basically used for short-term treatment of insomnia treatment. The people who are in trouble of sleeping, the onset action of Ambien helps them sleep fast. It starts working within 15-30 minutes and calms the mind for up to 6–8 hours. The dosage of Abien is available in Immidiete or extended-release tablets, sublingual tablets, and oral spray.
Ativan, or generically known as lorazepam, is a Schedule IV drug that majorly used for calming the nervous activity. As a result, it relieves sudden anxiety and panic attacks within a few hours. Ativan is a benzodiazepine that starts working within 30-60 minutes after being taken orally. It is suitable for those who is suffering from certain anxiety due to stress or any health issues.
Working Of Ambien and Ativan
Ambien gives its sedative effect by affecting the GABA-A receptor in brain. This pill increases the activity of GABA, which is a main inhibitory neurotransmitter that causes sedation to initiate sleep. It binds to BZ1 site in the receptor, which causes sleeping effect with less muscle relaxation. This is the reason for Ambien is taken only for insomnia, not for anxiety.
Similarly Ativan is a benzodiazepine which binds to the GABA-A receptor complex in the brain. It does not bind to the specific BZ1 site like Ambien. By binding to the receptor, it allows more chloride ions to enter into the neurons. Which results less fire and leads to sedation for anxiety control. Here, Ativan boosts the increase in chloride ion, which causes long-term anxiety control safely.
Key Differences In Ambien Vs Ativan
As you know, these two pills are used for different conditions, but they have some similar properties. Sometimes, confused people take them together, which can be life-threatening for them. So be aware of all the differences so that you will not get a drug interaction issue.
- Ambien and Ativan belong to different drug class. Ambien comes under Non-benzodiazepine hypnotic (Z-drug), and Ativan is a Benzodiazepine class. Which says that you can’t use them for the same purpose.
- Although both affect GABA, they do not bind to the same site. Ambein is attached to the BZ1 site, whereas Ativan chooses benzodiazepine site.
- Onset action of Ambien is 15–30 minutes faster than the Ativan which onset is 30–60 mins.
- Duration of Ambien is 6–8 hours which is shorter than the Ativan. Which makes it adorable for long-term use of anxiety control.
- Half-life of Ativan is also 15 hours longer than that of Ambien. So that Ativan carries higher side effects risk rather than Ambien.
Drug Interactions of Ambien and Ativan
Both pills are CNS-depressants directly acts to the brain, so if you have other medical issue or currently taking other medications then inform your physician in detail about it. Sometimes many interactions can cause life-threatening issues like respiratory depression, coma, or even death.
If you are taking Other CNS depressants like Alprazolam, Halcion, Etizolam, Xanax, valium, Klonopin then it may cause breathing problems and little confusion in day today life. Similarly Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, antifungal, and Antihistamines medications are prohibited to take during these pills.
Safe Practices For Taking Ativan and Ambien
when taking medications like Ativan and Ambien, it is important to know all the safety precaution, which will help you to avoid negative aspects. Take the pill as prescribed by the doctor. During consultation tell him abot all your currently taking medication. If you have other health issue also inform him so that he can suggest you the appropriate medicine. Do not start the medicine from higher dose, always choose the list effective dose for avoiding addiction. Store in a dry and cool place safely, which in not reachable by the children. Know the risk factors associated with it, so that you can go for appropriate treatment without being panic. Lets know those factors in below
- Symptom
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Impaired coordination
- Blurred vision
- Memory issues
- Depression
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Which is better: Ambien vs Ativan for insomnia?
Both Ativan and Ambien calm the mind and causes sedative effect. But for insomnia, which is a sleeping disorder, Ativan is not recommended at all. It is mostly used as an anti-anxiety medication, which also causes mild drowsiness, but doesn’t work well for insomnia. Ambien is chemically composed to treat a sleeping disorder. Therefore if you want to take medication for sleeping disorder, then you should choose Ambien instead of Ativan. Both are FDA-approved drug, and Ambien is proven helpful for 3-4 hours of good sleep with least side effect in next day.
Can I take Ambien and Ativan together?
Generally, Ambien and Ativan are not recommended to be used together. Both are hypnotic drug that affects the brain directly by slowing down the nervous activity. Ambien is used for insomnia, and Ativan is used as an anti-anxiety medication. If the patient has severe anxiety condition, then the doctor might prescribes them to use both pill together for sleeping additionally controlling anxiety. But without physician’s guidnce these two pills can’t use together. Otherwise it may cause negative symptoms or life-threatning condition to the patient.