Are you feeling under-confident due to anxiety and panic disorder? Benzodiazepines are a proven medication for solving these problems. Xanax and Ativan are two popular benzodiazepines commonly prescribed for treating anxiety. But these are different based on effectiveness, composition, and potential for side effects. In this article, we’ll discuss Xanax vs Ativan and how they differ from each other. This may help you get the appropriate medication for the treatment. Both are effective and safe for anxiety, but their differences separate them for different cases.
Having a clear knowledge of Can you use Xanax and Ativan together?, How long does xanax and Ativan last?, and how to get prescribed Xanax or Ativan will help you for the optimal use of the pill. Let’s discuss these below:
An Overview of Xanax and Ativan
Xanax and Ativan are popularly known as Anti-anxiety medications that work by affecting the neurotransmitters in the brain. To reduce excessive worry and tension before it worsens, Xanax and Ativan are often prescribed. These are FDA-approved drugs well known for their relief of Anxiety Symptoms and panic attacks. These pills can be used for insomnia caused by anxiety and depression. It will help calm down the brain and relax the nervous system, leading to a sedative effect. It is also used in emergency cases for quick action to stop seizures or panic attacks.
Xanax provides anti-anxiety effects for about 4 to 6 hours after a single dose. However, the drug remains in your system much longer about 2 to 4 days. In terms of drug testing, Xanax is usually detectable in urine for 2 to 4 days, in blood and saliva for 1 to 2 days, and in hair for up to 90 days. Ativan typically produces anti-anxiety effects that last around 6 to 8 hours, although some individuals may feel its effects for up to 12 hours, depending on the dose. Its half-life is about 12 to 15 hours, which means it takes that amount of time for half the drug to be eliminated. In drug testing, Ativan is typically detectable in urine for 3 to 5 days, in blood for 1 to 3 days, in saliva for up to 2 days, and in hair for up to 90 days.
Ativan and Xanax Mechanism of Action
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces the activity of nerve cells in the brain by binding to its receptors. By doing so, it slows down the brain activity, helping to reduce anxiety, promoting relaxation, decreasing muscle tension, and causing sleepiness. When you take Ativan, it binds to the GABA helps to reduce nerve activity, leading to a calm and relaxed effect.
Xanax works similarly to Ativan by affecting the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. It increases the GABA activity in the brain, which will help to reduce anxiety, relaxation of muscles, sedation, and relief from panic symptoms, as to Ativan.
Are Xanax and Ativan Similar To Each Other?
Some characteristics of both pills make them similar to each other. But keep in mind that they are not the same. You can’t use it as an alternative to another. Let’s discuss how Xanax and Ativan are similar to each other.
- The working mechanism of both pills is similar, by affecting the GABA receptors in the brain. Ativan and Xanax calm down the brain nerves by affecting the specific GABA neurotransmitter.
- Both are prescribed for anxiety disorders and may also be used for panic attacks, insomnia, or situational anxiety.
- Both Xanax and Ativan fall under the Schedule IV drug class because both have a high potential for misuse.
- Both belong to a group of medications called benzodiazepines, which are used to treat anxiety and related conditions by affecting the CNS(Central nervous system).
What are the Xanax vs Ativan differences?
As we have seen above, Xanax and Ativan share some similar properties, but they have some different characteristics, which distinguish them for separate uses. Let’s break down their differences to understand the safe use.
- Having similarities in working mechanism, their active ingredients are different. Xanax contains Alprazolam, and Ativan contains Lorazepam as its active ingredient.
- There are significant differences in the onset of Action of both pills. Xanax is a fast-acting formula that starts working within 15 to 30 minutes. While Ativan is comparatively slower about 20 to 60 minutes to start working.
- Xanax has a quicker action, short-term effect of about 4 to 6 hours. Whereas Ativan can last a little bit longer, 6 to 8 hours, than Xanax.
- Ativan may require fewer doses per day compared to Xanax, due to its longer effect.
- Both pills carry withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them after long-term use. But Xanax has a higher chance of withdrawal symptoms than Ativan.
- Ativan will stay longer in your system than Xanax. Because xanax has a half-life of 11 hours, whereas Ativan has 12-16 hours of half-life.
Which is better for anxiety? Xanax vs Ativan
For treating anxiety, both pills are effective and clinically proven for safe use. But based on the patient’s condition doctor prescribes it to the individuals. If you prefer rapid relief rather than the longer effect, xanax is the better option for you. Because Ativan is recommended for steady and Longer Relief. Xanax is a frequent dose medication that shows its action within 15–30 minutes for emergency use. While Ativan delays working up to 40-60 minutes to activate in the body. But the advantage is that Ativan can relieve you longer by working steadily for up to 6–8 hours. Having a vast knowledge about the pill will help you to choose the pill, but to start taking the pill, you need a doctor’s consultation.
First, you have to be sure that you are suffering from an anxiety issue, because some symptoms like anxiety are not really they seem. To identify a proper clinical check-up is needed, so you have to take the pill only when it is prescribed. To Get Prescribed Xanax or Ativan, first visit a doctor. The required dosage amount depends upon age, metabolic power, medical history, and drug interactions. Therefore, tell your doctor these things for safe and effective anti-anxiety treatment.
Can I take Xanax and Ativan together?
Xanax and Ativan belong to the same drug class, benzodiazepines, and have some similar characteristics. So, it is generally not recommended to take both pills together. It can only be combined when you are taking one of the pills, and then you switch to another pill. But it should be done under the supervision of a doctor. Time gap and adjusting the dose should be maintained while switching, as prescribed by the doctor. Let’s discuss why taking both the pills together is risky:
- Both Xanax and Ativan are central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Taking them together can lead to excessive drowsiness, confusion, slowed breathing, or even coma.
- Due to both belonging to the benzodiazepine family, they can cause overdose symptoms like respiratory problems.
- Using more than one benzodiazepine also increases the risk of addiction and dependence.
Some people take both pills when they find one is not effective. In this case, you can take a higher dose of a single pill. It will be better if you take the pill after consulting the doctor.
Side Effects of Xanax Vs Ativan
Both pills are proven clinically safe, but misuse and overdose can cause negative effects. If you follow up Precautions and use it as prescribed, then side effects might be avoided. Understanding the possible side effects will help you handle the situation without panic.
Xanax Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Impaired coordination
- Memory problems
- Dry mouth
- Weight gain
- Slurred speech
Ativan side effects
- Weakness
- Unsteadiness
- Memory problems
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Nausea
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
- Which is best: Ativan vs Xanax for flight anxiety?
Both Ativan and Xanax are benzodiazepines commonly used to manage anxiety. You can take the pill for flight-related anxiety, but after consulting a doctor. Xanax acts faster and has a shorter duration, making it useful if you want quick, temporary relief during a flight. Ativan has a slower onset but lasts longer, which might be better if you experience anxiety before and throughout a longer flight.
- Can I take xanax or Ativan for sleep?
Yes, both Xanax and Ativan can be used for short-term treatment of sleep problems, especially if it is related to anxiety. They work by calming the brain and helping you fall asleep more easily. But it is not recommended to take the pill only for a sleep disorder. There are other sleeping pills available; you can take those, because Ativan and xanax can cause addiction when you take them for longer.