Anxiety, panic disorders and seizures are not illnesses to be taken lightly. Mental health conditions and diseases such as these usually require more intense forms of treatment and daily medication.
Options like Ativan and Xanax can help provide relief from symptoms but should be pursued with caution. With addiction potential, it is essential to find out whether Xanax or Ativan is better for addressing your symptoms and work closely with your doctor to address your concerns effectively.
What is Ativan?
Ativan, also known by its generic name lorazepam, is a prescription medication classified as a benzodiazepine. It is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia and seizures. Ativan works by enhancing the effects of a natural chemical in the body called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to calm the brain and nervous system.
Short-term side effects of Ativan may include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Slurred speech
These side effects are typically mild and may lessen as the body adjusts to the medication. However, some people may experience more severe side effects such as hallucinations, memory problems and difficulty breathing. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider if these symptoms occur.
Long-term use of Ativan can lead to tolerance (where you need a higher dose of the drug to achieve the same effect), dependence (where your body “forgets” how to operate with the drug’s chemicals), and withdrawal symptoms (flu-like illness if the medication is stopped suddenly).
Dependence can also cause the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia and seizures if the medication is discontinued abruptly. Long-term use of Ativan has also been associated with decreased cognitive functioning, trouble with memory, and addiction.
What is Xanax?
Xanax (generic name alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine prescription medication. It is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders and anxiety associated with depression. Xanax, like Ativan, works by enhancing the effects of the natural chemical GABA to help slow the firing of the central nervous system (CNS) and minimize anxiety symptoms.
In addition to treating anxiety disorders, Xanax may also be prescribed to help with insomnia, seizures, muscle spasms and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
However, Xanax is not intended for long-term use due to its potential for dependence and addiction. Those needing long-term treatment for anxiety should speak with their doctor about other medication options, as well as pursuing behavioral therapy, holistic practices, and lifestyle changes.
Xanax has several common short-term side effects, which may include:
- Drowsiness or trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Confusion and difficulty concentrating
- Coordination impairment
- A state of relaxed calm
- Irritability
- Changes in appetite
- Unusual weakness
- Shakiness, muscle fatigue or trembling
These side effects typically subside as the body adjusts to the medication. However, long-term side effects may never go away and cause irreversible damage to the brain and body.
Xanax, too, has a high potential for abuse and addiction, especially when taken in higher doses or for more extended periods than prescribed. Physical dependence can develop quickly, leading to withdrawal symptoms such as rebound anxiety, insomnia and seizures.
Xanax vs. Ativan
Ativan and Xanax are both prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders, but they have some critical differences in addition to their similarities.
One similarity is Ativan and Xanax both enhance GABA’s effects, as mentioned above, to calm the CNS and lower symptoms of anxiety and stress. Both medications are fast-acting, with effects typically felt within 30 minutes to an hour of consumption.
A key difference is their half-life, or how long the medication remains in the body. Ativan has a longer half-life than Xanax, meaning it may be the better option for those who need longer-lasting relief from anxiety symptoms.
Another difference is potency. Xanax is considered to be more potent than Ativan, so a lower dose of Xanax can often achieve the same effects as a higher dose of Ativan. This can make Xanax more effective for some, especially patients who have severe or chronic anxiety.
When it comes to prescribing one over the other, there are several factors your doctor may consider. For example, suppose a patient has a history of substance abuse or addiction. In that case, they may benefit more from Ativan over Xanax, as Ativan is generally considered to be less habit-forming. Additionally, if a patient requires longer-lasting relief from anxiety symptoms, Ativan may be the preferred choice.
Signs of drug addiction
Drug addiction, including addiction to Ativan or Xanax, does begin to show outward signs in a person’s life. You might notice common signs in your life or your loved one’s life, including:
- Isolating
- Increased symptoms of anxiety or depression
- Lack of personal care/hygiene
- Withdrawing from social obligations
- Showing up late or being absent from work/school
- Prioritizing finding, obtaining and taking the drug
- Spending an increased amount of time focused on drug use/recovering from the previous dose
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when a dose is missed
- Trying to stop taking the drug but being unsuccessful
If you have experienced one or more of the above, it might be worth considering the benefits of addiction treatment to help you reorient your life and put healthy habits back into place.
Looking for recovery options?
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to Ativan, Xanax, or any other habit-forming substance, High Focus Centers is here to help. To learn more about our detox and addiction recovery programs, contact High Focus Centers at 800-877-3628.
