Anxiety is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions. In 2021, almost 35% of Tennesseans reported anxiety symptoms. Ativan and Xanax are two of the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and other related mental health conditions. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety when taken as directed, but both have the potential for abuse. In this blog, we’ll look at how Xanax and Ativan are used, how they work, what side effects they have, the risks associated with their use, and their potential for addiction.
Xanax vs. Ativan
Ativan is the brand name for lorazepam. Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam. A common misconception is that Xanax is an opioid. Both Xanax and Ativan belong to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. These medications are central nervous system depressants. They work by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid, often abbreviated as GABA. Higher levels of GABA inhibit neural activity and have a calming effect on your brain and body.
What Is Ativan Used For?
Ativan is most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. It’s also used to treat anxiety-related insomnia and panic disorders. Ativan is also frequently used to sedate patients before surgery. Ativan comes in an injectable form and as a tablet to be taken orally. It’s typically prescribed for patients who need sustained relief from prolonged anxiety symptoms. If your doctor prescribes Ativan, the recommended dose will vary depending on why you’re taking it and other factors such as your age and overall health.
What Is Xanax Used For?
Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic disorders and generalized anxiety disorders. Xanax takes effect more quickly than Ativan, so it’s typically prescribed to patients who need immediate relief from acute episodes of anxiety. The drug comes in several tablet forms with different colors and shapes indicating different Xanax dosages. For instance, a peach Xanax pill is a .5mg dose. Xanax bars are segmented rectangular 2 mg tablets that can be broken down into smaller doses. If your doctor prescribes Xanax, your dose will depend on your age, your overall health, and other factors.
Klonopin vs. Xanax: Are They the Same Drug?
Klonopin and Xanax are both classified as benzodiazepines, so they both increase GABA levels in the central nervous system. But they work differently, so physicians use them to treat different conditions. Xanax is most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. And while clonazepam, the generic name for Klonopin, is a medication similar to Xanax that can be used to treat anxiety, its main use is as an anticonvulsant medication to treat seizure disorders.
Xanax vs. Ativan: Half-Life Benefits and Risks
Ativan has a half-life of around 12 hours. That means it takes around 12 hours for your body to eliminate half of a dose. This is considered an intermediate half-life. This means that the drug stays in your body longer, allowing it to provide prolonged relief from anxiety. People taking Ativan usually fewer doses of the drug per day than people taking Xanax. Ativan’s half-life will vary from person to person, depending on your age, other health conditions you may have, and whether you’re taking other medications.
Xanax has a shorter half-life, ranging from around 6 to 26 hours depending on your age, your metabolism, your specific health conditions, the length of time you’ve been taking Xanax, and if you’re taking other medications. Xanax is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream, so you will likely feel the drug’s effects within an hour of taking it. This rapid onset of action makes it well-suited to provide immediate relief from acute and anxiety and panic attacks. But its shorter half-life means that it wears off more quickly, so your doctor may prescribe more frequent daily doses. Long-term use can cause Xanax to build up in your system leading you to develop a tolerance for the drug.
Adverse Effects of Ativan
Sometimes, in addition to its desired effects, a medication will have effects that are unpleasant and unwelcome. These are called side effects. Common Ativan side effects include:
- Drowsiness and sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Loss of strength
- Loss of coordination
- Disinhibition
Ativan can also cause serious allergic reactions. If you recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction in yourself or someone else, seek emergency medical help at once. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Ativan include:
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Skin rash
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Loss of consciousness
In rare cases, using Ativan may cause suicidal thoughts and actions. If you are thinking of harming yourself, please call 911 right away or text the 24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Adverse Effects of Xanax
Xanax use can also cause unwanted effects. Common Xanax side effects include:
- Unusual drowsiness and tiredness
- Sleep disruptions
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lapses in memory
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling lightheaded
- Feeling sad or discouraged
- Sleepiness
- Disinhibition
Rarely, Xanax can also cause more serious side effects such as extreme behavioral changes, aggression, chest pain, and the inability to control your actions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Can You Overdose on Ativan?
Ativan is a controlled substance, so it is possible to take an overdose. If you think you or someone you know may have overdosed on Ativan, call 911 right away. Ativan overdose symptoms include:
- Difficulty speaking or walking
- Unusual agitation, restlessness, or irritability
- Loss of motor control
- Loss of strength
- Nightmares
- Profuse sweating
- Slurred speech
Can You Overdose on Xanax?
It is possible to take an overdose of Xanax. If you or someone you know is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Even if you’re not sure and only suspect an overdose, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Seek immediate help if any of these overdose symptoms are present:
- Loss of consciousness
- Extreme drowsiness or weakness
- Extreme nervousness, irritability, excitement, or nervousness
- Lack of motor control such as trembling, unsteadiness, or loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Extreme agitation, talkativeness, or confusion
Can You Become Addicted to Ativan?
Ativan is a benzodiazepine that affects the central nervous system, so it has the potential to be habit-forming. To achieve the desired anxiety-reducing effect, users may take higher doses and/or use Ativan for longer than recommended. Doing so increases the risk of becoming addicted. If you have a history of substance, use disorder, this increases your risk of addiction even further.
Is Xanax Addictive?
Because Xanax is a very potent drug that is quickly absorbed in the bloodstream and is more rapidly eliminated from the body, you can become dependent even if you’ve only taken it for a few days. As Xanax builds up in your system, your body develops a tolerance to the drug. This can lead to taking larger and more frequent doses to achieve the same calming effect. As your use increases, so does your risk of addiction.
Ativan Withdrawal
Ativan was designed to be used only for a short period of time. In as little as three weeks, you can develop a dependence on the drug that will cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Ativan withdrawal symptoms usually start within eight to 12 hours of your last dose. The severity of your symptoms will depend on how much Ativan you were taking and for how long. Ativan withdrawal symptoms can include a rebound and even a worsening of the anxiety you were feeling before you began taking the drug. Symptoms are typically mild and usually last between one and four weeks.
Xanax Withdrawal
Xanax withdrawal can cause very serious medical symptoms. The severity of your symptoms will depend on how much Xanax you’ve been taking and for how long. Withdrawal symptoms usually begin eight to 12 hours after your last dose. On the first two days of Xanax withdrawal, symptoms can include anxiety, insomnia, and headaches. Between the third and sixth day of withdrawal, symptoms usually reach their peak. These symptoms are more distressing and intense and can include hallucinations, high blood pressure, muscle aches, and aggression. After a week, physical symptoms typically subside, but mental health symptoms like depression and suicidal thoughts can occur.
Because Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be so dangerous, you should never just suddenly stop taking the drug. Xanax use should be tapered gradually and under the care of medical professionals who can make sure you’re safe and comfortable.
Find Ativan and Xanax Treatment in West Tennessee
If you or someone you love is struggling with Ativan or Xanax addiction, you don’t have to struggle alone. Our team of compassionate experts at Detox West Tennessee, A Brentwood Springs Detox Program, understands that every journey is unique, and every recovery is different. We offer medically assisted detox that not only makes sure you’re safe and comfortable as you quit using, but also puts you on the path to the life that you deserve. Call us anytime, day or night, to learn more.