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Have you ever been making yourself lunch when suddenly your heart rate kicked up to 100? You were convinced something horrible was about to happen, but everything around you seemed fine. Despite this, the feelings wouldn't go away.
Maybe you had a time when you were simply at work when your thoughts started racing. You began thinking about how an earthquake could happen or a fire could start. All sorts of thoughts, running rampant in your mind, making your hands start to sweat.
These symptoms are common for those who are managing anxiety. While we all feel anxious about certain things, like when meeting our partner's parents or giving a presentation to a group of people, those with an anxiety disorder often feel it even when it's not relevant to the situation.
This is where medications like Xanax or Ativan can help. Psychiatrists prescribe these to those managing anxiety or panic disorders to help them better manage the symptoms. What's the difference between these two medications? Is one better than the other?
Our team here at Serenity Lane is no stranger to mental health concerns like anxiety. Oftentimes, mental health conditions can go hand in hand with substance use, which we help people recover from every day. As one of the oldest non-profit rehab facilities in Oregon, we have lots of experience in all forms of anxiety and recovery. Medication can often play a key role in helping people learn how to manage their mental health, and being informed about your options can help you know what questions to ask when speaking with a doctor about your needs. Today we're going to look at Xanax vs. Ativan and discuss the pros and cons of each so you can get a better idea of your options and how they might impact you.
Xanax and Ativan are both pharmaceutical medications that are used to treat anxiety, alongside some other conditions. They're also both forms of benzodiazepines. While they do have many similarities, there's a reason that they are two separate medications.
Xanax, otherwise known as alprazolam, is a short-acting benzodiazepine usually utilized to treat those managing panic disorders. Their quick response time makes them great for helping people who deal with panic attacks. They're often prescribed on an “as needed” basis for those with anxiety as opposed to a daily pill, though this can vary depending on the patient's specific needs. Xanax is also utilized to assist with narcolepsy and seizure disorders.
Ativan, otherwise known as lorazepam, is another form of short-acting benzodiazepine. It is also used to help people with anxiety disorders as well as for treating nausea and vomiting in cancer treatment patients and to assist with the side effects of alcohol withdrawal. They're not prescribed as long-term medications, but rather as a way to treat short-term problems or be used on an as-needed basis.
It's important to note that addiction or dependence is never guaranteed with any medication. Just like someone could be predisposed to diabetes but never develop it. Both Xanax and Ativan do have a chance for withdrawal symptoms, which can lead to someone continuing to take medication outside of medical recommendations. These patterns can lead to a substance use disorder.
Let's take a look at what that might be like for each medication.
Xanax is one of the more well-known anxiety medications, going as far as being referenced in popular media, such as Billie Eilish’s song “xanny.” When taken, Xanax can often make people feel calm or even drowsy. Those who have been managing anxiety or panic disorders for a while might have the desire to continue to feel this way, missing it when they're not taking a dose. While this is just one of many reasons a person might decide to take medication outside of medical advice, once this occurs, the odds of experiencing side effects and growing dependence increase.
The half-life of Xanax being as short as it makes it great for people to experience immediate relief from things like panic attacks or seizures. It's also the exact reason that withdrawal can happen so easily, even when taken as advised. This is why medical professionals will often taper people off of medications like Xanax, in order to better reduce the odds of withdrawal. If you have any concerns, don't be afraid to talk with your doctor.
Whether being misused or not, all medications have a chance for side effects. This can increase when taken against medical advice.
Some common side effects of Xanax use include:
The experience of taking Ativan can be similar to that of Xanax. It is also a depressant, meaning it makes the body feel calm or drowsy. With a similar, short-acting half-life, the chance of withdrawals is high.
Regardless of how it’s taken, whether with medical advice or without it, Ativan has the chance for side effects. When taken outside of a prescription, the odds of these side effects occurring increase.
Here are some common side effects of Ativan misuse:
Benzodiazepines, sometimes simply referred to as benzos, are known for the potential withdrawals a person can experience after taking them. This can occur even when a person takes them as medically directed. Why is that?
Withdrawals happen when a body becomes used to a substance’s assistance. If you then remove that substance, the body has to adjust in order to fill the gaps that the substance previously took up. During this time you might experience side effects; this is all a part of withdrawal.
Both Xanax and Ativan are short-acting benzos. This means that you start feeling the effects of them quickly, but they also pass through the body quickly, too. This gives the body less time to adjust to them no longer assisting, which can lead to withdrawal.
Let’s look at some of the common signs of Xanax withdrawal and Ativan withdrawal:
Your doctor will know your medical history better and be able to make a more informed decision about what will suit your needs best.
This doesn't mean you should be inherently complacent in your medication and recovery, however. Once you get prescribed medication, you should keep track of how you feel, both the positives and the negatives, and write down any questions you think of while you're taking your medication. This information can be given to your health provider in order to ascertain if the medication you're on is actually working for you as intended. Needs, from dosages to medications entirely, can change over time depending on things like lifestyle, side effects, other medications you're taking, and more. This means that while one might work for you at one point, it might not always be your best choice for the future.
Whether you're wanting to start getting a handle on your anxiety or you're finding it difficult to stop taking things like Xanax or Ativan on your own, our team at Serenity Lane is here to help. With our well-trained and highly licensed medical staff, we're prepared to face any concern you bring to the table. Our goal is always to see you walk out with a strong foundation and support group for your long-term recovery.
There is no point in which it is too late to start a new path of recovery, even if you've gone through it before and need more help to try again. We offer everything from outpatient to our detox programs for benzo use disorder, as well as specialized services for many, like families, first responders, healthcare professionals, and more.
If you are interested in getting started, our team here at Serenity Lane is ready to help. If you want to give us a call at (800) 543-9905, we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have and get you started back on the path you want to be on. You deserve to find happiness.
Which is more effective: Xanax or Ativan?
Xanax and Ativan each have their own specific uses that work best for different people.
How many Ativan is equal to Xanax?
There isn’t a direct comparison between Ativan and Xanax, dosage-wise, as there are many different forms of each as well as reactions to each.
Does Ativan make you sleepy like Xanax?
Because Ativan is also a depressant like Xanax, one of the side effects can be drowsiness.
What is the strongest benzodiazepine for anxiety?
The strongest medication depends on your specific needs combined with dosages. What might be strong for one individual could be weak for another. Everyone’s anatomy and medication history is different.
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