Millions of people in the United States live with anxiety and panic disorder. Many take medications to manage the symptoms of anxiety. 

Xanax and Ativan are two of the most common prescription drugs used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People may also use them to treat panic disorder and other mental health conditions. Healthcare professionals believe these drugs are safe for short-term treatment. However, these drugs have a potential for abuse and addiction if people misuse them. 

This article will explore the differences between these common anti-anxiety medications. You will learn:

• The effects and risks of Xanax abuse
• The effects and risks of Ativan abuse
• The differences between these drugs
• What to expect in substance abuse treatment
• Where to find comprehensive SUD treatment and recovery support

If you or someone you love struggles with Ativan or Xanax abuse, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at The Living Room to learn more about our programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment. 

What is Xanax? Understanding the Risk of Abuse and Addiction

Xanax is the brand name for a benzodiazepine called alprazolam. Medical professionals may prescribe Xanax to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax works by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain. This can reduce central nervous system (CNS) activity and produce calming effects. 

People who take Xanax for the treatment of anxiety may experience unwanted side effects, including:

• Lightheadedness
• Shallow or slow breathing
• Agitation
• Double vision
• Hallucinations
• Risk-taking behaviors
• Increased energy
• Decreased need for sleep
• Racing thoughts

People may also experience euphoria when using Xanax. People may like the way they feel while using Xanax, which can lead to misuse. 

People who misuse Xanax may become physically dependent on it. Common signs of Xanax abuse include:

• Slurred speech
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Hallucinations
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue

People who abuse Xanax may finish prescriptions early. They may take the drug differently than prescribed or do illegal things to get more. 

People who develop Xanax dependence may require intensive treatment options, including medical detox and inpatient rehab. 

What is Ativan? Recognizing Abuse and Addiction

Ativan is the brand name for a prescription drug called lorazepam. Ativan is a benzodiazepine with the potential for abuse and physical dependence. Like other benzodiazepines, Ativan slows CNS activity and can produce calming or sedative effects. 

Doctors may prescribe Ativan to treat many conditions, including:

• Anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Nausea from chemotherapy
• Agitation
• Muscle spasms
• Insomnia
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Bipolar disorder
• Seizure disorder

Ativan has the potential for misuse and addiction, so doctors typically prescribe it only for short-term use. However, some people abuse it and develop addiction. 

Abusing Ativan puts people at risk for unwanted side effects and overdose. Common side effects of abuse include:

• Fatigue
• Lethargy
• Excessive drowsiness
• Confusion
• Slurred speech

Signs of an Ativan overdose include:

• Extreme drowsiness
• Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
• Loss of coordination
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma
• Death

An overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if you believe you or someone else are experiencing an overdose. 

Long-term Ativan abuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Signs of Ativan addiction include:

• Spending a lot of time getting, using, and recovering from using Ativan
• Having multiple prescriptions for Ativan from different doctors
• Needing to use more to get the desired effects
• Having withdrawal symptoms when not using Ativan
• Having cravings for Ativan

People with Ativan dependence or addiction often require professional treatment to stop taking Ativan and avoid relapse. 

What is the Difference Between Xanax and Ativan?

Ativan (lorazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam) are both prescription benzodiazepine drugs used to treat anxiety and other conditions. However, there are some important differences between these commonly-prescribed drugs. 

Here are some of the differences between Ativan and Xanax:

• Ativan has a slower onset of effects but a longer duration of action than Xanax. 
• Xanax may cause sedative effects that begin quicker than Ativan’s effects. Xanax’s effects wear off quicker than Ativan’s effects
• A person’s race, health, body composition, and other factors may affect Xanax’s effects. Ativan’s effects are not influenced by these factors
• Ativan has similar side effects, but some studies showed Xanax had a lower risk of causing confusion than Ativan
• Some research has shown Xanax to cause more severe withdrawal symptoms

Talk to your medical professional about which medications are best for your unique needs.

Treating Benzodiazepine Abuse and Addiction

Both Xanax and Ativan have a risk of abuse and addiction. Seek treatment if you have signs of substance use disorder (SUD). Treatment for benzodiazepine addiction may include:

• Medically-supported detox treatment (medications, supervision, mental health treatment, holistic care)
• Behavioral therapies
• Mental health treatment
• Individual, family, and group counseling
• Relapse prevention education and coping skills
• Nutrition support, mindfulness, exercise, and other holistic therapies
• Aftercare planning

Comprehensive treatment can help people address the underlying roots of substance abuse. It can help people develop skills to prevent relapse in the future. 

Find Treatment Now

If you or a loved one abuse Xanax or Ativan, seek treatment right away. Find the comprehensive care and support you need at The Living Room. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment. 

References:

1. National Institute of Health (NIH): A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal
2. Science Direct: Exploring clinical applications and long-term effectiveness of benzodiazepines: An integrated perspective on mechanisms, imaging, and personalized medicine
3. Science Direct: Lorazepam
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (DEA): Ativan (lorazepam) label