Understanding the Effects of Ativan vs. Xanax

While Ativan (lorazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam) are similar in that they are both benzodiazepine medications used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia, there are some key differences in their effects. When looking at Ativan vs. Xanax more closely, the intensity and duration of these tend to vary between the two drugs, but both medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and cognitive impairment.

In 2014, Xanax was prescribed nearly 29 million times, but that number has steadily gone down to just under 15 million in 2022, according to Statista. As the medical industry becomes more aware of the addictive nature of the medications, it’s still important for people taking each drug to understand the side effects of taking the drug to ensure proper use and avoid developing an Ativan or Xanax addiction.

What Is the Difference Between Ativan and Xanax?

Comparing the two prescription drugs, Ativan tends to have a slower onset of action and a longer half-life compared to Xanax. This means Ativan may take longer to start working, but the effects last longer, around 12-24 hours. In contrast, Xanax has a quicker onset, usually within 1 hour, but a shorter half-life of 6-12 hours. The potency also differs, with Xanax being considered more potent than Ativan. This means a lower dose of Xanax may be required to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. However, this also makes Xanax more prone to dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Ativan is generally considered to have a lower abuse potential and slightly milder withdrawal symptoms compared to Xanax.

Are Ativan and Xanax Similar?

Yes, Ativan and Xanax are extremely similar in many ways. As prescription medications in the benzodiazepine class, Ativan and Xanax both provide a calming effect and can reduce feelings of anxiety and worry. Both Ativan and Xanax are fast-acting and can provide relatively rapid relief of symptoms. These benzo medications can be very effective when used as prescribed but require careful medical oversight due to their potential risks and side effects.

Is Xanax More Addictive Than Ativan?

Yes, Xanax is generally considered to have a higher addiction potential than Ativan. It is more addictive because it has a quicker onset and shorter half-life, which can create a stronger reward cycle in the brain, leading to users tending to feel the need to dose more frequently. While Xanax is considered slightly more addictive, both medications carry the risk of dependence and require careful medical supervision.

Neither drug should be stopped abruptly due to withdrawal risks. The safest approach to avoid addiction is to only take either medication under proper medical supervision and follow prescribed dosing exactly. It’s also recommended to never adjust dosage without consulting your doctor and be honest with the healthcare provider prescribing the medications about any concerns or misuse.

Which Is Stronger, Ativan or Xanax?

Xanax is more potent milligram-per-milligram than Ativan. However, just because it is considered stronger doesn’t necessarily mean it is more effective. Each user can respond differently to the long-term effects of benzodiazepines, so it’s important to be cautious when taking each. While Xanax typically has a faster onset of action, Ativan tends to last longer in the system.

The most appropriate choice for the patient depends on:

• Type of anxiety or condition being treated.
• Patient’s medical history.
• Other medications they’re taking.
• Individual response to medication.
• Duration of treatment needed.

Both medications require:

• Careful medical supervision.
• Proper prescription and dosing.
• Regular monitoring by healthcare providers.
• Following prescribed instructions exactly.

Overcome the Effects of Ativan vs. Xanax at Resurgence Behavioral Health

In 2018, 30.6 million adults reported using benzodiazepines. Of these, 25.3 million used them as prescribed, while 5.3 million (2.2%) reported misuse, according to the National Library of Medicine. While the majority of people consumed the drug as prescribed, the misuse is still quite high. If addiction or misuse occurs, Resurgence Behavioral Health has professional treatment facilities to treat prescription medication addiction in California. We provide programs tailored to address the physical and mental aspects of addiction. Our holistic treatment approach for prescription drug addiction focuses on identifying and healing the underlying causes of dependence. If you or someone you care about is facing challenges with prescription drug dependence or addiction, don’t hesitate to contact Resurgence today at 855-458-0050.

External Sources

• Statista — Number of alprazolam prescriptions in the U.S. from 2004 to 2022
• National Library of Medicine — Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Adults in the United States
• National Library of Medicine — A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

Research | Editorial