Ativan and Xanax are two of America’s most widely prescribed medications. They both belong to the same class of substances: benzodiazepines or benzos. In addition, they are similar in their uses and effects. Crucially, abuse of both medications can trigger addiction and the need for drug rehab programs. Still, there are some differences between Ativan and Xanax. These differences are minor but potentially significant.
Differences Between Ativan and Xanax: Uses
Ativan is a brand-name product with the benzo lorazepam as its active ingredient. Xanax is also a brand-name benzo. Its active ingredient is alprazolam. Both medications work by slowing down the normal activity rate inside your brain. This slowdown tends to have a sedating or calming effect.
The uses of Ativan and Xanax substantially overlap. Ativan is prescribed as a treatment for a group of conditions known as anxiety disorders. Doctors may also prescribe it prior to surgery to prepare you for anesthesia. In addition, it can be used as a seizure treatment.
Xanax is also prescribed as a treatment for anxiety disorders. Your doctor may prescribe it as the first treatment option for panic disorder. People with this specific anxiety disorder experience recurring, unpredictable bouts of panic.
Ativan and Xanax: Differences in Available Forms
Both Ativan and Xanax come in multiple forms. Available forms of Ativan include:
- Tablets
- Oral liquids
- Injectable liquids
Xanax is also available as an oral liquid. In addition, there are three kinds of Xanax tablets: disintegrating, immediate-release, and extended-release.
What’s Stronger, Xanax or Ativan?
Of the two medications, which is stronger, Xanax or Ativan? Both of them belong to a subtype of benzos known as high-potency benzodiazepines. All high-potency benzos are relatively strong. But there are some differences between Ativan and Xanax.
When you take any medication, a sequence of three steps occurs. In order, these steps are:
- Buildup of the medication in your system
- Peak strength or potency of the effect
- Elimination of the medication from your system
Xanax builds up in your system a bit faster than Ativan. It also gets eliminated at a faster pace. Technically, this makes Xanax the stronger of the two. However, Ativan stays in your body longer. Overall, the differences in strength between the two medications are fairly minor.
Addiction Risk Differences for Ativan and Xanax
As high-potency benzos, both Ativan and Xanax can make attractive targets for misuse or abuse. And when you repeatedly misuse any benzo, you can become addicted to it. Are there differences in the addiction risks for Xanax and Ativan? Yes, somewhat.
As a rule, benzos that are strong and rapidly eliminated by your body have the highest addiction potential. As noted, Xanax and Ativan are both strong. However, as also noted, Xanax gets eliminated from your system faster than Ativan.
This means that, in absolute terms, Xanax has a higher addiction potential than Ativan. But the difference between the two is only relative. Misuse of either medication can lead to addiction and the need for substance treatment.
Learn More About the Differences Between Ativan and Xanax at Coalition Recovery
Want more information on the differences between Ativan and Xanax? Talk to the experts at Coalition Recovery. We can provide more detail on what distinguishes one medication from the other. In addition, we can explain the clear addiction risks associated with both of them.
Coalition Recovery is also your source for specialized Ativan and Xanax addiction treatment. We feature evidence-based programs for each of these commonly used medications. With our help, you can overcome their harmful effects and restore your sobriety. To learn more, just call us today at 888.707.2873 or fill out our convenient online message form.
