Xanax and Ativan are drugs that are used in the therapy of mental and chronic nervous diseases.
Xanax will help the patient get rid of anxious and panic disorders.
Ativan is used in the therapy of anxiety disorder, epilepsy, as well as in the patient’s pre-medication preparation for general anesthesia and surgical intervention.
Xanax vs Ativan: similarities and differences in therapeutic effects
Xanax and Ativan belong to the same group of drugs – benzodiazepine tranquilizers (also called anxiolytics). They suppress the activity of benzodiazepine receptors, enhancing the inhibitory effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). However, both drugs have specific mechanisms of action that distinguish them from each other.
- Xanax selectively affects GABA-receptors. Therefore, it promotes an antidepressant effect, which is absent in the spectrum of psychotropic activity of Ativan.
- Byits chemical structure, Ativan is close to neuroleptics. Therefore, it can be used not only to treat mental disorders, but also to treatepilepsy, as well as for premedication.
Xanax vs Ativan: release forms, dosage and method of administration
In the treatment of anxiety and panic disorder, conventional Xanax or Ativan tablets can be used, as well as tablets with a sustainedrelease of the active ingredient Xanax.
- The dosage of conventional Xanax or Ativan tablets is not much different from each other: 3-4 tablets a day.
- If necessary, the doses of one or another anxiolytic can be increased every 3-4 days.
- Xanax tablets with a prolonged release of the active ingredient are enough to be taken 1-2 times a day.
Tablets are the only release form of Xanax. Ativan is available in the form of tablets and solutionfor injection. Intravenous injections of the tranquilizer Ativan are used in the antiepileptic therapy for infants, children and adults. Intramuscular introduction of Ativan is carried out for premedication.
The dosage of Ativan injection solution depends on the indications for use:
- epileptic seizures: 2-4 mg per day intravenously
- premedication: 4 mg intramuscularly approximately 2 hours prior to surgery
To avoid the withdrawal syndrome, discontinuation of daily intake of Xanax or Ativan should be done gradually. For several weeks or months, the daily dosage of both drugs should be gradually reduced to a complete cessation.
In the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders, Xanax or Ativan tablets should not be taken by patients under the age of 18.
Ativan injectionscan be used for antiepileptic therapy in Newborns.
Xanax vs Ativan: safety and side effects
Side effects during the use of Xanax or Ativan are quite rare and do not lead to premature discontinuation of therapyin most cases.
At the beginning of use of one of the tranquilizers, patients may experience fatigue or drowsiness during the day. To increase the attentionconcentration, the dose should be reduced in accordance with the individual drug tolerance.
The most common side effects in an overdose with Xanax or Ativan are pronounced sedation, euphoria, and extrapyramidal symptoms, such as tremor and akathisia.
Conclusion: both tranquilizers are equally effective in the treatment of mental illnesses. Yet, thanks to the injection form, Ativan can be used in the antiepileptic therapy, as well as to prepare patients for a surgery.
