Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting over 40 million adults. This mental illness has become more prevalent, but fortunately, it can be treated through regular treatments using benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and Xanax.
Since lorazepam and Xanax belong to the same class of drugs, some may assume that you can take either of the two. However, this is not the case—although they are both benzodiazepines, they are taken differently and have distinct side effects.
Comparing Lorazepam and Xanax
Both Lorazepam and Xanax are benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety. While they both create a calming effect by enhancing the actions of GABA in the brain and are equally effective in improving the symptoms of anxiety, they have their differences.
Which Drug Works Quicker?
Compared to lorazepam, Xanax is absorbed more quickly by the body, with peak concentrations occurring within one to two hours, unlike Lorazepam’s two-hour duration.
As for the drug’s effects, Xanax lasts around four to six hours, while the effects of lorazepam last for approximately eight hours. Keep in mind that this may not be as accurate, as the effects persist longer for some people.
Is One More Effective Than the Other?
Based on the results of the trials that directly compared the effectiveness of lorazepam and Xanax, they have no significant differences in their effect and only a few differences in their side effects. However, you may experience less mental confusion when you take Xanax.
What is Lorazepam?
Lorazepam treats the symptoms of anxiety by acting on the brain and nerves, producing a calming effect. Lorazepam is taken orally, either as a tablet or concentrate.
The tablet is usually taken two or three times a day and may be taken with or without food, while the concentrate comes with a dropper to measure the dose. The lorazepam concentrate is diluted in 1 ounce or more of water, carbonated beverage, or juice. It can also be mixed with pudding and applesauce before taking the dose.
Aside from anxiety disorder, Lorazepam is also used to treat other conditions, such as:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Insomnia
- Panic disorder
- Agitation from alcohol withdrawal
- Nausea and vomiting due to cancer treatment
Although Lorazepam can be prescribed for various uses, it can’t be taken for every patient. You can’t take this medication if you have:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma;
- Had an allergic reaction to benzodiazepine;
- Alcohol or drug addiction;
- Depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior;
- Kidney or liver disease; or
- Breathing problems.
The Side Effects of Lorazepam
Like other medications, Lorazepam isn’t perfect—depending on the person taking it, the drug can cause serious problems when used with certain medications, such as breathing problems, sedation, or coma.
Drug Interactions with Lorazepam
If you’re taking or plan to take any of the medications below, make sure to tell your doctor:
- Codeine (in Triacin-C, in Tuzistra XR)
- Hydrocodone (in Anexsia, in Norco, in Zyfrel)
- Codeine (in Fiorinal)
- Fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic, Subsys, others)
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Exalgo)
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Methadone (Dolophine, Methadose)
- Morphine (Astramorph, Duramorph PF, Kadian)
- Oxycodone (in Oxycet, in Percocet, in Roxicet, others)
- Tramadol (Conzip, Ultram, in Ultracet)
Mild Side Effects
Aside from the symptoms caused by drug interactions, Lorazepam can also cause mild side effects depending on your age and pre-existing health conditions. Some of the most common mild side effects of lorazepam include:
- Memory problems
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Trouble with balance or coordination
- Confusion
Although mild side effects usually go away within a few days or weeks, they may persist for longer. If your side effects become bothersome, make sure to reach out to your doctor or to a pharmacist to manage them.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects caused by lorazepam don’t occur that often, but no matter how uncommon they are, there is still a chance that you may experience them. If you develop any of the following symptoms below, seek medical attention immediately.
Here are a few of the serious side effects of lorazepam that have been reported:
- Allergic reaction
- Depressed mood
- Hallucinations
- Suicidal thoughts
- Breathing problems, such as slowed and shallow breathing and respiratory failure
- Risk of dependence and addiction
What Is Xanax?
Xanax, the brand name for Alprazolam, is a medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. This drug slows down the movement of brain chemicals that have become unbalanced, reducing nervous tension and anxiety.
By boosting the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid, Xanax produces a calming effect. Xanax can also help people with:
- Depression;
- Agoraphobia or fear of open spaces;
- Premenstrual syndrome; and
- Panic disorders.
Xanax comes in four forms: a tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet, an extended-release tablet, and a concentrated solution to be taken orally. The orally disintegrating tablet and concentrated solution are usually taken around two to four times a day.
On the other hand, the extended-release tablet is taken once daily, usually during the morning. Before taking Xanax, make sure to follow the directions as prescribed by your doctor and ask for clarification on anything you can’t understand.
Not everyone is allowed to take Xanax. If any of the conditions below apply to you, make sure to inform your doctor so that they can prescribe you an alternative medication:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or sleep apnea;
- Alcohol or drug addiction;
- Kidney or liver disease;
- Depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts and behavior.
The Side Effects of Xanax
At the beginning of therapy, side effects will most likely occur, but they usually disappear eventually. Some of the most common side effects of Xanax include:
- Depression
- Lack of enthusiasm
- Headache
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Nervousness
- Sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Light-headedness
This medication may also make your depression symptoms worsen if you have a pre-existing condition. Immediately contact your doctor right away once you notice having suicidal thoughts or if your depression gets worse.
The Risk of Addiction and Withdrawal
Both lorazepam and Xanax should be taken with caution and used only for the short term because of the higher risk of addiction.
To avoid developing a drug addiction, avoid drinking alcohol or using street drugs during treatment. Consumption of alcohol and street drugs may increase the risk of experiencing serious and life-threatening side effects.
Lorazepam and Xanax may also cause a physical dependence, where unpleasant physical symptoms occur if the medication is suddenly stopped or taken in smaller doses. Since these drugs enter brain tissue, it reinforces drug-taking, which is associated with more severe withdrawal symptoms.
Do not attempt to stop your treatment on your own if you wish to do so, as abruptly stopping your treatment can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms lasting from several weeks up to 12 months. To avoid withdrawal symptoms, your doctor will decrease your dose gradually.
Make sure to seek emergency medical attention or to call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Unusual movements
- Ringing in your ears
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep problems
- Seizures; shaking
- Muscle twitching
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
Conclusion
Lorazepam and Xanax are helpful to patients suffering from anxiety disorders, but they must be taken responsibly. Make sure to learn as much as you can about the medication you’re taking, whether from trusted sources or your healthcare provider, so that you can treat your mental illness without suffering from serious side effects.