What is the difference between Ativan and Xanax?

Answer 1

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Both are benzodiazepines and act very similar to each other. One important thing is that you really shouldn't substitute one for the other. The work at different specific recptor sites in your body and if (for example) you are dependent on xanax, you can actually withdraw from it even if you are taking ativan. I worked as a nurse in an ICU for 3 years and saw this firsthand. Whenever someone came in who had been on xanax, we kept them on it to prevent withdraw. If we just gave them ativan, they went through xanax withdraw.

Source(s):

Discussion during rounds in an ICU between doctors and pharmacists

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Asker's Comment:

Great info. Thanks

Answer 2

Xanax is stronger

Answer 3

They are both in the same class so the effect is similar.

The are different chemicals so they are proccessed with slight diferences in the body. Generally xanax is milder than ativan, but that's if the doses are the same. A big dose of xanax will be stronger than a small dose of ativan. Also it is believed xanax is safer as far as breathing side effects.

Answer 4

nothing really they are both used for anxiety xanax is slightly stronger

Answer 5

I think the ativan is a small 4 cylinder made in yugoslavia?? The xanax is a little bigger made by the xerox company??

Answer 6

Based on personal experience, Xanax works better for me. They're pretty much used for the same thing though.

Answer 7

Xanax is a CNS suppresent.....it is a benzodiazapine. Ativan is much less strong and much less addictive. Although it takes time to become addicted to Xanax than people think..of the benzo family it has the shortest half life....the others are Valium, Klonopin...and of all of them....Klonopin or Clonazepam is the hardest to come off of. It depends upon your situation. Ask your Doctor...they shy away from these as a rule...however if you have a real crisis like a death in the family or panic from some situational anxiety that should be short lived. Your family doctor can prescribe this.....other than that...should it go longer, I would ask your Doctor what you should do next......maybe a Psychiatrist would be to your advantage.....perhaps it is a short lived thing. In any event I hope that my answer has helped.
Take care......

Source(s):

Been through it...hence my knowledge of it...all my best......

Answer 8

Xanax is a mild sedative while Ativan is a more potent one. I was given Ativan once and I actually slept through TWO alarm clocks going off right next to my bed!

Source(s):

Paramedic school and personal experience

Answer 9

Welp, I really couldn't tell ya! Good luck!

Answer 10

Xanax is shorter acting