Xanax (alprazolam) vs. Ativan (lorazepam)

NBGuy · Post by **NBGuy** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 2:47 am

Hi folks,

After my last ER visit and a discussion with the ER doc about panic attacks, I was prescribed Xanax (0.5 mg). I have been taking 1/2-pills of it when I feel symptoms rising, but have not been taking it several times a day.

Well, my regular doc prescribed me Ativan as another "just in case" med for symptoms. My Xanax is almost out, so I'll be relying on the Ativan very soon.

Has anyone ever taken both? If so, were there any differences you noticed in effect or side effect(s)? As far as I read, the two meds are in the same family.

Since starting the program (just on Week 1), I have needed the Xanax less and less, but I still want to know that something is there for me to help. Hopefully, Ativan will be just as good.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:22 am

Hi, I have taken both at different times in my life and both are good. However, right now I am taking Ativan for my anxiety and it has helped tremendously. Like it better than xanax. Also has some anti-depressant properties. I also take it if I am feeling really depressed and it helps. You should feel comfortable taking it. It is a good medicine.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:27 am

Thanks, Paula08!

That makes me feel better.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 14, 2008 9:24 am

I take Ativan for anxiety also. At first I was ashamed of taking it but talked with my doctor about those feelings. He said that anxiety is exactly the reason I should take it. Most of the time, i start out with 1/2 tablet and take the other half if I need it. I think it's a good drug.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:48 am

yes i have taken both when i felt it necessary. i cant tell any difference in the two. i have been told ativan may be less habit forming. i usually start out with a 1/4 tablet. seems to help and dont feel too medicated. hope this helps, good luck.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 2:57 am

hi there, I was actually taking both at the same time. Half of an alprazolam in the morning and maybe the afternoon, and then .5mg of lorazepam at night time to help me sleep. I feel that right off the bat the alprazolam really really helped but a few months later it was not as effective, but i refused to up the dose or even take the recommended dose(.5 3X/day), so that could be why. I was on that on and off the last year and no longer taking it. I took lorazepam every nite for a year, and then in jan, i felt it really was not working at that dose and quit taking it. A few weeks later I could not sleep so I took .5mg one night and I figured out why I spent the last year thinking that I was abnormally tired. It was from the lorazepam, had a residual effect of tiredness! So to sum it up, I loved both of those meds, after nothing else worked, these saved my life!!! they made it possible for me to find the program and be calm enough to use the program!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:14 pm

Hi NBGuy

I take ativan and it has reaaly helped me. My Doctor perscriped 0.5mg 1 tab twice a day. However I have not taken more than one a day, and I can go not taking it for serveral days and feel good. My biggest problem is I can not sleep more than 2 or 3 hours a night. I have taken sleeping pills, but they don't work. The tapes are helping me alot. I am starting seseion 8. Hang in there things will get better. We have to believe that. good luck
Hi folks,

After my last ER visit and a discussion with the ER doc about panic attacks, I was prescribed Xanax (0.5 mg). I have been taking 1/2-pills of it when I feel symptoms rising, but have not been taking it several times a day.

Well, my regular doc prescribed me Ativan as another "just in case" med for symptoms. My Xanax is almost out, so I'll be relying on the Ativan very soon.

Has anyone ever taken both? If so, were there any differences you noticed in effect or side effect(s)? As far as I read, the two meds are in the same family.

Since starting the program (just on Week 1), I have needed the Xanax less and less, but I still want to know that something is there for me to help. Hopefully, Ativan will be just as good.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

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Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 5:47 pm

I take lorazepam (ativan) and I love the stuff. I take sometime.25 to .5 mg's a day. it helps me so much and makes me feel loose. I have never tried xanax because i have heard it is more habit-forming. last yr i used to take 2 ativans a day and than when i got better i got off them with no withdrawls. I think you'll love ativan. let me k ow what you think of it

kjgeiger7061 · Post by **kjgeiger7061** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 1:39 am

I am so happy to hear that Ativan works! I just started taking as needed. I have taken xanax once in a while but found I actually felt weak and more nervous as it wore off. I have been doing great for several years BUT two weeks ago, I started feeling awful again. I am waiting for the results of some more tests especially my thyroid.
I was first given ativan in the ER last week. I went because I couldn't breathe and guess what...I also have some fluid in my one lung so it wasn't all anxiety. My dr wanted me to take the xanax but like I said...it made me feel worse and I can't believe how much better the ativan makes me feel. I will only take it when I feel really nervous which is a big step forward because before I would never take anything. I just want to feel better like I have been. I am going through the course again! Wish me luck!