Benzodiazepines are a genre of meds administered for treating anxieties or other similar stressful conditions. These drugs are also prescribed for mental problems like spells of panic, being restless, episodes of mania and inability to fall asleep (owing to being nervous). Meds of the benzodiazepines genre get attached with receptors present in brain. Thus, the key chemicals help in calming you down. Of these meds, Lorazepam and Xanax are commonly prescribed to treat anxieties or restlessness. But, what are the key differences between these 2 meds? It becomes important to know more.
Being restless and anxious are mental conditions that are known to have adverse effects on your health. People who have such mental problems may sleep less (than what is needed), have problems in remaining at peace or being calm, etc.; in most cases, your appetite may drop and may lead to gastric conditions. US-based federal drug clearing agency – food & drug administration (FDA) has approved a few meds to treat aforesaid mental problems. Of these meds, Xanax and Lorazepam are very widely prescribed and used.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is commonly administered for treating anxiety and related mental conditions. This drug can start working within a very short span of time. Studies done on this drug show its treatment effects can occur within 45 to 50 minutes’ time. Owing to its swift action, you may calm down way too faster than many other meds of this family. The fast-action of Xanax is largely attributed to the sedating properties of this drug.
What is Lorazepam?
This drug is quite similar to Xanax on various counts like mechanism of action, type of side effects, etc. But, this drug has some structural differences. Die to these differences the effects of Lorazepam varies from those of Xanax. For example, former may take more than 100 minutes for its remedial properties to shore up. The good thing about Lorazepam is its effects may stay on for long. Research done on both drugs show Lorazepam may last upto 8 hours as against 5 hours of the other drug.
Xanax versus Lorazepam: what are the differences?
A key difference between Lorazepam and Xanax is the former needs a long time (of say 120 minutes) to act. On the other hand, the latter needs about 60 minutes to start functioning. In terms of dosage strength, 1 mg of Lorazepam equals 0.5 mg of its counterpart.
Also, the remedial actions effects of Xanax depend on racial descent of consumers. For instance, users of Asian descent or origin are more likely to witness the drug’s effects to stay on for a fairly long time. But, the effects of Lorazepam do not vary based on your racial origin.
A few important pointers to be aware of while using benzodiazepines
If you are living with hepatic / liver conditions (such as inflammation of your liver or cirrhosis of the liver), kidney problems (like stone formation, internal swelling of kidneys or living with a sizable drop in rate of filtration), etc., must inform your treating doctor of such ailments. Such precautions are essential prior to starting your dosage plan of benzodiazepines.
Moreover, if you are leading a sedative way of living, and are also overweight (obese), you need to added precautions before using benzodiazepines. Elderly patients i.e., those above 50 years of age, are likely to notice a slower metabolic rate; among such users, benzodiazepines may act in a different manner. Hence, always use benzodiazepines (Xanax, lorazepam, etc.) after talking to your treating doctor.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
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