Ativan vs. Xanax

Ativan vs. Xanax, what are they? They are prescription drugs that are used to treat psychiatric problems such as anxiety. They both fall under the drug category of benzodiazepines. Both drugs are highly addictive and were initially meant to be prescribed for short amounts of time. Why? Because people have often prescribed them for more extended periods of time than intended and become addicted as a result. Leading to the need for treatment at a Xanax addiction rehab center like the one offered by Beaches Recovery. Our team of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists understand how various prescription drugs can be abused and inadvertently lead to an addiction. We can get you or your loved one the necessary support to heal and recover.

The Difference Between Ativan vs. Xanax

Both drugs affect GABA signaling (gamma-aminobutyric acid). This signaling is what causes nerves in the brain to talk to each other. The exact mechanism for benzodiazepines is unknown, but they have an inhibitory effect on this signaling, causing reduced signaling activity in the brain. Because of this, these drugs are addictive.

When you take either drug, the reward center in your brain is stimulated. As you continue to take the medication, it takes more and more to get the same effect. Over time your brain and body are so used to having this drug that when you stop taking it or take less, your body thinks that something is wrong and will tell your brain to do whatever you can to get more no matter what the consequences are. The same goes for alcohol and other addictive drugs.

Both drugs are very similar, but they do have different side effects. When it comes to Ativan, individuals can expect the following:

• Tiredness, dizziness, and nausea
• Inability to Concentrate
• Forgetful
• Headache and insomnia
• Blurred Vision
• Constipation and rash

While some of these side effects may arise with Xanax abuse, there are others specific to it like:

• Tiredness, constipation, and diarrhea
• Sweating and headache
• Dizziness and forgetfulness
• Insomnia and blurred vision
• Swollen hands and feet and loss of interest in sex
• Dry mouth and weakness

Ativan is used to treat anxiety and anxiety with depression. Xanax can be prescribed for the same reason with the additional treatment for people with panic disorders. As you can see from all of the information, both of the drugs are very similar. One may be more effective for some people than the other. However, if you have become addicted to one, you cannot expect to fix the problem by simply switching to the other.

Detoxing From Benzodiazepines

The detox process for these types of drugs is easy, nor is it without discomfort. You may have seizures while detoxing at a Xanax detox center; it is of the utmost importance that you head to a detox center to be properly monitored while you are detoxing. The symptoms of withdrawing from this drug are similar to alcohol and include:

• Nausea, vomiting, aches and pains, and dizziness
• Irritability and hallucinations
• Memory loss and vertigo
• Delirium, insomnia, and tremors
• Tachycardia
• Feeling too hot or too cold

Find the Help You Need at Beaches Recovery

Getting help in detoxing and removing Ativan vs. Xanax from your life does not have to be hard. At Beaches Recovery, individuals can work through our addiction treatment programs to identify, address, and overcome their substance use disorder. Some of our addiction treatment programs include:

• Residential treatment
• Partial hospitalization program
• Intensive outpatient program
• Outpatient treatment
• Transitional or sober living

The doors at Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, FL, are always open. We can help you with weaning off the anxiety treatment program so that your anxiety does not get out of hand. Let our caring staff help to take care of you. You will get back on your feet and can start living the life that you deserve. Give us a call at 866.605.0532, or contact us online today!