{"id":3117,"date":"2020-02-10T08:02:08","date_gmt":"2020-02-10T13:02:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3117"},"modified":"2024-12-31T16:43:53","modified_gmt":"2024-12-31T21:43:53","slug":"ativan-vs-xanax","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ativan-vs-xanax\/","title":{"rendered":"Ativan vs. Xanax: Differences, similarities, and more"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ativan<\/span><\/a> (lorazepam) and <\/span>Xanax<\/span><\/a> (alprazolam) are brand-name prescription drugs used to manage anxiety disorders and symptoms. They are classified into a group of medications called <\/span>benzodiazepines<\/span><\/a>, which slow down the central nervous system (CNS) to produce sedation, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and reduce seizures. Both drugs are controlled substances and classified as <\/span>Schedule IV drugs<\/span><\/a> by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).<\/span><\/p>\n

Although both medications are therapeutically known as benzodiazepines, they have some notable differences, which we\u2019ll cover below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Key differences between Ativan and Xanax<\/span><\/h2>\n

Ativan and Xanax are brand-name drugs that are both available in generic form. The generic of Ativan is <\/span>lorazepam<\/span><\/a>, and the generic of Xanax is <\/span>alprazolam<\/span><\/a>. Ativan is available as a tablet, injection, and oral concentrate. Xanax is available as both an immediate-release (IR) tablet and an extended-release (ER) tablet, as well as an oral concentrate. <\/span>Ativan<\/span><\/a> is used in children 12 years and older, and Xanax is used in adults. Both drugs are intended to be used for a short period of time, but patients may continue to use them long-term based on the healthcare provider\u2019s instructions and with careful monitoring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ativan starts working within an hour, and the effects last for up to eight hours. Xanax starts working within an hour, <\/span>and the effects of the IR tablet last about five hours<\/span><\/a>, whereas the ER tablet effects last about 11 hours. Both drugs have a half-life (the time it takes for the amount of the drug to decrease by half) of about 12 hours, and they can stay in the body for about 60 hours after the last dose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Ativan vs. Xanax: Compare key differences<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nAtivan<\/b><\/td>\nXanax<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/span><\/td>\nBenzodiazepine<\/span><\/td>\nBenzodiazepine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/span><\/td>\nLorazepam<\/span><\/td>\nAlprazolam<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/span><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral concentrate<\/span><\/p>\n

Injection<\/span><\/td>\n

IR tablet<\/span><\/p>\n

ER tablet<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral concentrate<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/span><\/td>\nTypical dose is 2\u20136 mg per day in divided doses (for example, 1 mg tablet taken 3 times daily)<\/span><\/td>\nTypical dose is 0.25\u20130.5 mg taken 3 times daily; dosage varies<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term; Some patients use longer under healthcare provider supervision<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term; Some patients use longer under healthcare provider supervision<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and children 12 years and older<\/span><\/td>\nAdults<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Ativan and Xanax<\/span><\/h2>\n

Ativan<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Xanax<\/span><\/a> are both used to treat anxiety disorders, but they have some differences in their approved indications. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both drugs for the short-term relief of <\/span>anxiety<\/span><\/a> symptoms and short-term relief of anxiety associated with depressive symptoms. Xanax is also indicated for the treatment of <\/span>panic disorder<\/span><\/a>, with or without <\/span>agoraphobia<\/span><\/a>. Both medications also have several <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> uses, which are outlined below.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Ativan vs. Xanax: Compare conditions treated<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition<\/b><\/td>\nAtivan<\/b><\/td>\nXanax<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Management of anxiety disorders<\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety<\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Short-term relief of anxiety associated with depressive symptoms<\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Relief of anxiety before surgery<\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Seizures<\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia<\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rapid tranquilization of the agitated patient<\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alcohol withdrawal delirium\/alcohol withdrawal syndrome<\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Insomnia<\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chemotherapy-associated anticipatory nausea and vomiting<\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Delirium<\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Depression<\/a><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Essential tremor<\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ringing in the ears<\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Premenstrual syndrome<\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Ativan vs. Xanax for anxiety: Which is more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Studies have found that Ativan and Xanax have a similar level of effectiveness in treating <\/span>anxiety<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>panic disorder<\/span><\/a>. However, choosing which medication to take can be determined by each person\u2019s needs. For example, Xanax has been shown to work slightly quicker than Ativan, so it may be the preferred choice for plane rides. Lorazepam tends to have less active metabolites build up in the body and, therefore, is a safer option for older adults.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The most effective medication for you should only be determined by your healthcare provider, who will take into account your medical conditions, history, and other medications or supplements you take.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ativan vs. Xanax cost and insurance coverage<\/span><\/h2>\n

Ativan is typically covered by insurance and Medicare Part D in its generic form, lorazepam. The brand-name Ativan may not be covered or may have a high copay, depending on the details of your prescription drug plan. The average retail price of lorazepam is $28 for 30, 0.5 mg tablets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Xanax is also typically covered by insurance and Medicare Part D in its generic form, alprazolam. The brand-name Xanax may not be covered or may have a high copay. Again, coverage varies by plan. The average retail price of alprazolam is about $80 for 90, 1 mg tablets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Using a SingleCare coupon for generic Ativan (lorazepam) or Xanax (alprazolam) can help you save on your prescriptions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Ativan vs. Xanax: Compare insurance and cost<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nAtivan<\/b><\/td>\nXanax<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/span><\/td>\n30, 0.5 mg tablets\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n90, 1 mg tablets\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/span>*<\/span><\/td>\n$4 for generic Ativan (lorazepam)<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$6 for generic Xanax (alprazolam)<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
*Cost at the time of publication. Costs fluctuate and vary by pharmacy.<\/span><\/h5>\n

Common side effects of Ativan and Xanax<\/span><\/h2>\n

Side effects of Ativan and Xanax tend to be greater at higher doses. The most common <\/span>side effects of Ativan<\/span><\/a> are sedation, dizziness, weakness, and unsteadiness. The most common <\/span>side effects of Xanax<\/span><\/a> are problems with coordination, hypotension, trouble saying words clearly (dysarthria), and changes in sex drive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other side effects that may occur with either drug include:<\/span><\/p>\n