Lorazepam and Xanax tablets: Understanding the Contrasts

The Primary Differences Between Lorazepam and Xanax

• Xanax has a faster onset of effect but a shorter duration of action (4 to 6 hours) compared to lorazepam’s 8 hours.
• Narcotic and performance impairing effects may occur sooner with Xanax but dissipate faster than with lorazepam.
• The activity of Xanax is more likely to be influenced by race, concurrent liver or kidney disease, alcoholism, and obesity, while lorazepam is less likely to be affected by race or age.

What are Lorazepam and Xanax Tablets?

Lorazepam is the generic name of the medication lorazepam. The main branded lorazepam available in the U.S. is Ativan. Xanax is a brand (business trademark) for alprazolam.

Although both drugs belong to the class of medications known as benzodiazepines and have a similar mechanism of action, there are significant differences between them that affect their activity in the body.

Which One Works Faster?

Xanax is typically more rapidly absorbed than lorazepam, with peak concentrations occurring within 1-2 hours following administration, compared to 2 hours for lorazepam.

The effects of Xanax usually last for 4 to 6 hours, although there are variations between individuals. The effects of lorazepam last around 8 hours, although it may persist for longer in some people.

How Do Lorazepam and Xanax Work?

Both lorazepam and Xanax, like all benzodiazepines, enhance the actions of a neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). This neurotransmitter can reduce the activity of nerve cells, so enhancing it has a calming effect that can improve symptoms of anxiety, reduce muscle tension, stop seizures, and induce sleep. Benzodiazepines are also known for their amnesic effect and can disrupt short-term memory, making them useful before surgeries. Due to the primary differences, some benzodiazepines are more specific than others in causing drowsiness, relieving anxiety, stopping seizures, relaxing muscles, or inducing forgetfulness.

Lorazepam and Xanax are both FDA approved for anxiety relief and are less likely than some other benzodiazepines to induce sleep. The sedative effects of lorazepam have a slower onset but last longer than alprazolam in one study. Lorazepam may also be used in the treatment of seizures.

Which Medication is More Addictive?

Both lorazepam and Xanax should only be used in the short term due to the risk of addiction and dependence. In general, benzodiazepines with a shorter half-life (like lorazepam and Xanax) are harder to discontinue than those with a longer half-life (like diazepam).

Both lorazepam and Xanax readily enter brain tissue, which contributes to drug-seeking behavior and is generally associated with more severe withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, both lorazepam and Xanax are at high risk for abuse. Direct research comparing lorazepam and Xanax is not available; however, many experts have advised caution with Xanax as it has been associated with particularly severe withdrawal symptoms.