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 of a Xanax addiction rehab center.
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 not known, but they do 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 in it 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.
Ativan:
- Tiredness, dizziness, and nausea
- Inability to Concentrate
- Forgetful
- Headache and insomnia
- Blurred Vision
- Constipation and rash
Xanax:
- 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.
If you have, however, 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 not fun. You may have seizures while detoxing at a xanax detox center; it is of the utmost importance that you head to a detox center so that you may 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
Finding Help
Getting help in detoxing and removing Ativan vs Xanax from your life does not have to be hard. Find an Ativan or Xanax addiction rehab center near you. The doors at Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, FL, are always open. We can help you with a weaning off 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 today!
Beaches Recovery is a drug and alcohol treatment center in Jacksonville Florida. The center offers a complete continuum of care and is founded on the principles of treating the mind, body, and spirit.
Beaches Recovery offers a wide array of treatment modalities and activities proven to combat the disease of addiction.
Learn more about Beaches Recovery here.