[confusedvette]

I need something for anxiety. Any difference between xanax and ativan?

Thanks.

[Robert_325]

Xanax has the shortest half life of all the benzos. It's used primarily for panic attacks. Ativan has a little longer half life and is used for sleep and general anxiety. It just depends on what specific symptoms you're experiencing. Either way be very careful with any benzo. They are more addictive than almost any medication you can take. God bless.

[confusedvette]

Originally Posted by Robert_325

Xanax has the shortest half life of all the benzos. It's used primarily for panic attacks. Ativan has a little longer half life and is used for sleep and general anxiety. It just depends on what specific symptoms you're experiencing. Either way be very careful with any benzo. They are more addictive than almost any medication you can take. God bless.

any addiction danger in taking either as needed?

[Robert_325]

Huge danger for addiction if you take either medication any longer than a few weeks. They are intended for short term use. BE CAREFUL!! God bless.

[Cece123]

I went to my doctor before a long flight and trip overseas for my flying anxiety. I told him no refills, just enough for the trip. We discussed Xanex and Ativan. I have taken both and can't tell the difference. He told me that Xanex is a little more addictive because it takes effect faster than Ativan and when people with anxiety need a pill, they take the Xanex and it takes away the anxiety faster. Now I am not saying that neither are addictive because I know that they are but I thought that I would put my 2 cents in.

[confusedvette]

Originally Posted by Robert_325

Huge danger for addiction if you take either medication any longer than a few weeks. They are intended for short term use. BE CAREFUL!! God bless.

define "few weeks".......like 2 or 3?

[Robert_325]

You got it on the button. A few weeks is less than a month. No one has been anymore guilty than me of "not doing as I suggest." I did them for over 25 years. So I speak from experience, be very careful. God bless.

[confusedvette]

Originally Posted by Robert_325

You got it on the button. A few weeks is less than a month. No one has been anymore guilty than me of "not doing as I suggest." I did them for over 25 years. So I speak from experience, be very careful. God bless.

wel, I took xanax for 8 days then quit......2 months later I took them for 2 weeks then quit.....I am now on my 5th or 6th day of .5mg usually in the middle of the night when the anxiety hits....

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by confusedvette

wel, I took xanax for 8 days then quit......2 months later I took them for 2 weeks then quit.....I am now on my 5th or 6th day of .5mg usually in the middle of the night when the anxiety hits....

That's cool! You're showing some restraint and being conservative. You will be okay if you use xanax like you're talking about. Just don't let it get away from you. It happens very easily. God bless.

[confusedvette]

stopped taking 1/2 mg to 1 g of xanax for about 3 weeks....how long will the withdrawals last and what should I expect?

I seem to feel the urge to shake my head for a few seconds every so often to reduce the anxiety/craving.....

thanks