Is Ativan milder than Xanax? Does anyone know?

I've never had a problem with any benzo, unless you take too much of it (duh) That being said, xanax seems strongest followed by klonopin then ativan.

For me, I take 1/2 of 1 mg Xanax only, when needed to sleep, an it usually helps me sleep through the night. It truly works like a sleeping pill for me, as I tried taking it during the day, and I could not keep my eyes open at work. Ativan does not affect me that way. I usually take just a 1/2 of a 1 mg pill occasionally, and it just calms my anxieties, lifts any depressive symptoms somewhat, but I am able to function normally all day ,drive etc, and without a knotty stomach. I did notice sometimes I may start yawning at the end of the day when it is wearing off, but not always. So, for me, Ativan only during the day, Xanax for sleep. Again, I take both theses meds rarely, only when needed, and so far that dose works well. Hope this helps. Sometimes its just trial and error. Good luck.

I take a really low dose of clonazepam twice daily. It doesn't cause sleepiness, at least not for me. My psychiatrist says clonazepam (klonopin) is good with generalized anxiety. It's longer acting. Since taking it twice daily instead of prn, my anxiety has lessened, but it doesn't work if I am freaking out. I've been considering talking to my doctor about lorazepam or alprazolam to take when I am having a panic attack or anxiety attack. I just don't know how likely it would be for a doctor to prescribe two different kinds. Are all the benzodiazepines consider schedule IV?

Ihave been taking Xanax 1mg 3x a day for anxiety but like someone said it'svery true sometimes you don't need the amount you are prescribed so I think we are so scared of running out we subcontiously feel we don't need the whole dosage some days so we findwe always have enough at the of the month, instead of having to worry we might run out... The other reason for this is that Xanax as a tendency to stay in your system much longer than some other anxiety meds not to say there are times you may need an extra one.Ialso am given ativan 2mg to take.one at Bedtime for Insomnia and it works great.. I've been on these two for about 15 years... I have been on many other meds in the past ,but they caused more problems than helping me.. Sometimes I think it's the cause of all the generics they now are prescribing that gives us poblems. Take Care Medea

I have taken both & do find the Ativan to be a bit milder than Xanax. But my GAD is pretty severe & am always prescribed Xanax 1mg quid (4 times a day) & the only time I was ever given Ativan by a professional as opposed from some one I know was when I had to have taken it to help with the anxiety of having an MRI done? So my suggestion is to be grateful you are being prescribed the stronger one! You have better control of how you take it because you can always take less than prescribed making for your prescription to last longer which is ALWAYS much much better than running out too soon! It's always better to have & not need it than to need more & not have it! Anyone agree with me? You can always take less than your whole entire .25mgXanax & not have to ever worry about running out! OH YES ABSOLUTELY!!;)

I totally understand.. xanax makes me feel kinda drunk then super sleepy. Ativan makes you feel so cozy and does the job well. It lasts longer too but takes up to two hours to kick in The downfall of ativan though is (in my experience and a few others I know) is that your tolerance boosts up pretty fast (needing totake more or a higher mg). I dislike xanax more because it doesn't last long, kinda makes you feel drunk, and makes you sleepy. Be careful though, I noticed that Ativan in larger intakes makes me emotional and also makes your anxiety worse after you run out and xanax is pretty dangerous if abused. Ps. Do NOT mix benzos and do NOT take either of these benzos with alcohol

I also have been prescribed Xanax for many years I am prescribed 1mg.TID three times a day also Ativan 2mg.in the evening so in my case I feel its the opposite way around.Xanax doesn't make me drowsy but Ativan helps me go to sleep in the evening.It makes me drowsy. then again it may be the dosage of meds I'm on at present. I hope I helped with your question until you see your doctor. Medea

I have been on Xanax for 2 years. My DR. told me he would no longer prescribe it for me (think they are getting pressure from the DEA) He had no problem giving me Ativan ( not sure why)

Bottom line take away: I feel 10 times more alive on Ativan, I wake up at 5:30 am (like I used to) more energy, more alive... Ativan is not as powerful, in my opinion, but it works well for me and does the trick without getting me all tired and lethargic.

I never knew Xanax was doing this to me. I noticed the change (positive) within 2 days of going off Xanax. I will never do Xanax again.. I have been on Xanax for 2 years. My DR. told me he would no longer prescribe it for me (think they are getting pressure from the DEA) He had no problem giving me Ativan ( not sure why)

PS: Here is a tip... Jog 4-5 times per week for 30 minutes, your anxiety WILL completly dispaear.. guaranteed.

All benzo's will make you sleepy. Perhaps you can cut your pill in half..
Personally I have been on and off xanax for the past 8 year's. . Ativan is longer acting however in my opinion its lighter than xanax. However ever individual reacts slightly differently.. my dr gave me ativan after taking xanax for a long time. And the ativan definitely does not make me as sleeply as xanax.. it has a different feeling.. try it.. hopefully it worksout better for you..
Maybe try an anti depressant that works for anxiety as well.. effexor works well.
Good luck!

I think that Ativan compared per mg of Zanex makes me much less sleepy. The danger is I've heard that people will go along with usual activities but the next day they forgot those activities. So some amnesia like effect.

Hello hope31. Both are almost identical in thier chemical makeup. Twins of the Benzodiazepine family. A person given one or the other would be hard pressed to identify either one. Regards pledge

Hello again hope31,

I aslo have done more research with regards to your question and have found the following:

"The strongest benzodiazepines, known as high-potency benzodiazepines, include alprazolam, lorazepam, triazolam, and clonazepam. Among the less powerful, or low-potency, benzodiazepines are chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, diazepam, and flurazepam."

Source: www.enotes.com/benzodiazepines-reference/benzodiazepine

As you know not all medications affect us in the same way, what may be stronger for one individual may not be for another, we all react to the active ingredient of the medication differently (benefits,possible side effects, risks, interactions, etc.)

All the best,

maso.-

Hello hope31,
I just did a little research, and it says that xanax is more potent then ativan... hope this helps

/carol

Not sure if you have tried this, but have you cut a pill in half to see how it affects your anxiety as well as sleepiness? This is a drug that one must wean off. Xanax is habit forming and just stopping and switching may cause problems.