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Comparing Lorazepam vs Xanax

Lorazepam

Xanax

alprazolam

Lorazepam may be used for the treatment of anxiety or as a preoperative medicine. It is potentially addictive and a withdrawal syndrome may be experienced on discontinuation. Sedation is a common... more

Xanax may be used for the treatment of anxiety or panic disorder; however, it is addictive and withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Prescribed for Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Depression. Xanax may also be... more

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
8.2
672 Reviews

For Anxiety Been on this medication for about a year now and I'm positive it works for me. I was diagnosed with MS and had a lot of anxiety and depression. This drug helps me calm down and take a different approach to things.

8
Anonymous

For Anxiety This particular med has helped me greatly through the death of my mom and other losses that came after. I took it at 0.5mg daily and now down to a quarter of that, as I break the pill in fours. The only con is slight blurred vision as well as slight memory loss, but that is a small price to pay for relieving what could have been. Bad anxiety. I am looking to be back to the "as needed" basis which hopefully will be rare.

8
Kit
8.9
669 Reviews

For Anxiety This medication has helped me live a normal life well more normal. I don't worry much about nothing and I can go into Walmart and feel comfortable. My social life is improving as well. There were times I couldn't get myself to interact with people sometimes I wouldn't even answer the phone. I've only been on this medicine for a little over a month it has truly been a lifesaver. I am sleeping like a baby I can't remember the last time I've struggled to calm down and go to sleep only to wake up several times a night using the bathroom or just couldn't relax. My quality of life is getting much better.

9
chig81

For Anxiety I have GAD, PTSD, Adult ADD, Bi-polar & crippling panic attacks aka Panic Disorder. I was diagnosed with panic disorder at the age of 7. It ruins my life. I took klonopin for 7 years threw middle and high school. It worked okay but I always felt like something else could work better. I have been on Prozac, cymbalta, latuda, visteril, lexapro, Effexor, amnitriptalyne, celexa, Paxil, lyrica, neurontin, depakote, seroquel and risperdal. Nothing EVER worked. I finally am on a routine of; 40mg Prozac, 25mg amnitriptalyne, 40mg adderall a day, .5mg klonopin 4X daily, .5mg of halcion for insomnia. My doc recently changed me to 1mg Xanax 3X daily and it has been a lifesaver. I don't feel like a zombie and my mood has evened out!! Love it so much.

9
kshaw2012

View all 672 reviews

View all 669 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: sedation.

See the full lorazepam side effects document.

Common side effects include: ataxia, cognitive dysfunction, constipation, difficulty in micturition, drowsiness, dysarthria, fatigue, memory impairment, skin rash, weight gain, weight loss, anxiety, blurred vision, diarrhea, insomnia, decreased libido, increased appetite, and decreased appetite.

See the full Xanax side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 1 tablet
Dosage 1 mg
Per Unit* $8.32
Cost* $8.32
View all lorazepam prices
Quantity 10 tablet
Dosage 0.25 mg
Per Unit* $3.81
Cost* $38.07
View all Xanax prices
View generic prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Injectable solution
  • Oral concentrate
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet

Brand Names
Ativan, and Lorazepam Intensol Other alprazolam brands include: Alprazolam Intensol, Niravam, and Xanax XR

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

25 hours

20 hours

CSA Schedule

View glossary of terms.
4
Some potential for abuse

Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
4
Some potential for abuse

Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.

Pregnancy Category
D
Category D Positive evidence of risk

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
D
Category D Positive evidence of risk

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (4)

FDA Alerts (1)

Drug Interactions

A total of 818 drugs are known to interact with lorazepam:

  • 133 major drug interactions (924 brand and generic names)
  • 587 moderate drug interactions (3560 brand and generic names)
  • 98 minor drug interactions (802 brand and generic names)

A total of 932 drugs are known to interact with Xanax:

  • 138 major drug interactions (933 brand and generic names)
  • 689 moderate drug interactions (3831 brand and generic names)
  • 105 minor drug interactions (908 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of LORazepam such as dizziness, drowsiness,... more
  • Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with ALPRAZolam and lead to potentially dangerous side... more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

September 30, 1977

October 16, 1981

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

Disclaimer: This site is designed to offer information for general educational purposes only. The health information furnished on this site and the interactive responses are not intended to be professional advice and are not intended to replace personal consultation with a qualified physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. You must always seek the advice of a professional for questions related to a disease, disease symptoms, and appropriate therapeutic treatments.

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