Lorazepam vs Xanax: What is the difference?

Both lorazepam and Xanax are prescribed for anxiety but is one better than the other?

Lorazepam and Xanax are both benzodiazepines used for the treatment of anxiety, and both are equally effective for this use.

The main differences between Lorazepam and Xanax are:

• Xanax has a quicker onset of effect, but a shorter duration of action (4 to 6 hours) compared with lorazepam’s 8 hours.
• Sedative and performance-impairing effects may occur sooner with Xanax, but dissipate quicker than with lorazepam.
• Activity of Xanax is more likely to be affected by race (people of Asian descent achieve higher concentrations and activity of Xanax lasts longer), concurrent liver or kidney disease, alcoholism and obesity, whereas lorazepam is less likely to be influenced by race or age.

See also: Drugs.com Compare Tool - Lorazepam vs Xanax

What are Lorazepam and Xanax?

Lorazepam is the generic name of the drug lorazepam. The only branded lorazepam available in the U.S. is Ativan. Xanax is a brand (trade) name for alprazolam. Although both drugs belong to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, so have a similar mechanism of action, there are structural differences between them that affect their activity in the body.

Which one works quicker?

Xanax is usually more quickly absorbed than lorazepam with peak concentrations occurring within 1-2 hours following administration, compared to 2 hours for lorazepam. Effects of Xanax last on average 4 to 6 hours although there are wide variations between individuals (see below). Effects of lorazepam last approximately 8 hours, although may persist for longer in some people.

How much Xanax equals 1mg of lorazepam?

Benzodiazepine equivalency tables state that 0.5mg of alprazolam (Xanax) is approximately equivalent to 1mg lorazepam. However, people of Asian descent metabolize Xanax differently to people of other races, and certain disease states such as alcoholism, liver and kidney disease, obesity and even old age can affect how Xanax behaves in the body; so benzodiazepine equivalency tables should be used as a guide only as they do not reflect individual variation. Both lorazepam and Xanax should only be used short-term.

Related questions

• What can I do to reduce anxiety immediately?
• Ativan vs Xanax - What is the difference?
• How long does Xanax last for / stay in your system?

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 which can improve symptoms of anxiety, reduce muscle tension, stop seizures, and induce sleep. Benzodiazepines are also known for their amnesic effect – or ability to disrupt short-term memory – and this makes them useful before surgery. Because of structural differences, some benzodiazepines are more likely than others to make you sleepy, relieve anxiety, stop seizures, relax muscles, or make you forget. Lorazepam and Xanax are both FDA approved for anxiety-relief, and are less likely than some other benzodiazepines (such as diazepam or temazepam) to induce sleep. Sedative effects of lorazepam that did occur were of slower onset but lasted longer than alprazolam in one trial. Lorazepam may also be used in the treatment of seizures.

Which drug is more effective for anxiety?

Trials that directly compared lorazepam and Xanax for the treatment of anxiety have reported no significant differences in their effect, and few differences in their side effects, although mental confusion may be less with Xanax.

Which drug is more addictive?

Both lorazepam and Xanax should only be used short-term due to risk of addiction and dependence. Generally speaking, benzodiazepines with a shorter half life (such as lorazepam and Xanax) are harder to stop than those with a longer half life (such as diazepam). Both lorazepam and Xanax readily enter brain tissue which reinforces drug taking and is generally associated with more severe withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, lorazepam and Xanax are both at high risk of abuse. Research directly comparing lorazepam with Xanax is not available; however, many experts have particularly advised that Xanax be used with caution as it has been associated with particularly severe withdrawal symptoms.

Lorazepam and Xanax are usually not prescribed together.

Read next

See also:

Related medical questions

• Valium vs Xanax: Which is better?
• Klonopin vs Xanax - How are they different?
• Is Xanax a narcotic (opioid) drug / controlled substance?
• Xanax vs Ambien: How do they compare?
• Why is Xanax so addictive?
• Prozac vs Xanax: How do they compare?
• Can I take Xanax while on Vivitrol?
• Can you take Xanax if you are on prednisone?

Drug information

• Lorazepam (1,063 reviews)
• Xanax (920 reviews)

Related support groups

• Lorazepam (121 questions, 474 members)
• Xanax (593 questions, 3,349 members)
• Anxiety (3,030 questions, 10,938 members)
• Depression (2,247 questions, 8,787 members)
• Insomnia (658 questions, 2,655 members)

Medical Disclaimer