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Valium Vs Ativan: Differences, Similarities, and Action To Take

The difference between Valium and Ativan depends on the specific conditions which are treated. These both belong to a group of medications called benzodiazepines, also referred as benzos. They both come under prescription drugs that are used to relieve anxiety and other types of health disorders. Valium vs Ativan, they both work by enhancing the effects of a chemical which is called GABA in the brain. This medication helps to reduce the excessive brain activity, which may help the individuals to feel calm and relaxed. Valium is also termed as diazepam and Ativan is termed as lorazepam. If you are considering health prescriptions for Valium or Ativan, you may have some difficulty in finding a doctor to provide a treatment. But there are also rehab centers available where you can find the medications easily.

These medications treat disorders which are seizures or have major side effects. We will discuss more about these side effects between both medications. In this blog, we discuss the major factors by which these both medications are different. They also have some similarities in these medications. Moreover in this page, you find a good understanding for which is stronger and what are the side effects of these medications.

What is Valium?

Valium is termed as a prescription medication which has a generic name called diazepam. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which act for a central nervous system known as CNS depressant. Valium helps in medications that used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, or twitches. It also helps to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Valium medications may be useful for the symptomatic relief of acute agitation, tremor, or acute tremens and hallucinosis. It is thought that valium works by enhancing the activity in the brain with certain neurotransmitters. Sometimes, it is also used for some other medications to treat stiffness.

What is Ativan?

Ativan is also a prescription type of medications which have the generic name lorazepam. It belongs to the same class of drugs. Ativan is mainly used in adults and children who are at least 12 years old to treat anxiety disorders. It is also used to treat insomnia that are caused by anxiety or temporary situational stress.

Sometimes ativan dosage is used to treat nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment and also to control agitation which is caused by alcohol withdrawal. It is for short-term relief of anxiety or tension that is associated with stress of everyday life. This usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic.

Valium vs Ativan: Key Differences With Features

In this part, you find a clear understanding of differences between Valium and Ativan with its features. After that, we discuss the similarities between these two medications, which will clear the key aspects of these medications.

FeatureValiumAtivan
Time Period or Duration of ActionValium acts for the long-term period which is around half life, up to 49 hours.Ativan acts for the intermediate period of time which ativan half life, about 18-25 hours.
Onset of ActionIt can take effect in 30-60 minutes.It acts faster which provides rapid relief within around 30 minutes for oral tablets.
PotencyIt can be considered less potent or efficient per milligram.This is generally considered more potent per milligram.
Primary UsesThe primary uses of valium are anxiety, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal and seizures.The primary uses of ativan is anxiety, insomnia which is related to stress, pre-surgery sedation.
FormsThese medications are available in oral tablets.These are also available in oral tablets and injectable solutions.
Side EffectsIt can have many side effects which are likely to cause daytime drowsiness or fatigue. Due to longer durations.It may cause more immediate sedation and dizziness with these medications.
Drug InteractionsValium has more potential which are unfavorable drug interactions.Ativan has fewer drug interactions which may cause common issues.
Approved Age RangeThis is for adults and children who are 6 months and older.This is also for adults, but children who are 12 years and older.

Similarities Between Valium vs Ativan are.

There are some similarities between valium and ativan that derive from multiple factors which are.

  • Both medications are the same class of drug which is benzodiazepine and it works by enhancing the effect of neurotransmitter.
  • Both are Schedule IV controlled substances in which their potential for abuse, dependence or an addiction.
  • They are typically use as short-term and it should not be stopped or to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
  • Both medications take serious warnings, especially when used with opioids and alcohol, which rapidly increase the risk of respiratory depression, coma or death.
  • Both cause the adverse effects that include respiratory within the depressions.

Valium vs Ativan: Which Is Stronger?

These both medications are neither strong. Only they can differ in potency or efficiency. If you want to compare which medication is stronger, then compare it as the effect of dosage in milligrams. It also depends on the side effects, for which has a longer lasting effect. It might be stronger in some factors. According to Potency and Dosage, Ativan is stronger per milligram. The approximate oral dosage is.

  • 1 mg of Ativan is likely equivalent to 10 mg of Valium.

Side Effects of Valium and Ativan

The side effect of valium and ativan which is below.

Side Effects of Ativan

Ativan is adverse to benzodiazepines which include CNS effects or respiratory depression, that are dependent with higher doses.

  • It has problems with drowsiness.
  • Tiredness.
  • Muscle weakness
  • It has blurred vision.
  • Sleep problems which is insomnia.
  • Loss of balance or coordination.
  • Changes in appetite: desire to satisfy body needs.
  • Problem with skin rash.
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty in concentrating.

Side Effects of Valium

Valium includes the effects that is.

  • Tired feeling.
  • Spinning sensation.
  • Dizziness.
  • Memory problem.
  • Loss of balance which is also termed as ataxia.
  • Problem with dry mouth.
  • Lose interest in sex.
  • Drooling which refers to dropping saliva uncontrollably from the mouth.
  • Problem with blur or double vision.
  • Feels itchy every time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope you find a better understanding of Valium and Ativan easily. This page helps you to understand the key differences of these medications with its key features. We discuss similarities between valium and ativan which shows both the medications are similar in which factors. In this blog, you find a good understanding about which medications are more efficient to use. Moreover we discuss the side effects of valium and ativan where the valium medications and ativan dosage have prescriptions for medications. If you or anyone you know is suffering from this problem then tell them, go to nearby rehab centers for proper help and medications.



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