Benzodiazepine abuse has been linked to increased risks of suicide and suicidal ideation thoughts of suicide. Prolonged benzodiazepine abuse can cause some very problems the drugs are designed to treat. When a physically-dependent person quits benzodiazepines, withdrawal can set in. In certain cases, withdrawal may last for several months. This is called post-acute withdrawal syndrome PAWS. Individuals facing PAWS experience anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Acute withdrawal from benzodiazepine drugs can become very dangerous, to the extent that professional treatment is necessary medical detox. Certain individuals may experience withdrawal so severe that their life is in jeopardy. In these instances, withdrawal may cause seizures or delirium tremens. Benzodiazepine overdose is another huge risk associated with the abuse of these drugs.
According to the CDC, from to , two of the top 10 drugs responsible for overdose deaths were benzodiazepines. These were alprazolam Xanax and diazepam Valium. As a central nervous system CNS depressants, benzodiazepines have the capacity to slow vital life support systems to deadly levels.
Benzodiazepines are frequently abused with other drugs, commonly with alcohol and opioids, both of which are also central nervous system depressants. This combination makes benzodiazepines even more dangerous and deadly. Signs of overdose include blue fingernails, double vision, impaired coordination, slurred speech, and slowed or stopped breathing, among others. An overdose is a medical emergency. Valium or Ativan may be prescribed based on what symptoms you are experiencing.
An evaluation by a healthcare provider will be needed in order to get a prescription for one of these medications. Valium and Ativan are not recommended for long-term use in most cases. Valium or Ativan may be more effective based on what is being treated.
Because everyone may process drugs differently, effectiveness may differ based on personal factors such as other conditions or other medications being taken see drug interactions below. Valium and Ativan have been shown to be equally effective as a benzodiazepine. In children, both benzodiazepines are effective for treating status epilepticus, a severe type of seizure, in children. Another trial found that both drugs are also equally effective for alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
In a randomized, clinical trial , diazepam and lorazepam had comparable safety and efficacy. Valium and Ativan mainly differ in their duration of action with Valium taking longer to clear from the body. This may affect other factors of treatment such as possible side effects.
Proper evaluation from a doctor or healthcare provider is necessary to find the best treatment option. Treatment will be tailored based on symptoms and severity. Sign up for Ativan price alerts and find out when the price changes! Purchasing Valium with a prescription is a straightforward process. It is often covered by Medicare and insurance plans.
However, most insurance plans will only cover generic Valium. Ativan is a prescription drug that can be obtained with most insurance plans.
The most common side effects of Ativan include CNS central nervous system effects such as sedation, dizziness, and unsteadiness. Other side effects may include weakness, confusion, and nausea. Side effects of Valium include drowsiness, fatigue, muscle weakness, and problems with coordination ataxia. Other side effects some people report experiencing include nausea, dizziness, and confusion. More serious side effects of Valium and Ativan can include respiratory depression slowed breathing , especially when taken in high doses.
Other adverse effects can include memory problems amnesia , low blood pressure, blurred vision, paradoxical agitation, irritability, and sleep disturbances. This may not be a complete list. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for other side effects.
Ativan may have fewer drug interactions compared to Valium. This is because it is metabolized in the liver by a process called glucuronidation. Valium, on the other hand, is processed more heavily by CYP liver enzymes. Ketoconazole, clarithromycin, or similar drugs can affect the CYP liver enzyme process and alter the effectiveness or increase the side effects of these drugs.
Benzodiazepines like Valium or Ativan can interact with other drugs that have CNS side effects such as antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, barbiturates, antidepressants, and sedatives. Taking benzodiazepines with these drugs can increase the risk of adverse side effects such as drowsiness, sedation, confusion, and impaired coordination.
Taking probenecid can decrease the metabolism of Valium or Ativan when taken together. This can lead to a prolonged effect of the benzodiazepine and increase the risk of withdrawal or adverse side effects.
Like other generic drugs, diazepam is often covered by Medicare and insurance plans. Compared to lorazepam, diazepam may be slightly cheaper depending on your pharmacy. Lorazepam and diazepam, like other benzodiazepines, primarily cause side effects in the central nervous system CNS. The most common side effects of lorazepam , or Ativan, are sedation, dizziness, weakness, and unsteadiness, or loss of coordination. The most common side effects of diazepam, or Valium, are drowsiness, fatigue, muscle weakness, and loss of coordination.
Other possible side effects may include memory problems. The occurrence of side effects is usually dependent on the dosage of the medication taken.
More serious side effects are reported with high doses of benzodiazepines. Serious side effects, including respiratory depression, or shallow breathing, could indicate a medical emergency. This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more. Lorazepam and diazepam primarily interact with other drugs that affect the central nervous system CNS. Taking these benzodiazepines with drugs like opioids, barbiturates, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants can lead to increased CNS-depressant effects, such as dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness.
The antigout medication probenecid can affect the metabolism of benzodiazepines and lead to increased side effects. The use of theophylline or aminophylline can counteract the sedative effects of benzodiazepines. Tell your doctor if you take either of these drugs before starting a benzodiazepine.
Diazepam is processed by certain P enzymes whereas lorazepam is not. Some drugs can block these enzymes, which affects how well diazepam is processed in the body. This may result in increased sedative side effects of diazepam. Drugs like ketoconazole, cimetidine, and omeprazole can interact with diazepam and lead to increased sedation. Antacids like calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide can decrease the absorption of diazepam in the body.
This effect may alter how well diazepam works. The use of opioids with benzodiazepines should be avoided. When used together, benzodiazepines and opioids can increase the risk of respiratory depression, coma, and even death. Patients should be monitored closely when these two classes of drugs are taken together. Lorazepam and diazepam are Schedule IV drugs. Those with a past history of alcohol or substance abuse may be at a higher risk of dependence and abuse with benzodiazepines.
Dependence and abuse may increase the risk of an overdose with benzodiazepines. Signs and symptoms of a benzodiazepine overdose include severe loss of coordination, dangerously low blood pressure hypotension , respiratory depression, and coma. Only the lowest effective dose of lorazepam or diazepam should be used. Consult a doctor or healthcare professional on other possible warnings and precautions.
Lorazepam is the generic name for Ativan. It is part of a class of medications known as benzodiazepines. Lorazepam is available as an oral tablet in strengths of 0. It can also be administered as an oral solution or injection.
Lorazepam is approved to treat anxiety and insomnia caused by anxiety. It can also be used as a treatment for seizure disorders or premedication before surgery. Diazepam is also known by its brand name, Valium. It is a benzodiazepine that is FDA approved to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, and muscle spasms.
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