What’s the Difference Between Ativan and Valium?

Ativan and Valium are two of America’s most commonly prescribed medications. Both medications belong to the benzodiazepine, or benzo, family of substances. Any benzo can cause problems that require treatment in a drug rehab program. However, medications in this family also vary in a range of significant ways. This is the case with Ativan and Valium. Similarities exist between these two benzos. However, some clear differences distinguish them from each other.

Differences Between Ativan and Valium: Reasons for Prescribing Them

As members of the benzo family, Ativan and Valium work similarly inside your brain. Specifically, they act as sedatives or tranquilizers. In addition, doctors use both of them as treatments for mental health conditions called anxiety disorders.

Still, there are also differences in the uses of Ativan and Valium. Some people receive Ativan, or lorazepam, as a treatment for depression-related anxiety. In contrast, doctors sometimes use Valium, or diazepam, to relieve symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as:

• Muscle tremors
• Agitation
• Alcoholic hallucinosis
• Delirium tremens, or the DTs

The DTs are a rare but severe withdrawal complication.

What Is the Difference Between Valium and Ativan: Potency

Not all benzos are equally as strong. Instead, most of these medications fall into one of two general categories:

• High-potency benzos
• Low-potency benzos

For any given dosage, medications in the high-potency category are stronger. Ativan is a high-potency benzo. Valium, however, is a low-potency benzo.

Difference Between Valium and Ativan: Half-Life

Some medications stay in your system longer than others. Doctors use a concept called half-life to measure this quality. Half-life refers to the elimination rate of any given substance. Medications that get eliminated relatively quickly have a short half-life. In contrast, medications that get eliminated relatively slowly have a long half-life.

Ativan has a short half-life. However, Valium has a long half-life. For any given dosage, it will take longer for Valium to leave your system.

What Is the Difference Between Valium and Ativan: Side Effect Risks

All medications have the potential to trigger side effects. However, some meds have a bigger side-effect risk than others. Valium and Ativan produce basically the same potential effects. Problems you may experience include depression and drowsiness. They also include fatigue and balance, and memory disruption.

Still, compared to Ativan, Valium is more likely to cause these problems. That’s true because it stays in your system longer. In addition, Ativan use generally comes with fewer harmful medication interactions.

Difference Between Valium and Ativan: Addiction Risks

As noted, misuse of both Valium and Ativan can lead to addiction. But are addiction risks the same for each of them? Roughly speaking, yes. When it comes to addiction, both benzos are considered fairly high-risk. However, the reasons for this are different in each case.

Ativan is both high-potency and short-acting. Together, these two qualities can help drive a rapid cycle of repeated benzo abuse. In turn, this cycle increases your chances of becoming addicted. Valium has a relatively easy time passing from your bloodstream into your brain. This is the reason why it also poses increased risks for addiction.

Learn More About the Difference Between Ativan and Valium at Coalition Recovery

Have more questions about the difference between Ativan and Valium? Coalition Recovery can answer them. Our accurate and dependable information will help you gauge the risks associated with both medications.

Are you experiencing Ativan or Valium problems? Coalition Recovery also specializes in benzo addiction rehab. We feature both detox and primary treatment. Also, all treatment options are evidence-based. Furthermore, they’re customized to fit your unique recovery needs. Call today at 888.707.2873 to learn more about our benzo program. We’re also available through our online form.