Medical Advice

Ativan Vs Restoril: Medications To Treat Sleeping Problems (Insomnia) and Anxiety

Ativan vs Restoril

Having Anxiety and insomnia health issues are quite common among Americans. The main causes of developing anxiety and insomnia are stress, past bad experiences, work burden, and poor gut health. However, people who are suffering from these psychological problems can overcome the conditions, by taking anxiety and insomnia drugs. Ativan and Retoril are two effective drugs that tackle sleeping and panic conditions. In this blog post, you’ll get to know about Ativan vs Restoril drugs with a comparison. You will also see differences and similarities between them.

What is Ativan?

Ativan is a branded medicine that contains Lorazepam generic drug. It is used to treat multiple health conditions. The conditions include Wakefulness, Fearfulness, Epilepsy, ICU discomfort, Light anesthesia, etc. This sleeping pill is sold under the brand names Ativan, Lorazepamintensol, Loreev XR, etc.

It is a prescription drug that falls under the Schedule IV Controlled Substance Act in the USA. Ativan drug belongs to the Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines miscellaneous antiemetics class of drug. Meanwhile, the medicine is FDA-approved to use for a four month period.

There are various other drugs too, to treat similar conditions. For instance, Gabapentin, Alprazolam, Fluoxetine, Trazodone including Lorazepam. The drug comprises inactive ingredients such as Polacrillin potassium stearate, Lactose anhydrous, and microcrystalline cellulose.

Individuals who are above 12 years of age can take the drug. Although, the medicine should be used under the guidance of the doctor for the recommended duration.

What is Restoril

Restoril is a branded medicine, used to treat insomnia for a short-term period. The duration of using this drug is 7 to 10 days, in adults. It contains a generic drug called Temazepam. The generic variant has the approval of the USA’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and It is a Schedule II Controlled Substance drug. Meanwhile, it belongs to the benzodiazepines drug class.

There are several other drugs too, that are similar to this insomnia drug such medicines are Ativan, Ambien, Zolpidem, Lorazepam, etc. The drug works in the brain and lessens the effects of the chemical, which manages the insomnia problem in individuals.

It is a CNS stimulant and is permitted to be used for insomnia individuals who are between 18 and 65 years of age.

Function: Ativan vs Restoril

Ativan pills function in the brain to bind benzodiazepine receptors in the postsynaptic-GAMMA ligand-gated chloride neurons in the central nervous system of the patient. This drug enhances Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GAMA) inhibitory effects.

It also increases in the brain’s cells the conductance of chloride ions. The medicine starts to act between 15 to 30 minutes and stays active in the body for up to 24 hours, its half-life is 12 hours.

Restoril Drug increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) effects, a chemical transmitter in the brain. When GABA chemicals develop efficiently in the brain, the sleep cycle gets improved.

To improve the sleep cycle, this drug starts acting in the body for 10 to 20 minutes and stays active for 6 to 8 hours. It relaxes the nervous system, which aids in falling asleep within an hour and stays active for up to 8 hours.

Differences: Ativan vs Restoril

  • Restoril is available in capsule form while Ativan is in pill form.
  • Restoril treats insomnia, while Ativan is used to treat multiple disorders such as Insomnia, anxiety, ICU agitation, etc.
  • Individuals who are above 18 can use the drug while Ativan can be used by those who are 12 years of age.
  • Both medicines’ active duration also vary, Ativan stays in the body for 24 hours while Restoril remains in the body for 6 to 8 hours.

Doses of Both Sleeping Pills

Both sleeping pills are available in various dosage strengths as follows-

Restoril

  • Restoril 7.5 mg
  • Restoril 22.5 mg

Ativan

  • Ativan 0.5 mg (white five-sided pill) Imprint: ABP1 64
  • Ativan 2 mg ( white five-sided Pill) Imprinted: A 2BP1 65

Similarities Between Both Medications

  • Both are benzodiazepine drugs.
  • The two medicines are FDA-approved.
  • Ativan and Restoril are Branded medicines.
  • The work of the two medicines is also similar, both work on GAMA receptors in the brain.
  • Both benzodiazepine drugs are not allowed to be used in children.
  • The drugs have similar side effects and precautions.

How to Use Ativan and Restoril Drug

These are the guides regarding both medicines.

  • Do not crush or chew the pills and capsules.
  • Keep your hands dry and clean while taking pills or capsules.
  • While taking any drug taken under the administration of a healthcare expert.
  • Keep the pills or any form of medicine, away from sunlight.
  • Do not exceed the duration of the medication.
  • While consuming oral tablets, drink enough water.
  • It is important to follow all guiding information provided by health expert.

Side Effects of Both Medications (Ativan vs Restoril)

  • Hives
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Unusual thoughts
  • Tiredness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Feelings of nervousness
  • Anxiety
  • Vomiting
  • Cough
  • Dry mouth
  • Swelling on face
  • Dark urine

Precautions of Ativan and Restoril Sleeping Pills

  • While using these medicines read the product label carefully.
  • Without a prescription, do not give or suggest drugs to other people.
  • Do not stop taking either one of the drugs, unless the doctor tells you to.
  • After having the medicines do not indulge in heavy tasks that require physical and mental strength.
  • Pregnant women must avoid these medicines.
  • If one is experiencing any side effects, immediately consult with a doctor.
  • Keep the medicine out of pet and children’s reach.

Conclusion

Anxiety and insomnia can occur in anyone, at any age, due to any reason. However, the conditions should be treated, because these conditions affect regular life badly. Therefore, it is necessary to take medicines.

In this blog, you have seen two Anxiety and insomnia drugs. Both drugs are efficacious and reliable to use. Meanwhile one must use the medicines after getting a prescription from a doctor and then proceed for treatment under the administration of a healthcare expert.

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