Individuals are suffering from many psychological disorders due to several reasons. Such disorders are anxiety, depression, insomnia, confusion, panic attacks etc. All these mental health issues are considered as neurological problems. Two generic medication drugs Lorazepam and Alprazolem are used to treat these disorders. Today, we will also provide a detailed analysis of the Lorazepam Vs Alprazolam comparison.
However, there are many options to treat these brain-related problems such as Communication, therapy, psychiatric consultation, and medications. Here in this blog, you’ll learn about two medicines that are useful in reducing Anxiety, depression, etc.
Overview of Lorazepam?
Lorazepam is a generic drug that comes in the form of oral tablets and oral solutions. It is used in treating multiple health conditions. Those conditions are Wakefulness, Epilepsy, Fearfulness, ICU discomfort, Light anesthesia, etc. The medicine is sold under the brand names Ativan, Loreev XR, Lorazepamintensol, etc.
In the USA, this prescription drug falls under the Schedule IV Controlled Substance Act. Furthermore, the medicine belongs to the Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines miscellaneous antiemetics drug class. Meanwhile, the medicine is the FDA approved to use but not for more than four months.
There are various other drugs too, to treat these conditions. Such as Gabapentin, Alprazolam, Fluoxetine, and Trazodone including Lorazepam. The drug comprises Lactose anhydrous, microcrystalline cellulose, Polacrillin potassium stearate, etc., as inactive ingredients.
Above 12-year-old individuals can take the drug. However, the medicine should be used under the guidance of a qualified doctor for the recommended duration. Individuals can get the medicines from pharmaceutical websites and various drug stores.
Function:
Lorazepam tablet’s main function is to bind benzodiazepine receptors in the postsynaptic-GAMMA ligand-gated chloride neurons in the central nervous system of the patient. The medicine enhances the inhibitory effects of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GAMA).
It also increases the conductance of chloride ions in the brain’s cells. The medicine starts to act in between 15 to 30 minutes and stays active in the body.
Doses of Lorazepam:
- Lorazepam 0.5 mg ( oral round white tablet) Imprint: EP 904
- Lorazepam 1 mg (oral round white tablet) Imprint: EP 9051
- Lorazepam 2 mg (Oral round white tablet) Imprint: EP 9062
The available strengths of the brand-name medication of this generic medicine are Ativan 1 mg and Ativan 2 mg.
What is Alprazolam?
This medicine is used to treat mental health problems, such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and more. The brand names of this generic drug are Xanax, Xanax XR, Niravam, etc. Multiple other drugs like Lexapro, Duloxetine, Sertraline, and Fluoxetine are also used to treat anxiety and depression in individuals.
However, Alprazolam is categorized under the Benzodiazepine drug class. And, it is a prescription drug therefore, getting a prescription is a must before using the medicine. This anti-anxiety medicine falls under the Schedule IV Controlled Substance Act in the USA.
It contains Silicon dioxide, corn starch, docusate sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and sodium benzoate, etc as inactive ingredients.
Function
This generic drug acts in the brain. It binds Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain function and enhances brain performance.
It decreases the effects of chemicals that are responsible for anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, it stays active in the body of an individual for 11 hours. However, the work of medicine depends on the patient’s metabolism and health condition.
Doses
The drug is available in four forms. The forms are oral concentration, oral tablets, disintegrating tablets, and extended-release with various dosage strengths along with different imprinted initials.
The following doses are also available in disintegrating tablets.
- Alprazolam 0.5 mg (orange round oral tablet) Imprint: R 0 29
- Alprazolam 0.25 mg (white round oral tablet) Imprint: 0 27 R
- Alprazolam 1 mg (blue round oral tablet) Imprint: 0 31 R
- Alprazolam 2 mg (white rectangle oral tablet) Imprint: GG249
The commonly available dosage strengths of the brand-name medication of this generic drug are as follows-
Similarities in Lorazepam vs Alprazolam Drugs
- Both medicines are generic drugs.
- The two drugs work on the neurotransmitters in the brain.
- Alprazolam and Lorazepam belong to similar drug classes.
- Both medicines are categorized under the Schedule IV Controlled Substance Act.
- These two drugs are available in the oral tablet form
- The medicines are not admissible for children who are below 12 years old.
- Both medicines are suggested to be used for a short-term period.
- The two drugs used for psychological problems in Adults.
Differences Between Both Medicines: Lorazepam Vs Alprazolam
- The dosage strengths of both medicines vary. Lorazepam is available in two forms while Alprazolam is available in four forms.
- Lorazepam is allowed to be used by those who are above 12 while alprazolam is considered to be used for individuals who are 18 years old.
- Both medicines fulfill different purposes. Alprazolam is specifically used for anxiety and depression. Lorazepam is used for many conditions like Anxiety, ICU agitation, Insomnia, Epilepsy, Light anesthesia, etc.
- Both drugs are sold under different brand names.
- These two drugs’ active duration also varies in the body. Lorazepam stays active for 24 hours, while Alprazolam remains active for 11 hours.
How To Use Both Drugs?
These are the guides regarding both medicines.
- Do not crush or chew the tablets.
- Make sure hands are dry and washed before taking the tablets.
- While taking any drug taken under the administration of a healthcare expert.
- Keep the tablets or any form of medicine, away from sunlight.
- Do not exceed the medication course.
- While consuming oral tablets, drink an adequate amount of water.
- Always try to follow all guidelines provided by the doctor.
Side Effects of Alprazolam and Lorazepam Drug:
Following are the side effects of Alprazolam and Lorazepam.
- Drowsiness
- Dark urine
- Confusion
- Sore throat
- Restlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Skin rash
- Yellow eyes
- Loss of concentration
- Shortness in breathing
- Unusual dreams
Precautions:
Patients should keep in mind the following precautions.
- Before using the medicines read the product label carefully.
- Do not give and suggest drugs to other people without a prescription.
- Do not stop taking any one drug unless the doctor tells you to.
- After having the medicines do not perform heavy tasks that require physical strength and attentiveness.
- Pregnant women avoid taking the medicines.
- If you experience any side immediately consult with the doctor.
- Keep the medicine out of children’s reach.
- Before consuming the drugs make sure your hands are clean and dry.
Conclusion:
Psychological disorders and pain conditions are common. To get rid of these problems, there are numerous medications. Lorapam and Alprazolam also help you to reduce your anxiety, depression, insomnia and other brain-related concerns. However, before taking any drug getting a prescription and proper guidance from a healthcare provider is necessary.
