Lorazepam and ambien, both are medications. These are used to treat sleep, and anxiety symptoms. These drugs belong to different classes, mechanisms of action and side effects. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that enhances the effects of GABA neurotransmitter which leads to calmness. These medications react to GABA receptors. They can also be used to treat other symptoms if decided by your healthcare provider.
In this blog, we will cover lorazepam and ambien drugs’ definition, drug mechanism, dosage and precautions.
Difference Between Lorazepam and Ambien Drugs
In this article, we have described the difference between lorazepam and ambien medications as per their mechanism, forms, dosage, treatment and side effects.
Overview
Lorazepam
Lorazepam belongs to the group of medicines called benzodiazepine. It is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. DJ Richards developed this medication in 1977. It is used to provide short term relief from anxiety symptoms that are related to anxiety disorders, and anxiety-related insomnia. It is used to treat the problems which are associated with sleeping and anxiety. It is sold under the brand name Ativan among others.
Ambien
Ambien is a medication that provides short term relief from sleeping problems (insomnia). It is a sedative, and affects chemicals in the brain.
It is a non-benzodiazepine receptor modulator which is primarily used in the FDA-approved short term treatment of insomnia. It helps people fall asleep faster and also helps to wake up less times during the night. Ambien is the brand name of Zolpidem.
Mechanism of Drug Action
Lorazepam
Lorazepam binds to benzodiazepine receptors on postsynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A that are ligand-gated chloride channel neurons at multiple sites within the central nervous system. This drug improves the preventative effects of GABA that increases the conductance of chloride ions in the cell.
Ambien
Ambien is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agent that works as a gamma-aminobutyric acid. It is a type of receptor chloride channel agonist that increases GABA inhibitory effects. GABA receptor also called GABA-BZ that is found in the globus pallidus, sensorimotor cortical regions, pons, inferior colliculus, ventral thalamic complex, olfactory bulb, cerebellum, and substantial in the brain.
Dosage, Forms and Strengths
Lorazepam
Tablet: Schedule IV
- 0.5mg
- 1mg
- 2mg
Oral concentrate: Schedule IV
- 2mg/mL
Capsule, extended-release: Schedule IV
- 1mg
- 1.5mg
- 2mg
- 3mg
Injectable solution: Schedule IV
- 2mg/mL
- 4mg/mL
Ambien
Tablet, immediate-release: Schedule IV
- 5mg (Ambien)
- 10mg (Ambien)
Capsule: Schedule IV
- 7.5mg
Tablet, extended-release: Schedule IV
- 6.25mg (Ambien CR)
- 12.5mg (Ambien CR)
Tablet, sublingual: Schedule IV
- 1.75mg
- 3.5mg
- 5mg (Edluar)
- 10mg (Edluar)
Uses
Lorazepam
Lorazepam is commonly used to treat serious panic disorder, anxiety, and seizures. It produces soothing effects on the brain and nerves. This medication helps in treating the sleeping problems (insomnia) which are caused by anxiety and temporary situational stress. It is in a benzodiazepines medication class. It functions by slowing the activity in the brain and allows relaxation. It can be used to treat nausea and vomiting. Its initial dose is 2 to 3 mg and can be given orally 2 to 3 times per day.
Ambien
Ambien is a medication that is primarily used to treat short term relief from sleeping problems. Its immediate-release tablet is instantly to help you fall asleep. Its usual dose is one 10 mg tablet and you can take it before going to bed. It takes nearly 30 minutes to function in the body. It can be taken orally and also available in the forms of tablets, and extended release tablets. Its larger doses help to stay asleep for longer duration. Its extended release form layer dissolves quickly and the second layer dissolves slowly that helps to stay asleep.
Side Effects
Lorazepam
Lorazepam may cause common side effects that are:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Blurred vision
- Unsteadiness
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sex drive or ability
- Constipation
- Restlessness or excitement
Lorazepam may also cause serious side effects and stop using this medicine if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Breathing problems
- Fever
- Rapid heartbeat
- Stomach cramps
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Joint pain
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
- Throat tightness
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Itching, skin rash, or hives
Ambien
Visit your doctor immediately if you have any of these side effects:
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
It may also cause serious side effects. Stop taking this medicine if you have any of these symptoms and visit your doctor.
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Feeling ill
- Difficulty staying awake
- Hallucinations
- Irritability
- Feelings of depression
- Abnormal behaviors or activities
- Crying
- Memory loss
Precautions
- If you feel that these lorazepam and ambien medications are not working well or allergic, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Contact your doctor for more information.
- Do not share these medications with other people, even if they have a similar kind of situation as you have.
- After taking these drugs you should avoid operating heavy machinery and driving, until you know how it affects your health and mind.
- Keep out from the reach of children and store it in a safe place.
- Tell your healthcare doctor about all the products and medicine that you have used before surgery or other treatments.