Ativan is the brand name for a drug referred to as lorazepam. This medication is mainly used to treat anxiety disorders, however, it can be used in the treatment of other psychiatric conditions. Additionally, Ativan is a benzodiazepine, a class of drugs that are known to be highly habit-forming.

Valium is the brand name for the medication generically known as diazepam. This medication is also primarily used in the treatment of anxiety and belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs.

While Ativan and Valium share a lot of similarities, they also have a lot of noteworthy differences. Because these drugs are highly addictive, individuals need to be aware of the dangers of abusing them. Knowing the differences between the two medications can help people determine whether their loved one is abusing lorazepam or diazepam.

What is Ativan (Lorazepam)?

Ativan (lorazepam) is a prescription medication that treats anxiety. Because it belongs to the benzodiazepine drug class, this substance is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Lorazepam lowers feelings of anxiety by affecting the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABA), which are responsible for regulating sleep, feelings of anxiety, and relaxation.[1]

Ativan is approved for the treatment of the following conditions:

Anxiety disorders
Insomnia
Status epilepticus (continuous seizures)
Pre-anesthesia medication

One of the most common off-label uses for this substance is the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. The way that Ativan affects the central nervous system allows it to lower symptoms of withdrawal and prevent seizures from occurring.

Unfortunately, despite its efficacy in treating a wide range of conditions, this substance is known to be highly addictive.

Symptoms of Lorazepam Abuse

When an individual abuses lorazepam, they will exhibit specific symptoms that indicate misuse of the substance. These symptoms include:

Loss of appetite
Headaches
Excessive sweating
Tremors
Confusion
Hallucinations
Nausea and vomiting
Becoming disinterested in previously enjoyed activities
Using Ativan to cope with uncomfortable feelings or situations
Dizziness
Over-sleeping
Passing out frequently
Lying about lorazepam use
Doctor shopping

What is Valium (Diazepam)?

Valium (diazepam) is similar to Ativan as they are both benzodiazepines and used to treat similar conditions. The conditions that diazepam is used to treat include anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal.[2]

Also similar to Ativan, diazepam provides patients with sedative and anxiety-relieving effects by interacting with the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in the brain. This is why many individuals begin abusing the drug, as it is known to cause lessened anxiety, feelings of calmness, and even a surge of euphoria.

Symptoms of Diazepam Abuse

Because Valium is habit-forming, individuals who frequently misuse this drug will become addicted. Once someone is addicted to diazepam, they will begin to exhibit certain signs of drug abuse.

The symptoms of Valium abuse may include:

Slurred speech
Impaired coordination
Dilated pupils
Changes in appetite
Sleeping too much
Changes in mood or lowered mood
Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal
Symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication
Lying about Valium use
Doctor shopping

The Main Differences Between Valium and Ativan

While there are plenty of similarities between Ativan and Valium, there are a couple of main differences to consider.

Ativan is a short-acting benzodiazepine, which means it starts working within 30 to 45 minutes and wears off in 3 to 6 hours. Other short-acting benzodiazepines include:

Triazolam (Halcion)
Midazolam (Versed)
Temazepam (Restoril)
Flurazepam (Dalmane)
Estazolam (ProSom)

On the other hand, Valium is a long-acting benzodiazepine. Long-acting benzodiazepines work in phases to treat an individual’s symptoms throughout the day. Other long-acting benzodiazepines include:

Alprazolam (Xanax)
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Clorazepate (Tranxene)
Halazepam (Paxipam)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Nitrazepam (Mogadon)

Another difference between the two drugs is the age at which they are allowed to be prescribed. While children anywhere from 6 months or older can take Valium, children must be at least 12 to take Ativan. Additionally, Ativan is known to have fewer drug interactions than Valium because of how it is processed in the liver.

Can You Mix Ativan and Valium?

Mixing Ativan and Valium is extremely dangerous. Individuals should never take multiple benzodiazepine drugs at once, as they are all central nervous system depressants. Taking two at a time could lead to fatal overdoses.

The symptoms of a benzodiazepine overdose include:[3]

Difficulty breathing or inability to breathe
Bluish color of lips or fingernails
Confusion and disorientation
Extreme dizziness
Blurred vision
Double vision
Weakness of the body
Uncoordinated muscle movement
Tremors
Profoundly altered mental status
Stupor
Coma
Respiratory depression
Death

If an individual displays the symptoms of a benzodiazepine overdose, emergency medical services must be contacted immediately. Without proper medical intervention, an overdose of Ativan or Valium could quickly lead to a coma or death.

Finding Help for Ativan or Valium Addiction

Ativan and Valium are both highly addictive benzodiazepine drugs with a high risk of overdose associated. If you or a loved one abuse these drugs, it’s time to consider professional addiction treatment.

Finding a recovery program that suits your individual needs can be difficult. Thankfully, Addiction Intervention can help you and your family find the right treatment program for you. Contact us today to get started with a risk-free consultation.

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