what is the difference between lorazepam and diazepam?

Question

i was prescribed lorazepam for anxiety, and I think I may have had a side affect or reaction to it. I felt more tense, like I had a knot in my stomach. I was given diazepam while in the hospital after spinal surgery when I had panic attacks and it helped me call down quickly. What is the difference between these med's? Should I talk to my dr. about diazepam then? I'm also in talk therapy to help me with my anxiety as well so one day I won't need these med's.

Answer 1

Both lorazepam and diazepam are benzodiazepines and work exactly the same way. Lorazepam however is much more potent than diazepam which may be why you couldn't tolerate lorazepam.
Both drugs are highly physically and psychologically addictive. The withdrawal symptoms can be severe.
Using these drugs beyond a couple of weeks carries serious risks of addiction and long term damage.
I recommend that you read this online resource http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/ before you ruin your life.
The long term damage and addictive potential of benzodiazepines is similar to alcohol apart from the organ damage.
There can be many causes for anxiety, adverse drug reactions, alcohol, drug or medication withdrawal symptoms.
Job stresses, relationship problems and past traumas.
Benzodiazepines inhibit cognitive abilities and the ability to learn new coping strategies and thus if you start using these drugs although they will be helpful for a few weeks before they stop working due to tolerance and addiction your anxiety problems are unlikely to improve and infact your mental health may get worse if you get addicted to these pills.
I know this is not the answer you want to hear and you would love to hear that these drugs are wonder drugs and are harmless. My advice is that you stay well clear of prescription tranquillisers and sleeping pills before you end up addicted and ruining your life. Research benzodiazepines before you mess up your life.

Answer 2

I take 'anxicalm' or diazepam 2mgs at night before bed. It was prescribed to relax my muscle due to Arthritis and they started me on 5mgs. The first night I took the 5mgs, did not wake up for 3 days, so cut the pill in half and took it every other day. I eventually built up to the 2mgs per night. I think with any drug, you have to either build up to taking the full dose, or cut down until you are off the drug. I am glad that you are like me being 'proactive' about your health problem, so many people just sit back and do zero. Good luck.

Answer 3

Lorazapam (Ativan) is basically a stronger, faster acting version of Diazapam (Valium). Both are benzodiazapenes and are prescribed for anxiety disorders. If you have a bad reaction to the Ativan, you should ask about changing to Valium instead.

Answer 4

Basically they do the equal factor... however a few of them paintings quicker and a few of them woprk longer..... a few are less expensive and a few are extra steeply-priced. Each medical professional can have a choice for which benzo he makes use of however they're all nearly the equal.

Answer 5

hey there, first off read up about your meds
here is a link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorazepam
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diazapam
sometimes ppl have to try a few drugs to find the one that alleviates the symptoms.
its good your being pro active and asking and also in talk therapy
your not alone and it will get better

Answer 6

I am not a psychiatrist. They are both anti-anxiety drugs and acts differently on different people. Your doctor will make a choice or he might suggest a different anti-anxiety drug.