Switching from Xanax to Ativan?

I have a ton of leftover Ativan from when I was on it last year. I then switched to Xanax because my doctor told me it was stronger. I’ve really been struggling with anxiety. I think I may have developed a tolerance to the Xanax. I’m trying to find a solution. I’m thinking of going back to the Ativan for a couple weeks to see if that will help with the anxiety. I’m wondering if it’s safe to be switching between two benzos. I think it will be ok. Especially if it’s like every 2 weeks and not everyday. I just want to be sure. Is anyone on 2 benzos at once?

I think it'd be best to talk to your prescriber about it. Honestly, they probably can tell you better than anyone here can. Plus it'd be irresponsible for me to give you advice on that, anyway.

That said, it seems to me like two benzos at the same time would not be a good combination, given that their effects could be additive in a bad way. (You might get more side effects).

If you're struggling with anxiety, maybe try other methods of coping, too? I'm not saying medicine doesn't help, but maybe therapy or something--have you considered that at all?

I hope you can find some relief from the anxiety you're feeling.

Also there are other medicines you could try that are more of a long-term solution than benzos, depending on what your doctor thinks your diagnosis is.

FWIW I am on two benzo's. I take xanax as needed up to two milligrams per day. I am also on 30 milligrams of temazepam at night. I have noticed taking the temazepam has increased my tolerance to xanax.

I also think you'd better talk to your doc about it. I'm thinking Ativan is faster-acting than Xanax, though.

hi. the ativan is not quite as potent, mg per mg as the xanax. i think it also lasts longer. on the plus side, ativan is preferred to xanax for agitation, calming down manic and/or psychotic people, etc. that's why the psych people have it in injection form. xanax...i forget why exactly, but its often a booster treatment for those dealing with depression.

if your benzodiazepine use is going to be a daily thing, maybe ask about xanax xr? if i recall correctly, its just one pill for all day coverage. tapering is still rough.

Still_crazy’s experience has been mine too. Ativan is less effective per mg.

Be aware Ativan is associated with a higher risk of dementia. That seems to be my psychiatrist’s main concern.

I have switched between them. For me they were similar although I had one bad side effect with Ativan, I felt jerky.

I feel they are equal in dosages.

If you go up and down a lot it might be better to have a small steady dosage of Klonopin as a base, and add a little Xanax or Ativan when it is extra stressful.

If you're actually not just having increased anxiety but building tolerance, you need to down your benzo intake. Maybe not by much but a tad, for a few weeks, for your brain to recover, and then increase again, but not more than needed. This is mentally painful but better than building tolerance. Losing a benzo to tolerance is hell.

Also, even if antihistamines are not usually helpful on their own, with a benzo they can work, so maybe adding a tad Vistaril?

Talk to your doctor.

Usually using two benzos at a time isn't a good idea unless you are using a reduction method, like the Ashton Method. Which uses longer acting benzos usually diazepam because of it's long half life to reduce and quit another benzo and then slowly reduce the Valium. Not sure what you are trying to do with the two short acting benzodiazepines? If you have issues with panic attacks and/or GAD., long term SAD? So like the other posters, it sounds like you should talk to your healthcare providers, psych docs etc. about what needs to be done. Below is a generic link to basic benzodiazepines, uses, side effects, tolerance etc.- Benzodiazepines: Uses, types, side effects, and risks If you want a more in depth/clinical read. Pubmed paper from 2018- Benzodiazepines I: Upping the Care on Downers: The Evidence of Risks, Benefits and Alternatives

I would think tolerance to Xanax is a general benzo tolerance that would affect how other benzos work as well. If another benzo is not dragged into the tolerance of course switching between them would work. But I doubt this happens a lot.