What is the difference between lorazepam and oxazepam?

Lorazepam is a medication that falls under the benzodiazepine category. It promotes relaxation, reduces muscle tension, and alleviates anxiety. Lorazepam is available by prescription and is often used to treat anxiety, tension, panic attacks, insomnia, epileptic seizures, restlessness, and even alcohol withdrawal.

How lorazepam works

Lorazepam enhances the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which helps reduce stress and tension. GABA is naturally produced by the brain, but in some cases, the body may not generate enough to prevent anxiety and stress. Lorazepam helps increase GABA's effects, providing a calming and long-lasting impact.

Oxazepam is also a benzodiazepine, primarily prescribed as a sleep aid and sedative. Doctors often recommend oxazepam to manage anxiety and excessive stress. It is also commonly used to help with withdrawal symptoms in people recovering from alcohol addiction.

How oxazepam works

Oxazepam affects the neurotransmitter GABA, which naturally regulates brain activity to prevent overstimulation. When certain brain areas become overly active, they can cause feelings of anxiety, stress, and panic. Oxazepam increases GABA production, leading to a sedative and relaxing effect.

You may wonder which medication works better: lorazepam or oxazepam? The biggest difference between the two is their duration of action. Oxazepam has a shorter effect, usually wearing off within six hours, while lorazepam lasts between eight and twelve hours, similar to diazepam. Oxazepam typically takes effect within an hour, whereas lorazepam starts working within 30 minutes.

Another difference between lorazepam and oxazepam

Besides the difference in duration, lorazepam is prescribed for a broader range of conditions, including epilepsy, insomnia, stress, anxiety disorders, and pre-surgical sedation. Oxazepam is mainly used for anxiety disorders, excessive stress, and sometimes sleep problems.

It is not recommended to take lorazepam and oxazepam together, as this may cause unwanted side effects such as confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. These effects are similar to those caused by mixing lorazepam with alcohol. Older individuals may experience cognitive impairments, reduced judgment, and coordination issues.