Ativan and Xanax are both used to treat anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. They are in the benzodiazapine family of drugs, which help inhibit excess nerve stimulation in the brain. Researchers believe excess neural firing in the brain causes anxiety. Benzodiazapines affect gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter chemical that nerves in the brain use to send messages to one another. How it works, exactly, isn't clear, but scientists believe Ativan, Xanax and other benzodiazepines may act by enhancing the effects of GABA in the brain. By influencing GABA, benzodiazepines reduce the activity of nerves in the brain. Both drugs also have the potential for addiction. Stopping either Ativan or Xanax abruptly can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms, depending on how long a person has been taking the drug. The central difference between Ativan and Xanax is that Ativan leaves a person's system more quickly, reducing the chance of toxicity or side effects. Some side effects of both these drugs include sedation, dizziness, weakness, unsteadiness, and memory problems.

• Severe drowsiness or dizziness

• Trouble breathing

• Slurred speech

• Blurry vision

• Hallucinations

• Physical weakness

• Low blood pressure (hypotension)

• Confusion