Differences between Lorazepam and Diazepam
Benzodiazepines are psychotropic drugs that act directly on the central nervous system and that enhance the brain’s inhibition mechanisms to relieve excessive brain activation. Benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat different symptoms, including panic attacks, insomnia, anxiety or compulsive behaviors caused by a psychological disorder such as acute stress, post-traumatic stress, anxiety disorders or phobic disorders, among others.
In this way, in this article we are going to show the differences that exist between two benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and diazepam, starting from their brief definitions.
Lorazepam
Lorazepam is an anxiolytic benzodiazepine formulated to treat conditions associated or not with functional or organic disorders, since it slows down the functions of the central nervous system, producing relaxation, a sense of tranquility and calm. Likewise, lorazepam is one of the most effective and suitable anxiolytics to treat moderate to severe anxiety disorders, since its therapeutic action is considered quite prolonged.
On the other hand, in cases of mild psychological disorders, lorazepam is not usually administered, since it is a fairly strong medication. Additionally, prolonged use of lorazepam can cause some adverse reactions or side effects such as memory loss or anterograde amnesia, in addition to producing alterations in psychomotor functions, therefore, its use must be administered under strict medical supervision.
Diazepam
It can be said that diazepam is an anxiolytic benzodiazepine developed to treat the symptoms of different psychological disorders, since it has relaxing effects on the central nervous system, producing a feeling of tranquility, calm and relaxation. Diazepam is also an anticonvulsant benzodiazepine, because it is a central nervous system depressant drug, which is why it is recommended in patients with cerebral oxygenation disorders.
In addition, as an anticonvulsant benzodiazepine, it has properties to reduce nausea and vomiting, especially after the administration of cancer treatments, so it can be prescribed in patients receiving treatment for said pathology.
On the other hand, the onset of action of diazepam is rapid, so its use is recommended for mild to moderate disorders. Finally, diazepam is absorbed by oxidative reduction and is affected by age and changes such as liver dysfunction and drug interactions.
According to the aforementioned, it can be said that the most outstanding differences between lorazepam and diazepam are the following:
- Lorazepam is an anxiolytic benzodiazepine while diazepam is an anxiolytic and anticonvulsant benzodiazepine.
- Lorazepam is one of the most effective and suitable anxiolytics to treat moderate to severe anxiety disorders, while diazepam is one of the most recommended anxiolytics to treat mild anxiety disorders.
- The onset of action of lorazepam is intermediate, so its use is recommended for moderate to severe disorders, while the onset of action of diazepam is rapid, so its use is recommended for mild to moderate disorders.
- Lorazepam is absorbed by glucuronoconjugation (hepatic biotransformation) and is often affected by drug interaction while diazepam is absorbed by oxidative reduction and is affected by age and conditions such as liver dysfunction and drug interactions.
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