Any serious anxiety condition requires getting the suitable treatment. If the anxiety is not overcome in a timely manner, then it can lead to more severe health complications. The condition can be physically and psychologically draining. Finding the right medication is also crucial. If the treatment used is not right, then there are possibilities for the condition to worsen. To know which medication would work best, it is ideal to draw comparisons between the primary options, and weigh the pros and cons of each in dealing with the anxiety condition. Two of the top drugs used in dealing with different forms of anxiety are Ativan and Abilify. Keep reading to see which drug may be more suitable for you.
Abilify
Abilify, which is the trade name for Aripiprazole, is known to be an atypical antipsychotic medication. The drug is used in the management of some forms of psychosis like mania. Abilify is also used in managing depression effectively. As a standalone medication, there are lesser chances of experiencing any side effects. However, this is not so when combining it with other drugs. Also, the drug can induce euphoria and thoughts of suicide in young adults. Some of the conditions that benefit from using Abilify are schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Ativan
Ativan, which is the brand name for Lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine that is used for relieving anxiety. The drug is ideal for short-term use, i.e. in the short-term management of the anxiety disorder. Ativan is ideal for some health conditions as it can be combined with certain other drugs in the overall therapy if the doctor approves it. What one would really have to watch out for while using Ativan are the side effects and the potential for drug dependence.
Which drug should you opt for – Abilify or Ativan?
There are many positive and negatives that come with using both Ativan and Abilify, and the choice is really not that easy. Abilify can cause a lot of side effects that also affect the mind, and the risks are too many. Ativan use can also cause side effects but not as serious as Abilify does. Of course, any individual would wish to avoid side effects as much as possible. However, Ativan is designed for only short-term use, and after a few weeks it stops being as effective.
Ativan and Abilify are very effective in treating their respective anxiety disorders. However, not every drug works the same way for everyone. The suitable medication for you would depend on how severe the anxiety or depression condition is and also on your response to the drug. If the anxiety disorder is severe and requires long-term treatment for managing the psychological symptoms then Abilify is the drug to choose. Ativan is more suitable for those who require short-term treatment where the anxiety disorder is milder in comparison and you would not be overly dependent on medication. Before taking either Abilify or Ativan, consult with your healthcare provider for getting prescribed with the suitable medication at the appropriate dosage.
