Imagine using legal hemp derived (cannabidiol) CBD vs Lorazepam or Xanax to prevent anxiety and panic attacks, without any side effects. Get your life back, and live it to the fullest.
I present to you the best facts and user reviews I could find, so you can decide for yourself if CBD will work for you. Then see your doctor and set up a plan that meets your personal needs.
Cannabidiol or CBD, as it is referred to, is NOT addictive.
There are almost no side effects. CBD does not produce a “high” like THC does. No prescription needed. CBD is legal in all 50 states.
Ativan vs Xanax Is Not Your Only Choice
Benzodiazepine is the active ingredient in Lorazepam (Ativan) and Xanax (Alprazolam).
Benzodiazepine is very addictive and commonly abused by combining it with alcohol or opioids.
Also, CBD can be used to treat heroin and marijuana addictions. That’s in addition to its use for treating anxiety, panic attacks, schizophrenia, and many other illnesses.
CBD vs Lorazepam and Xanax
Lorazepam is pretty nearly the same thing as Xanax, because they both contain benzodiazepine. So, this article is really about CBD vs Lorazepam and Xanax.
The main difference between Lorazepam vs Xanax is that Xanax is approved for panic attacks in addition to treating anxiety. That is because they are slightly different forms of benzodiazepine.
Health Related Uses
CBD – Cannabidiol Uses
- Relieve Anxiety – Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) [8] Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) [12]
- Pain relief.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [12]
- Epilepsy: Reduces the need for clobazam and its side-effects. [7]
- Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). [12]
- Treats depression [8]
- Schizophrenia [7]
- Reduces nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment. [7]
- May be used to treat heroin addiction. [6]
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s [7]
- Diabetes [7]
Lorazepam – Ativan Uses [4,5]
- Relieves Anxiety
- Improves sleep
- Reduces epileptic seizures.
- Helps with alcohol withdrawal.
- Helps with nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.
Xanax – Alprazolam Uses [10]
- Anxiety & Panic Disorders
- Agoraphobia
Is It Habit Forming Or Addictive?
CBD – Cannabidiol
CBD – Cannabidiol does NOT cause a “high” and is NOT habit forming [6]
THC is the psychoactive chemical that causes a “high”. It is habit forming and in extreme cases it is addictive. [9]
CBD is Legal To Buy In All 50 States
You can legally buy CBD with less than 0.3% THC in all 50 states. Some products have zero THC while other products may legally have up to 0.3% THC. That isn’t enough to cause a “high”. However, 0.3% THC is enough to fail a drug test. Especially if you are consuming large doses.
So, if you want to pass a drug test, buy from a trusted manufacturer that clearly states that it contains zero THC.
To buy a combination of CBD and THC you must be in a state that permits medical marijuana use.
The Difference Between Marijuana CBD and Hemp CBD
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Marijuana contains high levels of THC and low levels of CBD. CBD will reduce the “high” created by the THC. So, marijuana strains of cannabis have been developed to contain as little CBD as possible.
Hemp contains high levels of CBD and low levels of THC. The THC levels are so low that you can’t get “high” using it.
This brand of CBD Oil is organically grown, CO2 processed, and independently lab tested for purity in the USA. You cannot buy a better CBD product.
Note: Amazon does not allow any CBD containing products to be sold through Amazon. Therefore, the products shown below will not have any CBD content listed on the product or in the product description. They may in fact have CBD in them, but the advertisers cannot admit that their product contains CBD, because the product would be banned from Amazon.
Is Lorazepam – Ativan Habit Forming Or Addictive?
- Lorazepam and its generic brand Ativan are very addictive. Contains benzodiazepine. [4,5]
- Your body will develop a tolerance for this drug, which will require larger doses for the same effect. Therefore, use the least amount that is effective, and as few times as possible. [4]
Xanax – Alprazolam is Habit Forming and Addictive
- Contains benzodiazepine and is very addictive. [10]
- Anyone who has panic attacks is more likely to become dependent (habit forming) on Xanax. [10]
Are There Withdrawal Symptoms If I Stop Using It?
CBD – Cannabidiol
- CBD – Cannabidiol does NOT have any withdrawal symptoms. [2]
- If you have become dependent upon or addicted to THC, there will be withdrawal symptoms. [1] The withdrawal symptoms will last for about 14 days after usage has stopped. Symptoms include: Anxiety, irritability, lack of sleep, cravings, and boredom.
Lorazepam – Ativan
- Lorazepam – Ativan have many severe withdrawal symptoms. You must be slowly weaned off of the medication to prevent increased anxiety, short term memory loss, not being able to sleep, and being irritable. [4]
- Other withdrawal symptoms include: hallucinations, panic attacks, sick to the stomach, sensitivity to noise and light, cramps and muscle pains, feeling dizzy or sweaty. [4]
Xanax – Alprazolam Withdrawal Symptoms [10]
- Seizures (like epilepsy)
- Relapse to your previous un-medicated state.
- Muscle twitching or cramps.
- Dysosmia: Distorted sense of smell.
- Clouded sensorium: Not able to think clearly, and not able to concentrate.
- Paresthesias: “skin crawling” and/or itchy, tingling, numb feelings in hands, feet, legs and elsewhere.
- Blurry eyesight, loose stools, poor appetite and weight loss.
Serious Side Effects?
CBD – Cannabidiol
- No serious side effects, even at doses of 1500mg. [2] Which is far, far more than you are likely to ever get without a prescription.
- In test tube and animal testing, the lifetime of body cells were shortened, and decreased fertility was observed. More studies are needed to verify if these results would also occur in humans. [2]
Lorazepam – Ativan
Lorazepam – Ativan usage has many serious side effects. If you have any of these symptoms, get immediate medical help: [5]
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fever
- Extreme skin rash.
- Shaking or not being able to sit still.
- Yellowish looking eyes or skin color.
- Do you shuffle your feet when you walk?
Xanax – Alprazolam [10]
- Use with opioids can cause Respiratory Depression (poor breathing) that can put you into a coma or even kill you.
- Hallucinations
- Jaundice (yellowish skin or eyes)
Minor Side Effects
CBD – Cannabidiol
- Minor side effects include having diarrhea, feeling tired or drowsy [16], either eating more food or eating less food and weight gain or weight loss. [17]
- However, these minor side effects are seldom encountered, except at high doses (1500mg). [2]
Minor Lorazepam – Ativan side effects include: [4]
- Blurred vision
- Feeling dizzy
- Being tired or sleepy.
- Alopecia: Patches of hair loss.
- Constipation
- Headache
- Parkinsonism
- SIADH: Retaining water.
- Thrombocytopenia: Bruising due to bleeding under the skin.
Xanax – Alprazolam Side Effects [10]
- Drowsiness
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Double vision
- Sensitivity to light.
- Slowed thinking.
- Being dizzy
Drug Interactions
CBD – Cannabidiol
- May interact with hepatic (liver) medications. [2]
- Some studies have shown reduced (p-glycoprotein) drug transportation. [2]
When CBD is taken before taking THC, it will increase the effects of THC. When CBD and THC are taken together, the CBD will lessen the effects of the THC. [3]
Lorazepam – Ativan Drug Interactions
- Can cause respiratory depression (poor breathing) and death if used with other depressants. Such as clozapine, [4]
- Do not use with alcohol. [4]
- When used with valproate or probenecid, you must reduce the amount of Ativan taken by 50%. [4]
Xanax – Alprazolam Drug Interactions [10]
- People with kidney or liver disease should be closely monitored by their doctor.
- Do not use with alcohol, itraconazole, or opioids.
- Xanax should not be used, or used sparingly, with drugs that inhibit cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A). Such as: Azole antifungal agents, Nefazodone, Fluvoxamine, Ritonavir, Cimetidine.
Do Not Use If:
CBD – Cannabidiol
Do not use CBD with:
- Clobazam, unless the Clobazam dosage is reduced. [20] See “CBD Xanax Interaction” further down the page.
- Valproic acid
Do Not Use Lorazepam – Ativan If:
- Do not use if you are alergic or super sensitive to the ingredients of Ativan : benzodiazepine, lactose monohydrate (milk sugar), polacrilin potassium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose. [4]
- Don’t use Ativan if you have been diagnosed with acute narrow-angle glaucoma. [4]
Do Not Use Xanax – Alprazolam If:
- Not to be used if you are allergic to any of the ingredients: alprazolam, benzodiazepine, cellulose, corn starch, docusate sodium, lactose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide and sodium benzoate. In addition, the 0.5 mg tablet contains FD&C Yellow No. 6 and the 1 mg tablet contains FD&C Blue No. 2. [10]
Other Warnings
CBD – Cannabidiol
Many medications are changed within the body. Either within the liver or by other means. CBD may affect the effectiveness of the medication dosages used.
Here is a partial list of such medications: [19]
- alprazolam (Xanax)
- caffeine
- nicotine
- ibuprofen (Motrin)
- codeine
- testosterone
- progesterone (Endometrin, Prometrium)
- diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren)
- meloxicam (Mobic)
- piroxicam (Feldene)
- celecoxib (Celebrex)
- amitriptyline (Elavil)
- warfarin (Coumadin)
- glipizide (Glucotrol)
- losartan (Cozaar)
- phenobarbital
- diazepam (Valium)
- secobarbital (Seconal)
- chlorzoxazone (Lorzone)
- eophylline (Theo-Dur)
- haloperidol (Haldol)
- ondansetron (Zofran)
- propranolol (Inderal)
- verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)
- omeprazole (Prilosec, Omesec)
- clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo)
- lansoprazole (Prevacid)
- lutamide (Eulexin)
- oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)
- erlotinib (Tarceva)
- chlormethiazole (Heminevrin)
- coumarin
- methoxyflurane (Penthrox)
- halothane (Fluothane)
- valproic acid (Depacon)
- disulfiram (Antabuse)
- ketamine (Ketalar)
- orphenadrine (Norflex)
- dexamethasone (Decadron)
- pantoprazole (Protonix)
- carisoprodol (Soma)
- nelfinavir (Viracept)
- desipramine (Norpramin)
- flecainide (Tambocor)
- imipramine (Tofranil)
- metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
- paroxetine (Paxil)
- risperidone (Risperdal)
- tramadol (Ultram)
- venlafaxine (Effexor)
- amlodipine (Norvasc)
- clarithromycin (Biaxin)
- cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
- erythromycin
- lovastatin (Mevacor)
- ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- itraconazole (Sporanox)
- fexofenadine (Allegra)
- triazolam (Halcion)
- nifedipine (Adalat CC, Procardia XL)
- Rufinamide
- Topiramate
- Zonisamide
Other Lorazepam – Ativan Warnings
- Not to be used by anyone that is depressed or has a psychosis (symptoms of mental illness). [4]
- Use of Lorazepam or Ativan can lead to respiratory depression (slow, weak breathing) that can be deadly. To avoid respiratory depression use with caution if you have sleep apnea or COPD. [4]
Other Xanax – Alprazolam Warnings
- Mania: Increased or intensified moods – either happy or irritable. [10]
Can It Be Used During Pregnancy Or Nursing?
CBD – Cannabidiol
- I have not found any evidence to report upon CBD use during pregnancy or while nursing.
- Current research shows that THC should not be used, because THC does pass through the placenta. [13] THC also collects in breast milk. [14]
Can Lorazepam – Ativan Be Used During Pregnancy Or When Nursing?
- No, because it is passed through the placenta, and occurs in breast milk. [4]
Can Xanax – Alprazolam Be Used When Pregnant or While Nursing?
- Not recommended. Can cause birth complications, and Benzodiazepines have been found in breast milk.
Can CBD Oil Interact With Medications, and Is It Safe?
There isn’t enough long term studies of CBD interactions with other medications to answer the safety question. In many cases, CBD and medication interactions are safe, but how and when, and at what dosage, is mostly unknown.
For example: Many clinical studies concerning rare forms of epilepsy, such as Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes had positive effects. In those studies the people continued to use their prescribed medications while also taking CBD. Some of them were able to stop the use of their prescribed medications, and some of them lowered their use of medications. [15]
Example #2: 15mg of THC acts as a sedative. However, 15mg of CBD will keep you awake, but 160mg CBD will make you sleepy. [18, 16]
See Drug Interactions in the chart above for more drug interactions with CBD.
CBD Xanax Interaction
Xanax is one of many medications that are altered by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates). A CBD Xanax interaction will (probably) raise the effectiveness and side effects of the Xanax. That CBD Xanax interaction should probably also be safe when the Xanax dose is reduced.
I say probably, based upon a study of a Clobazam and CBD interaction. [20] Clobazam is in the same benzodiazepine family that includes Xanax and Lorazepam. So, I expect to see similar results, but I have not seen any study proving that idea.
That study [20] concluded that using Clobazam and CBD together was safe, so long as the Clobazam dosage was reduced. The reduction in the Clobazam dosage was needed to reduce the side effects of the Clobazam.
CBD Oil and Ativan (Lorazepam) Interaction
Here again I have not found any specific studies concerning CBD oil and Ativan interaction.
Once again, I refer to the Clobazam and CBD study [20] where the benzodiazepine containing Clobazam was deemed safe to use with CBD. That conclusion of safety was based upon the reduced usage of Clobazam. Which effectively reduced the side effects of using Clobazam. See the above paragraph titled: CBD Xanax Interaction
Users’ Reviews of Cannabidiol – CBD vs Lorazepam – Ativan vs Xanax – Alprazolam
Cannabidiol-CBD Users’ Review Results
I came across about 20 users’ reviews from people with schizophrenia. They reported that they were much more relaxed and that the “voices” were somewhat lessened. There was no indication of the amount of CBD they were taking.
Another set of 20 happy Cannabidiol – CBD users had good results for treating these conditions:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Anxiety: One person said it worked incredibly well, with no side effects.
- Ehlers Danlos Syndrome: Reduced background pain, but not nerve pain.
- Aches, pains (3 people), sore muscles (2 people).
- Shoulder pain.
- Arthritis: One person had amazing results, and another had no results. Someone with osteoarthritis had relief in the feet, but not so much elsewhere. Two other people said CBD oil helped a lot.
- Seizures: A child had tried several medications that didn’t work. However, CBD oil worked almost instantly.
- Acid reflux: CBD oil was a greast help.
- Pain relief and better sleep.
- Chronic muscle pain and nerve pain were both gone after 6 CBD oil doses.
- Neuropathy relief with CBD oil.
- Chronic lower back pain relief.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Feels great now.
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Lorazepam-Ativan Users’ Review Results
I will attempt to summarize the 110 reviews that I have read:
As would be expected, some people had terrible results and stopped using Lorazepam.
Most users were happy for the anxiety relief it provided, but worried about its many side effects.
Probably the most common side effect was the loss of short term memory. Which prompted some people to stop using Ativan.
Some people were new users, and a few had been using Lorazepam-Ativan for 20 years or more.
The long term users only took minimal doses and only when needed. One person assumed he was addicted, but didn’t care, because it permitted him to live a “normal” life.
A few people said withdrawal symptoms were worse than their original symptoms. Only those people who slowly weaned themselves off of Lorazepam had reduced withdrawal symptoms. Some of them used other medications to help them through the withdrawal.
None of these reviews mentioned using CBD to wean themselves off of Lorazepam or Ativan.
Xanax-Alprazolam Users’ Review Results
I read 92 Xanax and Alprazolam user reviews. An amazing number of people had used Xanax for decades.
May of the reviews mentioned that they had anxiety, panic attacks, and agoraphobia. A few of them also had PTSD and OCD.
Most users say that Xanax saved their life, or in other words it made life normal again. Or at least something approaching normal.
A few people mentioned severe withdrawal symptoms, including suicide attempts.
Some of the people had to use other medications in addition to using Xanax.
There were several mentions of the addictive ability of Xanax and Alprazolam. The general advice being to take the smallest dose possible, as few times as possible.
CBD vs Ativan vs Xanax Conclusion
It should be quite clear to you by now that getting off Ativan and Xanax and other medications is possible and preferable.
The various forms of hemp derived cannabidiol – CBD are all effective. CBD oil (tincture) is probably the most used and easily available form of CBD. CBD gummies are also quite popular.
You do not need medical marijuanna. Nor do you need a prescription to buy hemp derived CBD products.
However, you should consult your doctor before taking any form of CBDs. It is very important for your doctor to monitor your medical reactions as you are weaned off of your medications.
It’s not realistic to think that everyone will be able to drop all of their medications. However, many people are doing just that, or at least greatly decreasing the amount of medications taken. Which always leads to having fewer side effects.
CBD vs Lorazepam vs Xanax: It’s your life and your choice.
Officially Amazon prohibits the sale of CBD containing products. So, any product sold by Amazon and labeled as CBD may not have any CBD in it. However, these products have good reviews. So, you should be happy with the results you get.
Read my other articles on CBDs and hemp seed oil (very little CBDs or THC).
[1] Withdrawal Symptoms From Smoking Pot? https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20080507/withdrawal-symptoms-from-smoking-pot
[2] Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22129319
[3] Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa Constituent http://www.medicinalgenomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Bergamaschi_2011.pdf
[4] Ativan, FDA https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/017794s034s035lbl.pdf
[5] Lorazepam, MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682053.html
[6] Cannabidiol, a nonpsychotropic component of cannabis, inhibits cue-induced heroin-seeking and normalizes discrete mesolimbic neuronal disturbances https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2829756/
[7] An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
[8] Antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects of cannabidiol: a chemical compound of Cannabis sativa. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24923339
[9] Is Marijuana Addictive? https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive
[10] XANAX- alprazolam tablet, Dailymed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=388e249d-b9b6-44c3-9f8f-880eced0239f
[11] Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: A review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007645/
[12] Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
[13] Cannabis use during pregnancy: Pharmacokinetics and effects on child development. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28847562
[14] Pediatric Concerns Due to Expanded Cannabis Use: Unintended Consequences of Legalization https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5330955/
[15] The Pharmacological Basis of Cannabis Therapy for Epilepsy. http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/357/1/45.long
[16] Hypnotic and antiepileptic effects of cannabidiol. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7028792
[17] Could Cannabidiol be a Treatment Option for Intractable Childhood and Adolescent Epilepsy? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28775950
[18] Effect of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on nocturnal sleep and early-morning behavior in young adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15118485
[19] Cannabidiol, MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/1439.html
[20] Drug-drug interaction between clobazam and cannabidiol in children with refractory epilepsy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26114620
