Passionflower is an herb that has been used for centuries as a calming agent to relieve insomnia and stress. Lorazepam is a prescription anxiolytic, or antianxiety medication, that is approved for the short-term relief of severe anxiety. However, interesting parallels exist between the effects of passionflower and lorazepam that are worth exploring if you're planning on using either the herb or the medication.
Identification
Harvested directly from the plant of the same name, passionflower is rated as possibly effective by the National Institutes of Health for relieving anxiety as well as alleviating withdrawal from narcotic drug dependence. Lorazepam is a laboratory-synthesized drug available by prescription only. A member of the benzodiazepine drug family --- which includes diazepam, alprazolam and clonazepam --- lorazepam is classified as a central nervous system depressant. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat anxiety and panic attacks at a doctor's discretion.
Similarities and Divergences
Passionflower has the potential to alleviate symptoms of anxiety for some people. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that its method of action may be due to a stimulation of the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, a brain chemical that calms the body. While there is insufficient research to support this claim regarding passionflower, lorazepam is specifically designed to heavily and rapidly stimulate the release of GABA after oral or intravenous administration, causing pronounced feelings of relaxation, drowsiness and sometimes euphoria. Its effects on GABA are scientifically documented.
Deliniating Factors
Both passionflower and lorazepam have their pros and cons. Since passionflower has proven useful for many people for anxiety relief, it is a safe option to consider. It is easily available for purchase in bulk or prepared as a tea, though it simply may not work for many people. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is very good at what it does and can stop extreme anxiety in its tracks with medically proven effectiveness. However, lorazepam is a double-edged sword, since the medication has a high potential to be habit-forming, even after as little as several days of regular use. Withdrawal from lorazepam can be severe; it is known as benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome --- a serious medical matter.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or insomnia regularly, you must discuss the matter with your physician in order to determine whether an herbal remedy such as passionflower or a benzodiazepine anxiolytic like lorazepam is an appropriate treatment. Your personal physician will decide how to treat your symptoms based on a qualified diagnosis, and she can also clearly explain whether passionflower or lorazepam --- or neither --- is the best option for you.
