What is the difference between Valium and Ativan?

According to Psychology Today, the only distinction between Ativan and Valium is that Valium is longer acting than Ativan. Ativan is a brand name of lorazepam, while Valium is a brand name of diazepam. Both drugs are in the benzodiazepine class of medications.

Klonopin, the brand name of clonazepane, is a longer-acting benzodiazepine similar to Valium, while Xanax, the brand name of alprazolam, is a short-acting benzodiazepine like Ativan, elaborates Psychology Today. Benzodiazepines are the most widely prescribed class of medications in the world. Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and can have undesirable interactions with a number of other drugs, including alcohol.