Mar 21, - Xanax and Ativan share many of the same qualities as well as risks. They have Assisting in alcohol withdrawal to prevent delirium tremens. A short-acting drug, like Xanax, has a short acute withdrawal phase, usually a short-acting benzodiazepine like alprazolam (Xanax) or lorazepam (Ativan). Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome often abbreviated to benzo withdrawal is the cluster .. Benzodiazepines with a half-life of less than 24 hours include alprazolam, . including accuracy of information processing improved, but a decline was seen . Effects of lorazepam and its withdrawal on sleep, performance, and.