Compare Ativan vs. Belsomra
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Helps you relax.
Ativan (lorazepam) is an effective medicine for occasional or short-term anxiety. It's less likely to have drug interactions, but more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms compared to similar drugs.
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3.8/ 5 average rating with 642 reviewsforAtivan
Helps you sleep.
Belsomra (suvorexant) helps you fall asleep, but is only avaliable as a brand name so can be expensive.
Upsides
- Effective at relieving short-term anxiety.
- Can be used together with antidepressants to manage anxiety disorders. Especially helpful for anxiety symptoms while you wait for an antidepressant to kick in.
- Less likely to have drug interactions compared to other drugs like it, so it might be a better option if you're taking multiple medications.
- May be helpful if other sleep aids don't work.
- Works quickly, especially on an empty stomach.
- Might be a good option for the elderly.
Downsides
- Can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.
- Can be habit-forming, so it's not typically used for long-term treatment or for people who've had problems with drug or alcohol abuse.
- Compared to other similar medicines, Ativan (lorazepam) is more likely to cause withdrawal if you take it for a long time and then suddenly stop.
- Most people find that Ativan (lorazepam) gets less effective over time.
- Not usually used for long-term treatment since it can be habit-forming.
- Belsomra (suvorexant) is likely expensive since it's only available as a brand name, but coupon savings program could be available.
- Not recommended if you do not plan to sleep for at least 7 hours.
- Belsomra (suvorexant) may cause sleep paralysis.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Injection
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$8.84
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$381.35
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Reviews
642 reviews so far
71%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Ativan (lorazepam)?
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Side effects
4possible side effects
- Sleepiness16%
- Dizziness7%
- Weakness4%
- Unsteadiness3%
8possible side effects
- Headache7%
- Sleepiness7%
- Dizziness3%
- Diarrhea2%
- Dry mouth2%
- Cold and flu2%
- Abnormal dreams2%
- Cough2%
Risks and risk factors
- Severe sedation with opioid use
- Taking with opioids
- Tolerance and dependence
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Taking Ativan (lorazepam) for longer than 4 weeks
- History of drug abuse
- Withdrawal
- Long-term use
- Driving impairment
- Alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Memory problems
- Changes in thoughts
- Uncontrolled psychiatric conditions
- Alcohol
- Other medicines that make you sleepy or dizzy
- Hangover effect
- Alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Less than 7 hours of sleep after taking Belsomra (suvorexant)
- Dependence and withdrawal
- Continuous use for 2 weeks or more
- Depression
- Risk increases with dose
- Past history of depression
- Difficulty breathing
- Sleep apnea
- COPD
- Sleep paralysis