Compare Ativan vs. chlordiazepoxide
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
Reduces anxiety.
Librium (chlordiazepoxide) is good for lowering anxiety since its effects aren't as strong as similar medicines; however, it lasts longer in the body and can be more dangerous in older people.
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.
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide) is available as a generic.
- Because Librium (chlordiazepoxide) lasts longer in the body, it's preferred for alcohol withdrawal since it's less likely to cause seizures.
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide) can be used by itself, or with antidepressants to help lower anxiety.
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.
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide) lasts much longer in older people, so it's not safe to use if you're age 65 or older.
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide) is not as strong as similar medicines, so it's only really useful to calm anxiety and for alcohol withdrawal.
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide) can be addictive, so you should use it for as short of a time as possible.
Used for
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Anxiety
- Preoperative anxiety
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Injection
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$7.88
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$7.34
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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%
The Librium (chlordiazepoxide) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
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
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Taking Librium (chlordiazepoxide) for more than 2 weeks
- Drowsiness and sleepiness
- Drinking alcohol or taking narcotics
- Addiction