Compare Ativan vs. Paxil
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.
●●●●●
3.8/ 5 average rating with 642 reviewsforAtivan
Improves mood and anxiety.
Paxil (paroxetine) is effective for treating depression and anxiety, but causes more unwanted side-effects than other medicines that work like it.
●●●●●
3.4/ 5 average rating with 694 reviewsforPaxil
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.
- Available in a cheaper, generic form.
- Is convenient and can take once a day.
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.
- More likely to decrease your sexual appetite and delay or prevent ejaculation than other antidepressants.
- Like most antidepressants, Paxil (paroxetine) has a high risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior when used in children and adolescents.
- May not be appropriate for you if you are elderly or suffer from dementia.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Injection
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$8.32
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$18.95
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
642 reviews so far
71%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Ativan (lorazepam)?
Leave a review694 reviews so far
52%
saidit'sworth it
39%
saiditworked well
24%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Paxil (paroxetine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
4possible side effects
- Sleepiness16%
- Dizziness7%
- Weakness4%
- Unsteadiness3%
29possible side effects
- Abnormal ejaculation28%
- Nausea25%
- Weakness22%
- Drowsiness22%
- Difficulty sleeping21%
- Decreased sexual appetite12%
- Dizziness11%
- Sweating9%
- Dry mouth9%
- Diarrhea9%
- Tremor9%
- Female genital disorder9%
- Decreased appetite8%
- Nervousness8%
- Constipation5%
- Anxiety5%
- Yawning5%
- Painful period5%
- Impotence5%
- Indigestion4%
- Gas4%
- Muscle pain4%
- Impaired concentration4%
- Throat inflammation4%
- Abnormal vision4%
- Trauma3%
- Agitation3%
- Vomiting2%
- Muscle twitching2%
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
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- High levels of serotonin (Serotonin Syndrome)
- Using other medications that affect serotonin levels
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Paxil (paroxetine) suddenly
- Increased bleeding risk
- Taking other blood-thinning drugs
- Sexual dysfunction