Compare Ativan vs. Silenor

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

ADVERTISEMENT
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
Helps you relax, and sleep.

Doxepin is a non-addictive way to help people stay asleep, but it comes with a list of side effects.

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.
  • In a clinical trial Doxepin was able to significantly improve sleep quality.
  • Doxepin helps improve your appetite, energy level, and sense of well-being, which increases your interests.
  • Once your body gets used to Doxepin, most of the side effects go away.
  • Doxepin comes in a generic form, so it is pretty cheap.
  • Doxepin is not addictive.
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.
  • Some people taking Doxepin walk, drive, eat, and have sex while sleeping. Be sure to tell your doctor if this happens to you.
  • Doxepin can increase your appetite, leading to weight gain.
  • Taking Doxepin can make emptying your bladder difficult.
  • Some people have suicidal thoughts when taking Doxepin.
  • Doxepin can interact with many different medications, vitamins, and alternative treatments.
ADVERTISEMENT
Used for
  • Alcoholism - Anxiety - Depression Anxiety - Depression Anxiety - Depression - Psychoneurotic personality disorder Insomnia Pruritus (Moderate)
  • Due to atopic dermatitis or lichen simplex chronicus
  • Urticaria
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Injection
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$8.32
Find instant savings near you
Lowest price
$12.49
Find instant savings near you
Want 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 review
Not enough review data.Leave a review
Side effects
4possible side effects
  • Sleepiness
    16%
  • Dizziness
    7%
  • Weakness
    4%
  • Unsteadiness
    3%
See more detailed side effects
The Silenor (Doxepin) 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
See more detailed risks and warnings
No information currently available
Learn more about Ativan (lorazepam)
Learn more about Silenor (Doxepin)