Compare Ativan vs. Unisom
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
Treats allergy symptoms and helps you sleep.
Unisom Sleeptabs (Doxylamine) can help you get a good night's sleep, but you can have a hard time waking up if you don't give yourself enough time to sleep.
●●●●●
3.3/ 5 average rating with 585 reviewsforUnisom
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.
- Works well to help you fall asleep and doesn't make you feel groggy the next morning.
- Has fewer side effects than prescription sleep aid medications.
- Available over the counter without a prescription.
- Not habit-forming like other sleep aids can be.
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.
- Shouldn't be used unless you have a full night to sleep.
- You shouldn't drive after taking Unisom Sleeptabs (Doxylamine) until you know how it affects you.
- Drinking alcohol while taking Unisom Sleeptabs (Doxylamine) isn't recommended.
- It can increase the risk of falls, so elderly people shouldn't use Unisom Sleeptabs (Doxylamine).
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Injection
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$8.60
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$3.95
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 review585 reviews so far
58%
saidit'sworth it
32%
saiditworked well
11%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Unisom Sleeptabs (Doxylamine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
4possible side effects
- Sleepiness16%
- Dizziness7%
- Weakness4%
- Unsteadiness3%
The Unisom Sleeptabs (Doxylamine) 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
- Overdosage
- Using other drugs with similar ingredients
- Increased side effects
- Age 65 years or older
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Hyperactivity
- Children age 6 years or younger
- Trouble urinating
- Enlarged prostate
- History of bladder problems
- Vision changes
- Glaucoma
- Breastfeeding
- Nursing mothers