Compare Ativan vs. Xanax
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 relax.
Xanax (alprazolam) effectively treats occasional or short-term anxiety and panic attacks. Compared to similar drugs, it is more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms and can have more interactions with some medicines.
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3.9/ 5 average rating with 1287 reviewsforXanax
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.
- Xanax (alprazolam) can be used to manage anxiety associated with depression.
- Works very quickly - in hours.
- Available in generic.
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.
- Use of Xanax (alprazolam) can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.
- Xanax (alprazolam) can be habit-forming, so it's not typically used for long-term treatment.
- Compared to other similar drugs, Xanax (alprazolam) is more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms if you take it for a long time and then stop suddenly.
- If you have liver problems, Xanax (alprazolam) may not be the best choice since it is processed by the liver. Several drugs can also interfere with how Xanax (alprazolam) works. Talk to your doctor to see if Xanax (alprazolam) is right for you.
Used for
- Anxiety
- Panic disorder
- Anxiety in children
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Injection
- Pill
- Extended release
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$7.16
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$14.51
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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)?
Leave a review1287 reviews so far
74%
saidit'sworth it
55%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Xanax (alprazolam)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
4possible side effects
- Sleepiness16%
- Dizziness7%
- Weakness4%
- Unsteadiness3%
24possible side effects
- Drowsiness41%
- Lightheadedness21%
- Dry mouth15%
- Depression14%
- Headache13%
- Confusion10%
- Constipation10%
- Diarrhea10%
- Nausea/vomiting10%
- Difficulty sleeping9%
- Fast heartbeat8%
- Nasal congestion7%
- Blurry vision6%
- Low blood pressure5%
- Nervousness4%
- Increased salivation4%
- Muscle rigidity4%
- Tremor4%
- Skin irritation/allergy4%
- Fainting3%
- Weight gain3%
- Dizziness2%
- Restlessness2%
- Weight loss2%
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
- Decreased breathing from use with opioids
- Taking Xanax (alprazolam) with opioids, drugs or alcohol
- Using Xanax (alprazolam) for a longer duration and at high doses
- Dependence and withdrawal
- History of substance abuse
- Taking with alcohol or drugs
- Taking more than 4 mg/day or longer than 12 weeks
- Stopping Xanax (alprazolam) suddenly
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Severe depression
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol or drugs
- Drug interactions
- Current liver problems
- Taking medicines such as antifungals, cimetidine, or some HIV medicines