Compare Prozac vs. Ativan

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

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Prozac (fluoxetine)

Prescription only

Ativan (lorazepam)

Prescription only
Improves mood and helps you relax.

Prozac (fluoxetine) is good for treating depression and anxiety. It's more energizing than other antidepressants, so it may not be the best choice for people who have trouble sleeping.

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3.5/ 5 average rating with 1319 reviewsforProzac
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
Upsides
  • Effectively treats a variety of mental health conditions such as depression, OCD, and panic disorder.
  • It's more energizing than other antidepressants, so it's good for people who have low energy.
  • Might be a good option for treating children with depression and/or OCD.
  • Doesn't have effects on the heart unlike other antidepressants so it may be a better treatment choice for older people.
  • Can cause a significant amount of weight loss which is an added benefit for those who are overweight or obese.
  • 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.
Downsides
  • Takes at least 1 to 2 weeks to kick in and can take up to 12 weeks for maximum effect. Prozac (fluoxetine) tends to take more time to start working compared to similar alternatives.
  • Can lower your sex drive.
  • Can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and/or behavior in those age 24 or younger.
  • You may need to try out several different antidepressants before you find the one that works for you.
  • 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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Delayed-release pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Injection
Price
No pricing information available
Lowest price
$7.99
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Reviews
1319 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Prozac (fluoxetine)?

Leave a review
642 reviews so far
71%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Ativan (lorazepam)?

Leave a review
Side effects
22possible side effects
  • Inability to sleep
    33%
  • Nausea
    28%
  • Lack of energy
    21%
  • Anxiety
    15%
  • Sleepiness
    13%
  • Tremor
    13%
  • Nervousness
    11%
  • Yawn
    11%
  • Indigestion
    10%
  • Sore throat
    10%
  • Dry mouth
    9%
  • Flu syndrome
    8%
  • Diarrhea
    8%
  • Loss of appetite
    8%
  • Sweating
    8%
  • Impotence
    7%
  • Abnormal ejaculation
    7%
  • Sinus infection
    6%
  • Lower sex drive
    5%
  • Abnormal dreams
    5%
  • Rash
    4%
  • Widening of blood vessels
    2%
See more detailed side effects
4possible side effects
  • Sleepiness
    16%
  • Dizziness
    7%
  • Weakness
    4%
  • Unsteadiness
    3%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Age 24 or younger
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Antidepressants
    • Lithium
    • Ultram
    • Imitrex
    • Remeron
    • Lexapro
    • Dilaudid
    • St. John's Wort
  • Skin rash
  • Weight loss
    • People with an eating disorder
  • Increased bleeding risk
    • Taking NSAIDS or blood-thinning drugs
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
    • People with heart rhythm problems or a family history of them
    • Low potassium level
    • Low magnesium level
    • Recent heart attack
    • Using other drugs that affect heart rhythm
    • Overdose
    • People with liver problems
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
Learn more about Prozac (fluoxetine)
Learn more about Ativan (lorazepam)