Compare Zoloft vs. Ativan
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Improves mood and helps you relax.
Zoloft (sertraline) is good for treating depression and anxiety, but it can interact with many medicines.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 1472 reviewsforZoloft
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
- One of the more effective and better tolerated antidepressants in its class.
- Causes less sleepiness than other antidepressants.
- Available as a generic, which is cheaper.
- Best choice among antidepressants if you are pregnant.
- 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.
- Can cause low sex drive, an inability to orgasm or ejaculate, and minor weight gain (1 to 5 pounds).
- Is more likely to cause diarrhea compared to other antidepressants.
- Interacts with lots of other medicines.
- 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.
Used for
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Anxiety
- Bulimia nervosa
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Liquid
- Injection
Price
Lowest price
$8.63
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$9.18
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Reviews
1472 reviews so far
59%
saidit'sworth it
41%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Zoloft (sertraline)?
Leave a review642 reviews so far
71%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Ativan (lorazepam)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
15possible side effects
- Nausea26%
- Diarrhea18%
- Dry mouth16%
- Difficulty sleeping16%
- Drowsiness13%
- Dizziness12%
- Tremor11%
- Fatigue11%
- More sweating8%
- Constipation8%
- Ejaculation failure7%
- Upset stomach6%
- Agitation6%
- Loss of appetite3%
- Stomach pain2%
4possible side effects
- Sleepiness16%
- Dizziness7%
- Weakness4%
- Unsteadiness3%
Risks and risk factors
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Taking other medicines that affect serotonin levels
- Mania
- Personal history of bipolar disorder
- Family history for bipolar disorder
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Zoloft (sertraline) suddenly
- Increased bleeding
- Taking blood thinners
- Low sodium levels in the blood
- Older people
- Taking diuretic medicines
- 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