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Compare Atarax vs. Ativan

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

  • Hydroxyzine hcl (Atarax)
    Lorazepam (Ativan)
  • Hydroxyzine hcl (Atarax)
    Lorazepam (Ativan)

  • Summary of Atarax vs. Ativan

    Summary for Antihistamine
    Prescription only

    Hydroxyzine hydrochloride (Atarax) is a prescription antihistamine for adults and children. It's used to treat anxiety and to ease itching from allergies. It's also used as a sleep aid (sedative) before and after general anesthesia. Hydroxyzine HCl (Atarax) comes as tablet and oral solution that are taken by mouth up to 4 times per day. Common side effects include sleepiness and dry mouth.

    Summary for Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Lorazepam (Ativan) is a benzodiazepine used for short-term treatment of anxiety. The oral tablets and solution are taken by mouth, typically 1 to 3 times daily, depending on the formulation. Lorazepam is also available as an injectable medication that's given by healthcare professionals in a hospital setting to control seizures. Sleepiness and dizziness are the most common side effects of lorazepam (Ativan).

  • Indications of Atarax vs. Ativan

    Indications for
    •Anxiety
    •Itching from allergic skin conditions (e.g., hives, eczema, etc.)
    •Sleep aid (sedative) while receiving general anesthesia for surgery
    Indications for
    •Anxiety disorders
    •Anxiety associated with depressive symptoms
    •Short-term relief of anxiety
    •Seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes - injection only
    •Surgery-related anxiety, usually given shortly before anesthesia - injection only

  • Pros and Cons of Atarax vs. Ativan

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Starts to work within 30 minutes
    •Available as a tablet and a liquid that are taken by mouth
    •Can use in children
    Cons
    •Available by prescription only
    •Might need to take up to 4 times per day
    •Can rarely cause sexual side effects
    Pros and Const for Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Might start to work within 30 minutes to manage anxiety symptoms
    •Available as oral solution, good option for those who can't swallow tablets
    •Some forms available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Short-term use only because risk of dependence and memory problems
    •Can drowsiness, and dizziness
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
    •Can't take with alcohol

  • Common Side Effects of Atarax vs. Ativan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dry mouth
    •Headache
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (16%)
    •Dizziness (7%)
    •Weakness (4%)
    •Unsteadiness (3%)

  • Warnings of Atarax vs. Ativan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
    •Higher risk of side effects in people over 65
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sedation and difficulty breathing
    •Misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Trouble breathing
    •Risk of agitation and restlessness
    •Harm to babies
    •Serious allergic reaction (Loreev XR only)

  • Prices with our coupons for Atarax vs. Ativan

    Learn more about Hydroxyzine hcl
    Learn more about Lorazepam

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