Key takeaways
Hydroxyzine hydrochloride and lorazepam (Ativan) are both medications used to treat anxiety, but they belong to different medication classes. Hydroxyzine HCl is an antihistamine that also helps with anxiety by affecting serotonin levels in the brain, while lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that slows down brain activity to control anxiety. Hydroxyzine HCl is available as a tablet, oral solution or syrup, and injection, and it can be taken multiple times a day. Lorazepam comes in oral tablets, oral solution, and injectable forms, and is typically taken up to three times daily. Hydroxyzine HCl is not a controlled substance, whereas lorazepam is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence. Common side effects of hydroxyzine HCl include sleepiness and dry mouth, while lorazepam can cause sleepiness, slowed breathing, and withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Hydroxyzine HCl can interact with medications that cause drowsiness or heart rhythm problems, and lorazepam should not be taken with alcohol or opioid pain medications due to the risk of severe side effects.
