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Compare Ativan vs. Librium

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

Key takeaways

Lorazepam (Ativan) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) are both benzodiazepines used for short-term treatment of anxiety, but they have some differences. Lorazepam is available as an oral tablet, liquid, and injectable, while chlordiazepoxide is only available as an oral capsule. Lorazepam can also be used to control seizures and ease surgery-related anxiety, whereas chlordiazepoxide is specifically used to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Lorazepam tends to work faster, with effects starting within 30 minutes to 2 hours. Chlordiazepoxide can take up to 4 hours to reach maximum levels in your blood. Both medications have a risk of addiction and withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly, but chlordiazepoxide stays in your system longer. It can take chlordiazepoxide over 10 days to fully leave your body. Additionally, lorazepam is available in both brand and lower-cost generic forms, while chlordiazepoxide is only available as a generic. Both medications should be used with caution, especially in older adults and those with a history of substance misuse.

  • Lorazepam (Ativan)
    Chlordiazepoxide
  • Lorazepam (Ativan)
    Chlordiazepoxide

  • Summary of Ativan vs. Librium

    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).

    Summary for Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Chlordiazepoxide is used for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. It can also prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms, like seizures. This medication has a risk of addiction, so it's classified as a schedule IV controlled substance. Your dose will depend on the reason why you're using it, your age, and your other health conditions. Some possible side effects of chlordiazepoxide include drowsiness, trouble with balance and movement, and confusion. Chlordiazepoxide comes as a capsule, and is available as a brand name and a lower-cost generic.

  • Indications of Ativan vs. Librium

    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
    Indications for
    •Alcohol withdrawal
    •Preoperative anxiety and anxiety disorders

  • Pros and Cons of Ativan vs. Librium

    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
    Pros and Const for Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •A first-choice treatment option for alcohol withdrawal
    •Can be used in children age 6 and older
    •Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on your response
    Cons
    •Controlled medication due to the risk of addiction, misuse, and dependence
    •Risk of more side effects in older adults
    •Can cause withdrawal if suddenly stopped
    •Should only be used short-term

  • Common Side Effects of Ativan vs. Librium

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (16%)
    •Dizziness (7%)
    •Weakness (4%)
    •Unsteadiness (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Confusion
    •Loss of coordination (clumsiness)

  • Warnings of Ativan vs. Librium

    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)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risks while also taking opioids
    •Potential for addiction, misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Harm to babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Ativan vs. Librium

    Learn more about Lorazepam
    Learn more about Chlordiazepoxide

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