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Ativan vs. Valium

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

Key takeaways

Lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium) are both benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety, but they have some differences. Lorazepam is used for short-term relief of anxiety, anxiety associated with depressive symptoms, and seizures. Diazepam is used for anxiety, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, muscle spasms, and as an add-on for seizures. Lorazepam is available in both oral and injectable forms, and it can start working within 30 minutes when taken by mouth. Diazepam also comes in oral and injectable forms, but it can start working in about 15 to 30 minutes and its effects can last 12 hours or more. Both medications carry a risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Lower-cost generics are available for both medications as well. Additionally, both medications can cause sleepiness and dizziness, and you should avoid alcohol while taking them.

Lorazepam

(Ativan)

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Diazepam

(Valium)

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Summary for Ativan

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 for Ativan

Pros and Cons for Ativan

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 for Ativan

  • Sleepiness (16%)
  • Dizziness (7%)
  • Weakness (4%)
  • Unsteadiness (3%)

Warnings for Ativan

  • 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)

Summary for Valium

Prescription only

Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine. It's used to treat symptoms of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. It can also treat certain types of muscle spasms and seizures. Diazepam (Valium) comes as a tablet and liquid solution. It's taken by mouth, typically 2 to 4 times daily. Some common side effects of diazepam (Valium) include sleepiness, dizziness, and weakness. Additionally, this medication carries a risk for misuse and dependence, so it's classified as a controlled substance.

Indications for Valium

Pros and Cons for Valium

Pros

  • Taken by mouth
  • Available as tablets and liquid
  • Works within 30 minutes

Cons

  • Might need to take multiple times a day
  • Short-term use only because risk for dependence
  • Generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Valium

  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Problems with balance or coordination
  • Memory problems

Warnings for Valium

  • Extreme sleepiness and difficulty breathing
  • Misuse and dependence
  • Withdrawal
  • Harm to babies during pregnancy and after delivery
  • Interactions with other medications
  • Use with caution in people with depression

Prices with our coupons for Ativan vs. Valium

Price Card Drug Icon
Lorazepam30 tablets / 1mg
$11.41$18.44
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Price Card Drug Icon
Diazepam30 tablets / 5mg
$10.43$22.04
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