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Compare Lunesta vs. Ativan

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

Key takeaways

Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Lorazepam (Ativan) are both medications used to help with sleep and anxiety, but they work in different ways and are used for different purposes. Lunesta is a sedative-hypnotic used to treat insomnia, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It is taken right before bedtime and can cause side effects like a bad taste in your mouth and headaches. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine used for short-term treatment of anxiety and is also available as an injection for seizures. It can cause sleepiness and dizziness and has a higher risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms compared to Lunesta. While both medications are controlled substances, Lorazepam is more likely to be habit-forming. Additionally, Lorazepam should not be taken with alcohol or opioid pain medications due to the risk of severe side effects, including trouble breathing.

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