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Compare Prozac vs. Ativan

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

Key takeaways

Prozac (fluoxetine) and Ativan (lorazepam) are both prescription medications used to treat different mental health conditions, but they belong to different drug classes and work in distinct ways. Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that primarily treats depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, and panic disorder by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. It is typically taken once daily, though a weekly delayed-release form is available for depression. Common side effects include headaches, difficulty sleeping, and tiredness. On the other hand, Ativan is a benzodiazepine used for short-term treatment of anxiety and is also available in an injectable form for seizures and surgery-related anxiety. It works by slowing down brain activity and can start working within 30 minutes. Ativan is a controlled substance due to its potential for dependence and misuse, and common side effects include sleepiness and dizziness. Unlike Prozac, Ativan is only recommended for short-term use because of its risk for addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Summary of Prozac vs. Ativan
Summary for SSRI
Prescription only
Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's used to treat several mental health conditions, including depression and panic disorder. The immediate-release pill and liquid are taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. The delayed-release capsule is taken weekly, but it's approved only for depression. Some common side effects of fluoxetine (Prozac) include headaches, difficulty sleeping, and tiredness. Don't suddenly stop this medication if you've been taking it for a while; doing so can lead to symptoms of withdrawal.
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 Prozac vs. Ativan
Indications for

•Major depressive disorder (MDD)

•Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

•Bulimia

•Panic disorder

•Depression from bipolar 1 disorder

•Treatment resistant depression

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 Prozac vs. Ativan
Pros and Const for SSRI
Pros

•Good choice for treating depression, OCD, and panic disorder

•Less likely to make you sleepy compared to some other antidepressants, such as paroxetine (Paxil)

•Taken by mouth, typically once daily (IR capsules and liquid) or once weekly (DR capsules, for depression only)

•Can be taken with or without food

Cons

•Can take up to 2 months for you to feel the full effects of the medication

•Can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and/or behavior in those age 24 or younger

•Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels

•Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

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 Prozac vs. Ativan
Common Side Effects for

•Difficulty falling asleep (up to 33%)

•Nausea (up to 29%)

•Headache (21%)

•Weakness (up to 21%)

•Diarrhea (up to 18%)

•Low appetite (up to 17%)

•Drowsiness (up to 17%)

•Anxiety (up to 15%)

•Nervousness (up to 14%)

•Tremor (up to 13%)

•Dry mouth (up to 12%)

•Throat pain (up to 11%)

•Yawning (up to 11%)

•Low sex drive (up to 11%)

Common Side Effects for

•Sleepiness (16%)

•Dizziness (7%)

•Weakness (4%)

•Unsteadiness (3%)
Warnings of Prozac vs. Ativan
Common Side Effects for

•Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Anxiety and trouble sleeping

•Serotonin syndrome

•Severe allergic reactions

•Not for use alone in bipolar disorder

•Risk of bleeding

•Glaucoma

•Low blood sodium levels

•Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

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)
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Compare Prozac vs. Ativan

Key takeaways

Summary of Prozac vs. Ativan

Indications of Prozac vs. Ativan

Pros and Cons of Prozac vs. Ativan

Common Side Effects of Prozac vs. Ativan

Warnings of Prozac vs. Ativan

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