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Compare Rozerem vs. Ativan

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

Key takeaways

Ramelteon (Rozerem) and lorazepam (Ativan) are both medications that can help with sleep issues, but they work in different ways and have important differences. Ramelteon is a melatonin receptor agonist used to treat insomnia by helping you fall asleep, while lorazepam is a benzodiazepine primarily used for anxiety and sometimes off-label for sleep issues. Ramelteon is taken as an 8 mg oral tablet 30 minutes before bedtime, whereas lorazepam can be taken in various forms, including tablets, oral solutions, and injections, with dosing depending on the condition being treated. Ramelteon is not a controlled substance, while lorazepam is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to the risk of misuse and dependence. Common side effects of ramelteon include dizziness and sleepiness, while lorazepam can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and weakness. Ramelteon should not be taken with high-fat meals and can interact with many medications, including fluvoxamine and fluconazole, while lorazepam should not be mixed with alcohol or opioid pain medications due to the risk of severe side effects.

  • Ramelteon (Rozerem)
    Lorazepam (Ativan)
  • Ramelteon (Rozerem)
    Lorazepam (Ativan)

  • Summary of Rozerem vs. Ativan

    Summary for Melatonin receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Ramelteon (Rozerem) is a sleeping pill used to treat insomnia in adults. It belongs to the drug class known as melatonin receptor agonists and works like melatonin. Ramelteon (Rozerem) is taken by mouth, typically about 30 minutes before bedtime. Unlike some other prescription sleep medications, ramelteon (Rozerem) isn't a controlled substance nor known to be habit-forming. Side effects of ramelteon (Rozerem) aren't common, but can include drowsiness and dizziness.

    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 Rozerem vs. Ativan

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep)
    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 Rozerem vs. Ativan

    Pros and Const for Melatonin receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Not a controlled substance and isn't known to be habit-forming
    •Fewer side effects than some other sleep medications
    •Available as a generic medication
    Cons
    •Shouldn't take with or right after a high-fat meal
    •Can interact with many medications, including fluconazole, rifampin, and fluvoxamine
    •Not recommended for people with sleep apnea or severe liver problems
    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 Rozerem vs. Ativan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (4%)
    •Sleepiness (3%)
    •Fatigue (3%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Worsening insomnia (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (16%)
    •Dizziness (7%)
    •Weakness (4%)
    •Unsteadiness (3%)

  • Warnings of Rozerem vs. Ativan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Changes in behavior and unusual thoughts
    •Other causes of insomnia
    •Caution while driving
    •Hormonal changes
    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)

  • Prices with our coupons for Rozerem vs. Ativan

    Learn more about Ramelteon
    Learn more about Lorazepam

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