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Seroquel vs. Ativan

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

Key takeaways

Quetiapine (Seroquel) and lorazepam (Ativan) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and as an add-on for depression. It works by balancing chemicals in the brain like dopamine and serotonin. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine used for short-term treatment of anxiety and to control seizures. It works by slowing down brain activity. Quetiapine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release oral forms, while lorazepam is available in immediate-release tablets, oral solution, and as an injectable. Quetiapine can cause weight gain and high blood sugar, whereas lorazepam has a risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, lorazepam is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse, while quetiapine is not.

Quetiapine

(Seroquel)

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Lorazepam

(Ativan)

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Summary for Seroquel

Prescription only

Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an atypical antipsychotic. It's used to treat mental health problems like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This medication comes as an immediate-release tablet (Seroquel) that's taken by mouth usually twice a day. There's also an extended-release tablet (Seroquel XR) that's taken once a day. The specific dosage depends on how well it's helping your mood, thoughts, and behaviors. Side effects can include sleepiness, headache, and possible weight gain. There are brand-name and generic versions of this medication.

Indications for Seroquel

Pros and Cons for Seroquel

Pros

  • Taken by mouth
  • Might notice an improvement in your symptoms in as early as a week of starting the medication
  • Available in both short-acting and long-acting tablets

Cons

  • Might cause weight gain
  • Can raise your blood sugar and cholesterol levels
  • Not recommended for older adults who have dementia-related psychosis

Common Side Effects for Seroquel

Immediate-release tablets:

  • Headache (21%)
  • Agitation (20%)
  • Sleepiness (18%)
  • Dizziness (11%)
  • Dry mouth (9%)
  • Constipation (8%)
  • Pain (7%)
  • Fast heart rate (6%)
  • Vomiting (6%)

Extended-release tablets:

Warnings for Seroquel

  • Higher risk of death and stroke in older people with dementia-related psychosis
  • Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
  • Trouble controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Risk of falls
  • Risk of infection (due to low white blood cell counts)
  • Possible changes in heart rhythm
  • Seizures
  • Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)
  • High prolactin levels
  • Feeling very sleepy and having trouble concentrating

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)

Prices with our coupons for Seroquel vs. Ativan

Price Card Drug Icon
Quetiapine30 tablets / 25mg
$9.00$9.00
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Price Card Drug Icon
Lorazepam30 tablets / 1mg
$11.41$18.44
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