Lunesta vs Ativan: side-by-side comparison
Lunesta (Somnifères et hypnotiques) and Ativan (Anxiolytiques) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Lunesta | Ativan |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Eszopiclone | Lorazepam |
| Manufacturer | Sunovion | Pfizer |
| Class | Somnifères et hypnotiques | Anxiolytiques |
| Strengths | 1mg, 2mg, 3mg | 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg |
| Forms | tablet | tablet, oral concentrate, injection |
What's the same
Lunesta and Ativan are used in very different patients, and the points in common are limited. The main shared element is that both meet regulatory standards for efficacy and safety and benefit from pharmacist oversight.
Key differences
Lunesta belongs to Somnifères et hypnotiques while Ativan belongs to Anxiolytiques. Indications, mechanisms and target populations differ. The comparison is most useful when a clinician has mentioned both medications and the patient wants to understand where each fits.
Mechanism and action
Lunesta: L'eszopiclone est un modulateur allostérique positif du récepteur GABA-A, sur un site proche du site de liaison des benzodiazépines. Ativan: Le lorazépam se lie au site benzodiazépine du récepteur GABA-A et renforce de façon allostérique la conductance chlorure inhibitrice.
When Lunesta is preferred
Lunesta est autorisé chez l'adulte dans le traitement de l'insomnie, incluant les difficultés d'endormissement et de maintien du sommeil.
When Ativan is preferred
Ativan est autorisé chez l'adulte dans la prise en charge de courte durée des troubles anxieux et de l'insomnie liée à l'anxiété.
Questions fréquentes
Is Lunesta or Ativan better? ▾
Lunesta and Ativan are not interchangeable — they treat different conditions. Asking which is "better" is meaningful only when a clinician has weighed both for the same specific clinical scenario.
Can I switch from Lunesta to Ativan? ▾
Switching between Lunesta and Ativan is rarely an appropriate decision since they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. The real question is usually whether the diagnosis calls for one medication or the other — which the prescriber resolves.
Do Lunesta and Ativan have the same side effects? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each medication has its own prescribing information.
More Lunesta comparisons
Les informations publiées sur ce site sont fournies à titre documentaire et pédagogique. Elles ne remplacent pas l'avis d'un professionnel de santé qualifié.