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ATIVAN vs XANAX XR

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 22, 2026·How we rate

Possible drug interaction. ATIVAN and XANAX XR are different prescription medicines. Combining or switching between them can cause interactions — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber before making changes. This page is not medical advice.

ativanxanax xr

Rating

68/100
New

Pharmacy pays

~$1.14 /30
~$0.76 /30

Type

RX
RX

Active ingredient

LORAZEPAM
ALPRAZOLAM

Manufacturer

Hikma
Upjohn

Dosage forms

Injectable, Tablet
Tablet, extended release

Drug class

Benzodiazepine
Benzodiazepine

Boxed warning

Boxed warning
Boxed warning

Half-life

about 12 hours (mean)
about 11 hours (mean 11.2 hours; range roughly 6 to 27 hours) in healthy adults

Treats

Anxiety Disorders, Catatonia, Depressive Disorder
Agoraphobia, Depressive Disorder, Panic Disorder

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, Ativan or Xanax XR?

Xanax XR costs pharmacies less to acquire — about $0.76 vs $1.14 for a 30-count supply, per the CMS NADAC survey. That gap is in the pharmacy's cost of goods, not necessarily in what you pay: your price is set afterwards by your insurer and the pharmacy.

What is the difference between Ativan and Xanax XR?

Ativan contains Lorazepam, while Xanax XR contains Alprazolam — they have different active ingredients.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.