Medical Disclaimer
The medicines listed on this website are only there to give you knowledge. Just because they are on the list doesn’t mean that anyone will be given them; in the end, treatment decisions are up to the healthcare workers. The medicines on this list are not all of them. Doctors may recommend other drugs, even ones that don’t contain stimulants, depending on the patient’s specific health needs and circumstances. Read more
⚠️ Warning in a box: Ativan (lorazepam)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Ativan a boxed warning ↗, which is the most serious kind of warning. There is a higher chance of abuse, misuse, addiction, dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and even death with lorazepam, the active ingredient in Ativan. Combining Ativan with opioids carries a risk. Due to its high potential for abuse or dependence, Ativan is also a controlled substance. Specific federal and state laws restrict the quantity of this medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a specific time frame.
Highlights
- The prescription drug Ativan is used to treat anxiety disorders and anxiety related to depressive symptoms; it is not used to treat anxiety brought on by stress in daily life.
- Ativan can only be purchased with a prescription from a qualified medical professional. The specifics of the health evaluation will determine whether this medication or another treatment is chosen.
- Following the doctor’s instructions throughout the entire course of treatment is crucial to lowering the risks of Ativan abuse and dependence.
- Long-term treatment effects can be reinforced by lifestyle modifications and therapy or counseling.
Brand Name: Ativan
Generic Name: Lorazepam
Pronunciation: EEV ECKS-AR, lor-A-ze-pam, or AT-ivan
Drug Classes: benzodiazepines, anxiolytics, and anticonvulsants
Availability: controlled substance, available only with a prescription, and generic for some types
Significant anguish, difficulty sleeping, as well as other psychological and bodily repercussions, may result from excessive worry. In extreme circumstances, anxiety disorders may even prevent a person from carrying out their regular tasks. Healthcare providers offer psychotherapy and provide drugs like Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), and Ativan (lorazepam) to mitigate or avoid such effects.
Ativan is only available with a prescription due to its prohibition. For a prescription for lorazepam, a patient should speak with a physician who will do a comprehensive evaluation and consider all the advantages and disadvantages of this medication. Learn more about Ativan and how to get a prescription for it by reading on.
For what purpose is Ativan prescribed?
Lorazepam ↗ (Ativan) is a member of the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. In 1977, the FDA approved ↗ it for short-term anxiety treatment, marking its first sale in the US. Additionally, it can alleviate anxiety symptoms linked to depression.
For whom is Ativan prescribed?
Because of its potential for abuse and dependence, Ativan is a controlled substance that is generally not used as a first-line treatment for anxiety. For many patients, it is still appropriate and beneficial, though.
A thorough health evaluation is used to determine the medication, and some of the factors that are considered include
- Diagnosis: Anxiety disorders and depression-induced anxiety are treated with lorazepam. Additionally, there are some off-label (FDA-unapproved) uses, like insomnia.
- History of substance abuse: Ativan is not a viable option in this situation because of its tendency to create habits.
- Comorbid conditions: People with depression should not take lorazepam because it may trigger suicidal thoughts or attempts. Additionally, people who have liver or kidney issues or sleep apnea should use it with caution.
If a patient needs long-term care or is pregnant or nursing, a healthcare professional may also suggest alternatives. These may include specific kinds of beta-blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and other medications.
How to Get a Prescription for Ativan
Since Ativan is a controlled substance, obtaining a prescription for it necessitates a thorough consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Getting a diagnosis and having your symptoms evaluated, whether in person or via video consultation, is the first step. After weighing the benefits and drawbacks of the selected drug, your healthcare provider will, if necessary, write a prescription.
Here’s how to use Lillie’s Friends to obtain an Ativan prescription online:
- Register. Please create an account and fill out the necessary documents and basic information. Select the time and date of your meeting.
- Please attend your first appointment. A medical professional will evaluate your symptoms and provide a diagnosis based on the information you supply during the virtual consultation. If they think a drug like Ativan is required, they may write a prescription. The preferred pharmacy will receive the prescription directly.
- Maintain monitoring and follow-ups. Additional appointments may be required, contingent on your treatment plan. During those sessions, your healthcare provider will monitor your health, adjust the treatment as needed, and help manage any issues or side effects.
Please be aware that scheduling an appointment does not ensure that you will receive a prescription. Your healthcare provider has the final say in the matter.
For whom is Ativan (Lorazepam) prescribed?
Licensed medical professionals, such as psychiatrists and primary care physicians, among others, are authorized to prescribe Ativan (lorazepam). Depending on state regulations, certain physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) may also prescribe Ativan. To prescribe prohibited medications such as Ativan, a medical practitioner must also have a unique DEA number. To determine if Ativan is a suitable match for your specific requirements, doctors will first evaluate your overall health, medical history, and symptoms.
What Does Ativan Actually Do?
Ativan lowers nervousness and excitement by decelerating the central nervous system (CNS). First, let us take a closer look at neurotransmitters to have a deeper understanding of this process.
Chemical messengers called neurotransmitters carry messages from one brain nerve cell to another. Gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that suppresses excessive brain activity by blocking certain impulses delivered within the neurological system. For this reason, it may help to regulate sleep and reduce anxiety.
Ativan has a soothing effect and lessens the intensity of panic and anxiety episodes by boosting the inhibitory action of GABA in the brain. It may assist with the following common anxiety-related symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Intolerance
- Tension in the muscles
- sleep disruptions (inability to fall asleep or wake up throughout the night)
Questions to Ask Your Physician About Ativan
Understanding every aspect of the treatment process is beneficial when talking about the various treatment options or Ativan specifically. Asking your healthcare provider the following questions can help you get general instructions on dosage and treatment duration:
- Which adverse effects are most prevalent? How much time can they last? How can they be minimized or avoided?
- How can I determine whether Ativan is working for me or not? When should an alternative be taken into consideration?
- How can I tell if I start to rely on Ativan?
- How frequently should I go to follow-ups, and what should I keep an eye on to schedule more beneficial and educational appointments?
- Are there any cautions or warnings that I should be aware of?
- What would happen if I stopped taking Ativan? What actions should I take in this situation?
Ativan Cost
The brand-name Ativan and its generic equivalent, lorazepam, have very different prices. Without insurance, the cost of a prescription for brand-name Ativan can exceed $1,000 USD. A month’s supply of generic lorazepam typically costs between $10 and $30 USD when using common discount coupons, making it much more affordable. The final cost of this anxiety medication is also influenced by dosage, quantity, and the particular US pharmacy selected.
A prescription is required. Since co-pays vary greatly, it is frequently necessary to use US pharmacy discount coupons (such as GoodRx or SingleCare) to obtain the lower generic prices (roughly $10 to $30 USD), especially if you do not have insurance. Before buying Ativan or its generic equivalent, it is advised to compare prices from several US pharmacies to get the best deal.

What Are Ativan’s Side Effects?
All drugs have the potential to cause side effects, and Ativan is no different. Among its possible adverse effects are
- Vision blur
- Vomiting or feeling queasy
- Constipation
- Lightheadedness
- sedation
- Weakness
- A headache
- Weariness
- Inability to coordinate and instability
- Libido changes
The following are a few severe Ativan side effects:
- Changes in mood and mental state
- Delusions
- Suicidal ideation
- Issues with breathing
- Convulsions
- Jaundice
When engaging in activities that call for mental acuity, like operating machinery or driving, use caution. Ativan’s drowsiness, lightheadedness, and decreased coordination may impact the process. Therefore, it is best to hold off until you are certain of Ativan’s precise effects on your body.
Every patient must be aware of the effects listed above, even though not everyone experiences them. Please seek medical assistance promptly if you experience any serious side effects.
Ativan Risks of Addiction and Overdose
The government closely monitors Ativan’s use and distribution, just like it does with other benzodiazepines. One explanation for the increase is the possibility of abuse, which can lead to physical or mental dependence, particularly when higher dosages or longer durations are used. Patients should adhere to the prescribed dosage and course of treatment to reduce the risk of dependency.
Additionally, stopping Ativan suddenly is dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, agitation, elevated anxiety, and muscle spasms may result from it. Your prescribing physician will gradually lower your dosage; you should speak with them about it. A well-planned tapering-off strategy can prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Ignoring the doctor’s instructions can result in overdosing in addition to dependency, particularly when combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants. Symptoms of an overdose ↗ include
- unexpectedly manifested physical coordination impairment.
- Mental disarray
- Speech issues
- fainting or feeling extremely sleepy
- Reflex reactions that are delayed
- Breathing issues
If someone overdoses on Ativan, it’s critical to get medical help right away.

Are There Any OTC Substitutes for Ativan?
Ativan has no OTC substitutes, as all benzodiazepines require a prescription. Other over-the-counter drugs and supplements may also be helpful for anxiety, but not all of them have FDA approval as effective treatments.
To prevent interactions and side effects, it is crucial to always speak with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter supplements for anxiety, particularly if you are also taking other medications.
Lifestyle Modifications to Support Ativan’s Effects
To get the most out of Ativan (lorazepam), patients can alter their lifestyle in certain ways. The following are some things to think about:
- To better manage anxiety, establish a serene and encouraging atmosphere. Engage in practices such as meditation or deep breathing, and surround yourself with people who are understanding and supportive of your needs.
- Increase physical activity and create a regular sleep schedule.
- When taking Ativan, stay away from alcohol and other sedatives.
- As an extra source of assistance, think about counseling or therapy.
- Keep your doctor informed about your progress, any side effects, and any concerns by attending follow-up appointments on a regular basis.
Conclusion
If Ativan is thought to be the best course of treatment for a person with a diagnosed anxiety disorder, they can obtain a prescription for it online. The choice is always made after a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history and symptoms.
Consult a medical expert online at Lillie’s Friends if you would like to have your anxiety symptoms evaluated and receive a customized treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an over-the-counter alternative?
The same active component, lorazepam, found in Ativan cannot be found in a direct over-the-counter replacement. Nonetheless, several over-the-counter medications and natural remedies may provide some little alleviation from the indications and manifestations of worry or stress. These consist of valerian root, passionflower, and chamomile. Before starting any new drugs or therapies, it is advised to see a healthcare practitioner due to the variable efficacy and potential drug interactions with over-the-counter equivalents.
Can I buy Ativan online?
You may lawfully acquire Ativan online provided you utilize a licensed online pharmacy and have a valid prescription. Purchasing medications from dubious sources carries a risk since it is impossible to ensure their validity and safety.
What should I discuss with the doctor before taking Ativan?
It is important to address the following issues prior to utilizing Ativan:
- Your medical history, including any problems you may have had in the past or present.
- To avoid potential interactions, list any prescription medications, over-the-counter treatments, and herbal supplements you now use.
- Any sensitivities or reactions to medications.
- If you are attempting to conceive or are breastfeeding a child.
- A history of alcohol or drug abuse.
How long does Ativan (lorazepam) last?
The length of Ativan’s effects varies depending on dose and individual response. The sedative effects of Ativan usually continue for six to eight hours. For more specific information, it’s best to see your doctor since each individual may respond differently.
How does this medication work with brain chemicals?
Since Ativan is a benzodiazepine, it works by enhancing the actions of GABA, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. GABA helps to relax people, calm the central nervous system, and reduce anxiety due to its inhibitory qualities. Therefore, a person perceives soothing effects after Ativan blocks GABA.