Ativan has a
Highlights
- Ativan is a prescription medication used for the treatment of anxiety disorders and anxiety associated with depressive symptoms; not anxiety caused by daily life stress.
- Ativan is available only by prescription issued by a licensed healthcare provider. The choice of this medication or another treatment depends on the details of the health assessment.
- Ativan has a potential for abuse and dependence, so, to reduce the risks, it’s important to follow the clinician’s guidelines during the whole course of treatment.
- Therapy or counseling and lifestyle changes can support the effects of treatment in the long term.
Brand name: Ativan
Generic name: lorazepam
Drug class: tablets, injections
Dosage forms: tablets
FDA-approved uses: anxiety disorders, anxiety associated with depressive symptoms
Excessive anxiety can cause significant distress, sleeping problems, and other physical and psychological effects. In severe cases, it can transform into an anxiety disorder and even make a person unable to handle basic daily life activities. To ease or prevent such outcomes, healthcare professionals recommend psychotherapy and can prescribe medications, such as Ativan (lorazepam), when it’s deemed appropriate.
Read on to learn when Ativan is necessary and when other treatments are more suitable, who can prescribe this medication, and if it is possible to receive a prescription for Ativan online.
Professional help for anxiety
What Is Ativan Prescribed For?
Ativan (
Who Can Be Prescribed Ativan
Ativan is a controlled substance because it has a risk of abuse and dependence, so typically, it is not considered a first-line treatment for anxiety. However, it is still suitable and helpful for many patients.
The choice of the medication is based on a detailed health assessment, some of the aspects including:
- Diagnosis: Lorazepam is prescribed for anxiety disorders and depression-induced anxiety. There are also some off-label uses (i.e. not approved by the FDA), such as insomnia.
- History of substance abuse: Due to its habit-forming properties, Ativan is not a suitable choice in this case.
- Comorbid conditions: Lorazepam might cause suicidal thoughts or attempts, so it is not recommended for people with depression. It should also be used with caution in individuals with sleep apnea or problems with the liver or kidneys.
A healthcare provider may also recommend alternatives if a person is pregnant, breastfeeding, or requires long-term treatment. These can be particular types of antidepressants, anticonvulsants, beta-blockers, and others.
How to Get Ativan Prescribed
Since it is a controlled substance, getting an Ativan prescription requires a detailed consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. The first step is getting your symptoms assessed and receiving a diagnosis, be it during an in-person or an online video appointment. Then your healthcare provider will weigh all the pros and cons of the chosen medication and write a prescription if deemed appropriate.
Here is how to get an online Ativan prescription at MEDvidi:
- Sign up. Create an account and fill out the basic information, including any required documents. Choose the date and time of your appointment.
- Attend an initial appointment. Based on the data you provide during the virtual consultation, a healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and make a diagnosis. They might write a prescription if they believe that a medication like Ativan is necessary. The prescription will be sent directly to the pharmacy of choice.
- Have follow-ups and monitoring. Depending on your treatment plan, you may need to have additional appointments. During those sessions, your healthcare provider will monitor your health dynamics, adjust the treatment if needed, or help to handle any issues or adverse effects.
Note that booking an appointment doesn’t guarantee obtaining a prescription. The decision is at the discretion of your healthcare provider.
Who Can Prescribe Ativan (Lorazepam)?
Ativan (lorazepam) can be prescribed by licensed doctors, including psychiatrists and primary care physicians. Some nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) can also prescribe Ativan depending on state laws. A healthcare professional needs a unique DEA number to prescribe controlled substances like Ativan.
What Exactly Does Ativan Do?
Ativan reduces anxiety by slowing down the central nervous system (CNS). To better understand this process, let’s learn more about neurotransmitters first.
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the body that transmit signals from one nerve cell to another in the brain. These messengers have different purposes; for example, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that suppresses excessive brain activity by reducing specific signals sent within the nervous system. That is why it is thought to play a role in calming anxiety and sleep regulation.
By increasing the inhibitory effect of GABA in the brain, Ativan brings calming effects and minimizes the severity of anxiety and panic attacks. It can help with the following typical symptoms associated with anxiety:
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
It can also help manage sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night.
Depending on the dosage, the person’s metabolism, and the degree of anxiety, the length and strength of the effects can differ. It’s crucial to remember that Ativan’s effects are transient, and you should take the prescription exactly as your doctor has instructed, never exceeding the dose.
What to Ask Your Doctor About Ativan
When discussing the available treatment options or Ativan in particular, it’s helpful to learn all the ins and outs of the treatment process. In addition to general instructions on dosage and the duration of treatment, consider asking your healthcare provider the following questions:
- What are the most common side effects? How long can they last? How to avoid or reduce them?
- How to know if Ativan is or is not working for me? When is it time to consider an alternative?
- How do I know if I become dependent on Ativan?
- How often should I attend follow-ups and what should I monitor to have more informative and helpful appointments?
- Is there anything I need to know in terms of warnings and precautions?
- What if I decide to stop taking Ativan? What is the course of action in this case?
Klonopin Cost
The cost of thirty 0.5 mg Klonopin tablets is from $99 to $118. Since Klonopin is a benzodiazepine, not all insurance providers cover it and some require prior authorization, so make sure to learn more about coverage options and prerequisites.
Many insurance plans cover the generic version, clonazepam. Its out-of-pocket cost is from $20 to $30. You can discuss this option with your healthcare provider to find the most suitable treatment. Remember that the cost may change depending on your location and pharmacy.
What Are the Side Effects of Ativan?
Side effects are possible with almost all medications, and Ativan is no exception. Its potential side effects include:
- Blurred vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Sedation
- Weakness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Lack of coordination, unsteadiness
- Changes in libido
Some serious side effects of Ativan include the following:
- Mental and mood changes
- Hallucinations
- Suicidal thoughts
- Breathing problems
- Seizures
- Jaundice
Exercise caution when performing tasks that require mental alertness, such as driving, or operating machinery. Ativan can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, which can influence the process. So, it is advisable to wait until you know how exactly Ativan affects your body.
Not everyone experiences the above-mentioned effects, but every patient has to be aware of them. If you experience any severe side effects, seek immediate medical attention.
Addiction and Overdose Risks
Like other benzodiazepines, the use and distribution of Ativan are strictly monitored by the government. One reason for that is potential misuse, resulting in physical or psychological dependence, mostly when used for longer duration or higher doses. To minimize the risk of dependency, patients should stick to the recommended dosing and duration of treatment.
It is also unsafe to stop taking Ativan abruptly. It can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as sleep problems, irritability, increased anxiety, and muscle spasms. You should consult with your prescribing doctor who will gradually reduce your dosage. A specific scheme for tapering off medication will help to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Aside from dependency, ignoring the healthcare provider’s instructions can cause
- Impaired physical coordination that appears out of nowhere.
- Mental confusion
- Speech difficulties
- Passing out or severe drowsiness
- Delayed reflex responses
- Breathing difficulties
It is vital to seek medical attention immediately if someone has an Ativan overdose.
Ativan Cost
The supply of 30 1mg Ativan tablets can cost from $1534 to $1798, depending on the pharmacy and location. The price is significantly lower for a generic version, lorazepam, being $20,48 to $35,24, so you can discuss this option with your healthcare provider. However, Ativan is covered by many insurance plans, and there are coupons available allowing patients to save on this medication, so you can explore if these options are available in your particular case.
Are There OTC Ativan Alternatives?
In terms of alternatives within the same medication class, there are no over-the-counter alternatives to Ativan because all benzodiazepines are available only by prescription. There are some other OTC medications and supplements that might help with anxiety, but not all of them are FDA-approved as valid treatment options.
It is important to always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any OTC supplements for anxiety, especially if you are taking other medications, to avoid interactions and unwanted effects.
Lifestyle Adjustments Supporting the Effects of Ativan
While using Ativan (lorazepam), patients can make specific lifestyle changes to benefit most from the medicine. Here are some things to consider:
- Create a calm and supportive environment to better deal with anxiety. Practice techniques like deep breathing or meditation, and surround yourself with supportive individuals who understand your needs.
- Establish a consistent sleep routine and increase physical activity.
- Avoid alcohol and other sedatives while using Ativan.
- Consider therapy or counseling as an additional means of support.
- Regularly attend follow-ups to update your doctor on your progress, any side effects, or concerns.
Summing Up
A person with a diagnosed anxiety disorder can get an Ativan prescription online if it’s considered the most appropriate treatment option for them. The decision is always based on a detailed evaluation of symptoms and health history.
If you want to get your symptoms assessed and receive a personalized treatment plan for anxiety, see a healthcare professional online at MEDvidi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I discuss with the doctor before taking Ativan?
Before using Ativan, it’s essential to discuss the following points:
- Your medical background, including any existing or previous conditions.
- Any prescription medications, over-the-counter remedies, or herbal supplements to prevent possible interactions.
- Any pharmaceutical allergies or sensitivities.
- If you are nursing a baby or are trying to get pregnant.
- Any past drug or alcohol addiction.
How long does Ativan (lorazepam) last?
The duration of Ativan’s effects can change based on the dosage and individual response. Ativan typically has sedative effects that last 6 to 8 hours. However, each person may react differently, so it’s better to speak with your doctor for more detailed information and never exceed the prescribed dose.
Can I be prescribed Ativan while on Suboxone treatment?
Ativan and Suboxone have a
If you are currently taking or weaning off Suboxone, healthcare providers at MEDvidi can consider prescribing you Ativan only after obtaining the above-mentioned letter.
