Ativan contains the active ingredient lorazepam and is a medication used for anxiety that requires a prescription.1 In addition, it is a controlled substance and has more strict prescription requirements than other medications. Each state may differ in laws regulating lorazepam. Working closely with your provider is important to ensure you have access to Ativan if it is part of your treatment plan.2
What is Ativan & How Does it Work?
Ativan is a benzodiazepine that is used as an anti-anxiety agent in several anxiety disorders. Ativan works in the central nervous system to reduce activity and stabilize neural cells.3 This action relieves anxiety symptoms, causes mild sedation, and produces calming feelings.1 It is important to discuss with your doctor what anxiety medication feels like before you take Ativan. An important note, Ativan and other benzodiazepines cause sedation and you should not drive while taking the medication.
Ativan is the brand name of the medication, but it is also available as generic lorazepam. This article will focus on the brand name Ativan tablets. It is available as an immediate release in the following strengths: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg tablets.1 It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed as well as keep track of how often you take Ativan. This can help you and your provider assess how well Ativan helps control your anxiety.
Which anxiety medications can help you feel better?
There are many effective medications for anxiety including Zoloft and Lexapro, which a Plushcare doctor can prescribe. In as little as 15 minutes, you can speak with a board-certified doctor from PlushCare to receive anxiety treatment.
Plushcare DOES NOT prescribe controlled substances, including XANAX.
Side Effects of Ativan
Taking Ativan comes with the risk of experiencing side effects based on how the medication works. Some side effects are mild and others are severe. This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects. Knowing what to look out for and when to seek medical attention or reach out to your doctor is very important. The most common side effect reported is sedation. This must be monitored and help should be called if someone becomes unresponsive or has slowed breathing.1
Common side effects of Ativan may include:
- Sedation
- Drowsiness
- Weakness
- Unsteadiness
- Fatigue
- Memory impairment
- Confusion
Less common side effects of Ativan may include:
- Confusion
- Headache
- Depression
- Blurred vision
- Movement disorders
- Respiratory depression
- Sleep apnea
Do I Need to Get an Ativan Prescription?
Ativan is not right for everyone who has anxiety. It is specifically used to provide short-term relief of moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety that result in significant impairment of daily functioning.1, 4 Most likely your provider will recommend other options to deal with symptoms of anxiety before prescribing Ativan. These options can include psychotherapy or other anxiety medications.
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When other methods do not work well enough, or daily life becomes impaired, your doctor may suggest taking a benzodiazepine like Ativan.
Some signs that you may benefit from an Ativan prescription include:
- Anxiety medications, including SSRIs, have not provided enough relief.
- Cognitive therapy or psychotherapy has not provided benefit
- Anxiety produces severe symptoms
- Daily functioning is impaired
- Anxiety symptoms produce other health risks like increased blood pressure
Who Shouldn’t Get Ativan Prescribed
Certain groups of people should not take Ativan. Taking Ativan can put specific people at risk and the benefits of anxiety relief would not be enough to warrant use. It is important to talk with your doctor in-depth if you fall into one of these categories.1
- Patients with uncontrolled depression should not use Ativan as it can cause suicidal ideation.
- Patients with impaired lung function should not use Ativan as it can cause dangerously slowed breathing.
- Elderly people are more susceptible to sedation from Ativan and caution should be used.
- Children and pregnant women should not use Ativan unless specifically instructed to do so by a doctor. Taking anxiety medication while pregnant is always an important decision.
- People with a history of substance use disorders should use Ativan with caution as it carries a risk of abuse and addiction.
How to Get Prescribed Ativan
Ativan is only available via prescription by authorized medical professionals. The list of authorized professionals and prescription requirements varies by state. A prescriber will review your medical history. Know that online psychiatrist options also exist as a way to obtain an Ativan prescription.
Follow these steps when considering an Ativan prescription:
- Find an authorized provider: Ask your pharmacist or PCP about who can prescribe you Ativan. If you will see someone virtually ask about prescriptions specifically if you are in a different state.
- Talk to your doctor about your anxiety: Describe how long you have had anxiety, when it is worst, and how it affects your daily life.
- Review previous treatments for anxiety: Cover what treatments you have tried, and what has worked for you in the past.
- Describe your symptoms thoroughly: Be as specific as possible. Keeping a journal or phone note can help you recall symptoms. This will help your doctor determine the proper treatment.
- Consider costs and insurance coverage: Be sure that your mental health insurance will cover Ativan. If the cost is too high, work with your doctor and insurance company to find a cheaper alternative. Pharmacists can also help to find coupons at the pharmacy.
Who Can Prescribe Ativan?
Each state determines which providers are authorized to prescribe Ativan. It is important to ask your provider directly if they are authorized to prescribe medications and if there are any limitations.
Medical professionals who can prescribe Ativan include:
- Primary care provider: You can discuss anxiety in a regular check-in appointment, but you will most likely be asked to make a follow-up appointment. This will give you and your doctor dedicated time to discuss your anxiety and potential treatment with Ativan.
- Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist can prescribe Ativan, but may not offer other therapy services like CBT and counseling. If this is the case, be sure to make all of your healthcare providers aware of your current treatment plans.
- Other mental health professionals: Psychologists can prescribe but only in certain states.
- Other mid-level practitioners: There are many different types of licensed healthcare providers that have prescriptive authority in each state. The most common are Nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
How to Get Ativan Prescribed Online
Getting prescribed Ativan online is relatively quick and easy but you still need a valid prescription for it. Some benefits of online consultations include staying in the comfort of your home, making a difficult conversation easier, and having more flexibility with scheduling. When booking an appointment make sure to take into account cost and insurance coverage. Also make sure to include whether you are looking to take Ativan for the first time or you need a refill. If you are happy with a provider you have seen in the past, sticking with them will certainly make the prescribing process more streamlined.
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Getting Ativan Prescribed Online If You Don’t Have a Prescription Yet
If you are looking to get an online prescription for the first time, you should expect an in-depth and longer consultation. This is necessary to screen you for risks associated with Ativan use before the medication is prescribed to you. You can do this with a local provider, an online psychiatrist, or a company like Talkiatry.
Getting Ativan Prescribed Online If You Have a Prescription
If you already have a prescription for Ativan and just need refills, it is likely your consultation time will be shorter. It should still be comprehensive and your doctor will ask questions like how frequently you have taken Ativan, what is your current dose, and do you have events coming up that are likely to bring on more stress. This can also be done with a local provider or a company like Hims Mental Health and Hers Mental Health.
What If I Can’t Get an Ativan Prescription?
Sometimes your healthcare provider determines that Ativan is not the right fit for you. It can be tough to hear but your provider should give specific reasons as to why they will not write you an Ativan prescription. It is important to respect this decision and understand it is in the interest of your safety. It is okay to share this information with your therapist and other members of your healthcare team if that makes you more comfortable. However, you should not shop around for other doctors just to obtain Ativan.
Finally, it is important to never take any medication that is not prescribed for you. Especially with a medication like Ativan, you should not share it with friends, family, or strangers. Not only is this dangerous to you and others, but it is also illegal.
How to Take Ativan
Ativan comes as an immediate-release tablet with the following strengths: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg. It is commonly taken 2 to 3 times daily as needed for anxiety or taken just before an anxiety-producing event like flying or a dental procedure.1
It is important not to take too much Ativan, or to increase the dose without consulting your doctor first. Also, depending on how long you have been using Ativan, if you want to stop, you should work with your doctor to develop a plan to stop taking Ativan over a period of time to avoid withdrawal symptoms.1
How Fast Can Ativan Work for Anxiety?
Ativan in its immediate release forms works within 2 hours of taking. The anti-anxiety effect usually lasts about 8 hours.1
Other anxiety medications take longer to work and build up over time when taken once daily. Ativan is more immediate in its action and wears off more quickly compared to other SSRIs and SNRIs.
Can You Overdose on Ativan?
Overdose is one of the serious risks of taking Ativan. The risk is especially high when high doses of Ativan are taken, or Ativan is taken with other benzodiazepines, opioids, or alcohol. It is important to only take the prescribed dose as directed. In addition, you should be aware of signs of overdose like slowed or labored breathing, confusion and drowsiness, and severe sedation. If any of these are present you should call 911 immediately.1
Addiction to Ativan
Use of Ativan, especially long-term use, can lead to dependence, abuse, misuse, and addiction.1 Abuse and misuse of Ativan often happens when Ativan is used at high doses and used more frequently than prescribed. It is important to only take the medication as prescribed. If you feel that you need more doses or higher doses you should alert your prescriber.
Dependence occurs when Ativan is used properly but for extended time periods. The body develops a physiological dependence to the medication and you are at risk of experiencing withdrawal if stopping Ativan too quickly. When the time comes to stop taking Ativan, work with your doctor to develop a gradual reduction plan.1
Alternatives to Getting an Ativan Prescription
Ativan is not the only solution to treating anxiety and symptoms of anxiety. There are many over-the-counter supplements and natural remedies for anxiety that can be effective. Some examples include 5-HTP, Ashwagandha, and Valerian. It is important to still alert your healthcare team about all medications you are taking.
Alternatives to Xanax Available Online
Learn which anxiety medications can help you feel better. In as little as 15 minutes, you can speak with a board-certified doctor from PlushCare to receive anxiety treatment.
Plushcare DOES NOT prescribe controlled substances, including XANAX.
Drug Interactions With Ativan
Ativan can interact with many other medications. It is important to review your medications completely with your prescriber, including supplements and over-the-counter medications before you take Ativan. This will help prevent putting you at a higher risk of adverse reactions.1
People may need to avoid taking Ativan without prior guidance from a prescriber if they are taking medications such as:
- Opioids: Opioids increase the risk of respiratory depression since they both act in the nervous system that controls breathing.
- Other benzodiazepines: Other benzodiazepines increase all risks of side effects and adverse reactions.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can also increase the risk of sedation and respiratory depression.
- Valproate, a medication used to treat seizures and manic symptoms, can increase the activity of lorazepam in your body and increase the risk of dangerous side effects.
- Central nervous system (CNS) depressants: CNS depressants have a slowing effect on the nervous system. All CNS depressants can increase the CNS-depressant effects of Ativan.
- Clozapine: Clozapine can cause increased sedation, low blood pressure, slowed breathing, and delirium.
- Probenecid: Probenecid is used to treat gout and gouty arthritis. This medication can cause Ativan to act more quickly and last longer in your body.
- Theophylline: Theophylline is used to treat asthma and other lung conditions. This medication can cause the sedation effect of Ativan to be reduced.
Questions to Ask Your Health Team About How to Get Ativan
Taking the time with your doctor, psychiatrist, and therapist to ask lots of questions, will ensure you reduce problems with filling an Ativan prescription. You should not leave any questions unanswered. The goal is to have a full understanding of why you are being prescribed Ativan and how you are going to use the medication.
Questions to ask your care team about getting an Ativan prescription include:
- How often should I take Ativan?
- Should I increase my dose if it doesn’t work right away?
- Are there any medications I shouldn’t take with Ativan?
- Am I allowed to drink alcohol?
- How often should I come for checkups?
- What common side effects will I likely experience when I start my Ativan medication?
- How long will the medication’s side effects last?
- Should I be concerned about addiction and withdrawal symptoms of the medication?
- What are the best online psychiatry options?
- What are some alternatives to Ativan?
- What should I do if Ativan does not work for me?
- What will happen if I stop my medication abruptly?
In My Experience
Ativan can be very effective in treating symptoms of anxiety. It is important to take the proper steps to obtain a prescription for Ativan. Reviewing risks, benefits, and your health history, can help your provider determine if Ativan is right for you. Be sure to understand all the laws in your location with regards to how long refills are good for so your anxiety treatment plan is not derailed. As always, seek help from your doctor, therapist, or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Bausch Health Inc. (2023, January 13). Ativan – Lorazepam Tablet. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=89057c93-8155-4040-acec-64e877bd2b4c
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Title 21 law control substances Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21, Chapter II. Retrieved from
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-II/part-1306/subject-group-ECFRe4ae2bfb4eae102 -
Ghiasi N, Bhansali RK, Marwaha R. Lorazepam. (2023 Jan 31). StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532890/
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Gliatto, M.F. Generalized Anxiety Disorder. (2000) American Family Physician. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/1001/p1591.html
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For Further Reading
- A state-by-state list of who can prescribe medications
- How to Get Prescribed Xanax: Everything You Need to Know
- How to Get Anxiety Medication: Everything You Need to Know
- How to Get Prescribed Klonopin (Clonazepam): Everything You Need to Know
- Klonopin Vs. Ativan: Differences, Similarities, & Which to Take
Online Anxiety Test
A few questions from Talkiatry can help you understand your symptoms and give you a recommendation for what to do next.
Best Online Psychiatry Services
Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, platforms offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging for a variety of mental health conditions. In some cases, online psychiatry may be more affordable than seeing an in-person provider. Mental health treatment has expanded to include many online psychiatry and therapy services. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to find the one that is right for you.