*An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.
To get prescribed Ativan online, you will first need to find an online psychiatry provider who can and will prescribe controlled substances. Due to special regulations for controlled substances, most online platforms will not prescribe benzodiazepine medications like Ativan. State laws can affect access as well.
Your primary care provider may be able to refer you to a prescriber who can evaluate you and prescribe Ativan. If you are looking for online access to your prescription, we have thoroughly evaluated online psychiatry providers like Talkiatry that can and will prescribe benzodiazepines like Ativan, and found them each to be a good place to get started with an evaluation. If your provider feels Ativan is a good fit for your anxiety symptoms, they may prescribe you Ativan online.
Boxed Warning: Lorazepam (Ativan) – Risk of medication misuse or abuse
Lorazepam, the active ingredient in Ativan, has black box warnings. These are the most serious types of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
– Taking lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, with other opioid medications increases your risk for serious side effects that include severe sedation, slower breathing, coma, and death. Lorazepam should not be taken with an opioid unless there are no other options.
– Taking lorazepam can lead to misuse (abuse) and addiction of the medication, which can increase your risk of overdose and death.
– Using lorazepam can lead to physical dependence and this risk increases the longer you take lorazepam. If you suddenly stop taking lorazepam, you can expereince withdrawal. Withdrawal can be life threatening. Lorazepam should only be discontinued by gradual tapering of the dose.
Ativan is a controlled substance, which means that it’s more likely to be misused or cause dependence. There are federal and state laws that limit the amount of medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.
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Key Takeaways
To get prescribed Ativan online, start by getting an evaluation from an online provider who can and will prescribe controlled substances, such as Talkiatry.
Ativan alternatives may be necessary for some to consider, including other benzodiazepines and antidepressants.
Brand name Ativan can cost between $1,000-$1,143 for a 30-day supply of the smallest dosage available without insurance. Ativan coupons, savings cards, and discounts may all help lower costs.
How to Get Prescribed Ativan Online or In Person
To get prescribed Ativan online or in person, you will first need an evaluation to determine whether it is a good fit for treating your symptoms of anxiety. The process of getting diagnosed and potentially prescribed Ativan online or in person may vary for people of different ages.
Due to special regulations for controlled substances, it is important to find an online psychiatry provider who can and will prescribe benzodiazepines like Ativan. For in-person prescription options, a good place to start is with your primary care provider.
How to Get Prescribed Ativan Online
Here is how to get an Ativan prescription online in six steps.
Step 1: Book an Appointment With an Online Psychiatry Provider
The first step is to book an appointment with an online provider that can and will prescribe controlled substances, such as Talkiatry. Due to special regulations for controlled substances, it can be difficult to find a provider to prescribe medications like Ativan online. We have thoroughly reviewed this platform, and in using this service ourselves, we have found it to be a good place to get started with an evaluation.
Step 2: Get a Psychological Evaluation & Discuss Your Symptoms
At your appointment, your provider will evaluate your overall health, medical history, and your anxiety-related issues. They will also ask about any previous treatments for your anxiety and why those did or didn’t work. This discussion will help the provider know whether Ativan may be safe and appropriate for you.
Step 3: Get Treatment Recommendations
Your provider will develop a treatment plan to help you manage your anxiety symptoms. This plan may include behavioral therapy, medication such as Ativan, or both. An alternative medication may be recommended if Ativan isn’t the best fit. If Ativan is determined to be a good fit for you, your provider will review the risks, benefits, and how to take the medication.
Step 4: Fill Your Online Ativan Prescription
If offered, your prescriber will give you a prescription for a 30-day supply, which you may fill through their online platform. You may be able to get Ativan medication delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Step 5: Schedule Follow-up Appointments
Your prescriber will need to meet with you in person once either at your initial evaluation or your first refill. This is a federal requirement for Schedule IV controlled substance medications such as Ativan. Your prescriber will check on your symptoms, determine if Ativan is still suitable, and adjust the dosage if needed.
Step 6 : Discuss Prescription Refills With Your Provider
Schedule IV controlled substances such as Ativan cannot be refilled automatically. Your prescriber may offer no more than an initial prescription and 5 refills within a 6-month timeframe. After 6 months, a new and separate prescription will need to be written for additional medication.1
How to Get Ativan Prescribed In Person
In six steps, here is how to get an Ativan prescription in person.
Step 1: Book an Appointment With a Healthcare Provider
For an in-person anxiety evaluation, a good place to start is with your primary care provider. This may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. If they determine it is needed, they can refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist who can further evaluate whether to include Ativan as a part of the treatment plan for you.
Step 2: Get a Psychological Evaluation & Discuss Your Symptoms
An appointment for in-person psychological evaluations is similar to online evaluations. You and your provider will discuss how your anxiety symptoms affect your daily functioning.
Step 3: Get Treatment Recommendations
After completing the evaluation, your provider will develop a treatment plan that may include behavioral therapy, medication such as Ativan, or both. This plan will address how to manage your anxiety symptoms in different settings, such as home or work. If Ativan is determined to be a good fit for you, your provider will review the risks, benefits, and how to take the medication.
Step 4: Choose Where to Get Your Ativan Prescription Filled
If offered, your prescriber will give you a prescription for a 30-day supply, which you may fill at your preferred local pharmacy or an online psychiatry platform. You may be able to get Ativan delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Step 5: Schedule Follow-up Appointments
Due to regulations for prescribing controlled substances, a new prescription with a prescriber visit is required each month. At first, your prescriber will meet with you monthly to check on your symptoms and adjust your Ativan dosage. Depending on how the medication works for you, your prescriber may offer multiple prescriptions you can fill and change your check-in visits to once every 6 months.
Step 6: Discuss Prescription Refills With Your Provider
Schedule IV controlled substances such as Ativan cannot be refilled automatically. Your prescriber will check on your symptoms, determine if Ativan is still suitable, and adjust the dosage if needed. Your prescriber may offer no more than an initial prescription and 5 refills within a 6-month timeframe. After 6 months, a new and separate prescription will need to be written for additional medication.1
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How Much Does Ativan Cost?
The cost of Ativan can vary based on several factors, including your location, the pharmacy you use, and whether you have insurance, as well as on the dosage and length of prescription (number of days) your doctor prescribes.
Ativan Prices
The cost of Ativan currently ranges from $996-$1,234 for a 30-day supply of 0.5 milligrams without insurance. Your Ativan prescription may cost much less with insurance depending on your plan and coverage. A similar prescription of the generic form of Ativan, lorazepam, costs $10-$24. The cost of Ativan will also vary based on the dosage and amount prescribed. Coupons for Ativan are often available and may reduce your out of pocket costs.
Note: Cash prices listed are derived from multiple sources. The prices listed are an estimate only and cannot be guaranteed. For exact prices, please contact the pharmacy.
Walmart
$1159
Walgreens
$1145
CVS / Target
$1117
RiteAid
$1112
Kroger
$1090
Costco
$1234
Hy-Vee
$996
Publix
$1176
Albertsons
$1058
Does Insurance Cover Ativan?
Your insurance plan may cover your prescription for Ativan, depending on the company. However, insurance policies can change coverage at any time and some may only cover a prescription for generic lorazepam.
Requirements for medication coverage may also vary for Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and commercial insurance policies. Contact your insurance provider directly to learn whether your prescription may be covered.
Here are online anxiety treatment platforms that accept insurance:
- Talkiatry may prescribe controlled substances in some cases and is only available to those with insurance.
- Brightside Health accepts many major insurance plans. It does not prescribe controlled substances but can be an option if you are prescribed antidepressants for your anxiety.
For in-person prescription appointments, you may be asked to provide insurance information when you book it or when you arrive. You can find out which local providers are covered by your insurance plan.
Who Is Ativan a Good Fit For?
Ativan can be a safe and effective FDA-approved treatment for symptoms of anxiety, and it can be helpful for other conditions and symptoms for some people. While it carries risk of misuse, some find Ativan to be helpful for reducing symptoms and improving daily functioning.
Here’s who may benefit from an Ativan prescription:
- Those with anxiety symptoms (FDA-approved treatment)1
- Those diagnosed with akathisia (non-FDA-approved treatment)
- Those diagnosed with catatonia (non-FDA-approved treatment)
Your provider will also consider these factors before prescribing Ativan:
- You’re seeking short-term relief from anxiety symptoms.
- Other anxiety or panic attack treatments you’ve tried, including SSRIs, haven’t helped enough.
- You have no history of substance misuse or addiction.
Who Shouldn’t Be Prescribed Ativan?
Every person is different, and while Ativan is an FDA-approved treatment for anxiety symptoms, it may not be the right medication for everyone. Ativan has been shown to be safe and effective for those aged 6 months and older, but there are some exceptions to consider.
People who should take extra caution before using Ativan include:1
- Pregnant and breastfeeding parents
- Those with other mental health conditions
- Those with a history of substance use
- Those with kidney or liver problems
- Those with breathing problems
- Those who need long-term anxiety medication
- Older adults
This is not a complete list of warnings and precautions for taking Ativan and not all possible reactions may occur. Discuss with your doctor to see if Ativan is right for you.
Ativan Alternatives
There are several Ativan alternatives available. Both benzodiazepines and antidepressant medications can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Alternatives to Ativan include other benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium. These medications are for short-term use only and often not the first treatment offered. There are also several antidepressant medications FDA-approved to treat anxiety symptoms
Antidepressant Medications
Lexapro and Paxil are all antidepressant medications that are FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants such as Zoloft and Prozac may also be used off-label to treat anxiety symptoms. Off-label use means that a prescriber may use a medication as non-FDA-approved treatment because they believe it may benefit a patient.
Having multiple Ativan alternatives is important for people who need or wish to avoid benzodiazepine medications. Because benzodiazepines are controlled substances, they may be difficult to obtain online.
Antidepressants may also be easier for online psychiatrists to prescribe depending on your state, diagnosis, and other factors. If you are looking for an online provider that can prescribe Ativan alternatives, both Talkiatry and Brightside can offer antidepressants where they may be a good fit.
Generic Ativan
Also, the generic version of Ativan may be prescribed as an alternative to the brand name for several reasons. It contains the same active ingredient as the brand name medication, which is lorazepam. The generic form also has the same treatment benefits as brand name Ativan and is less expensive.
Over-the-Counter Ativan Options
There are various over-the-counter Ativan alternatives that claim to help with the treatment of anxiety, such as supplements and medications. However, none of these are FDA-approved. Quality studies are limited and do not show that such treatments improve anxiety symptoms.
Some over-the-counter treatments may interact with other medications you may be taking. Check with reputable sources and your healthcare providers before taking any supplements.
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Questions to Ask Your Provider
If you think getting an Ativan prescription may help your anxiety symptoms, one place to start is by talking to your primary healthcare provider. They know your health history and may prescribe you medication, if needed.
And they make a referral to a psychiatrist or other specialist if they think it would be best for you, they can make a referral. Alternatively, if you do not have a primary healthcare provider, an online psychiatry provider such as Talkiatry is a good place to start.
Prepare for your first appointment by gathering important information about your condition. Consider your main symptoms and how they affect your life. Describe your goals for treatment, discussing your interest and concerns about using medications.
Questions to ask your care team about getting an Ativan prescription include:
- How often should I come for checkups for my Ativan prescription?
- Is there a certain medication or specific benzodiazepine that is best for treating the type of anxiety I experience?
- What common side effects will I likely experience when I start my Ativan medication?
- How long will the medication’s side effects last?
- Are there any risk factors that make me more susceptible to developing dependence on benzodiazepines?
- What should I do if Ativan does not work for me?
- What will happen if I stop my medication abruptly?
- How long does Ativan take to show its effectiveness?
- What are the precautions I must take during the treatment?
Prescriber’s Tips
Your prescriber will share important information about your Ativan prescription. They will explain how to take and store your medication, what to avoid when taking it, and what to do about side effects. Follow these tips for safe and effective use of Ativan.
- Take Ativan as prescribed, even if you start feeling better. Do not change your dose or stop taking it unless your prescriber tells you to. Taking too much Ativan may lead to overdose and increase your risk of misuse or addiction. Stopping Ativan abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, or seizures.1
- Get emergency help right away if any of the following happens: shallow or slowed breathing, breathing stops (which may lead to the heart stopping), excessive sleepiness (sedation)
- Avoid operating heavy machinery or dangerous activities until you know how the medication affects you.
- While benzodiazepines like Ativan can promote sleep initially, they can disrupt your natural sleep cycle in the long run. Discuss alternative sleep hygiene practices with your doctor to prevent and help manage sleep disruption while taking Ativan.
- Always disclose all medications and supplements you’re taking to your doctor before starting benzodiazepines to avoid potential interactions. Benzodiazepines have sedative effects and can interact dangerously with other medications that depress the central nervous system (CNS). This includes alcohol, opioids, and certain antidepressants.2, 3, 4
- Take your medication at the same time each day. Doing so can help you remember to take it, making it as effective as possible.
- Tell your prescriber right away if you have any worsening mental health symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Ativan?
Ativan, with the active ingredient lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine medication that is FDA-approved medication for the short-term treatment of anxiety symptoms. It may also be used off-label to treat several conditions including substance withdrawal symptoms, vertigo, and akathisia (a movement disorder).1
How Does Ativan Work?
Ativan works on the neurotransmitter, GABA. It will tell your brain to release GABA which makes your nervous system less active. This allows your body to relax, thus decreasing anxiety and increasing drowsiness.1
Who Can Prescribe Ativan?
Ativan can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider who is registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). These providers may be primary care physicians, psychiatrists, neurologists, or nurse practitioners.
Can You Get Ativan Prescription Refills Online?
Controlled substances such as Ativan cannot be refilled online if the initial evaluation was done remotely. Refills must be done with an in-person visit to a medical practitioner. Talk to your provider to make sure you can get your prescription refills when you need them, whether in person or online.
Are There Refill Limits for Ativan Prescriptions?
There are limits to prescriptions for controlled substances. While prescriptions cannot be refilled, a prescriber may provide refills for no longer than a 6-month supply.5
Can I Get Ativan Delivered to My Home?
You may be able to get Ativan medication delivered to your home, but may vary depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Can Urgent Care Prescribe Ativan?
Urgent care clinics cannot prescribe Ativan due to it being a controlled substance. If you have an Ativan prescription already, contact your primary provider or local pharmacy for help. If you do not have a prescription, you will need a full psychiatric evaluation first. Providers at an urgent care or walk-in clinic are not able to provide this type of evaluation.6
How Long Is an Ativan Prescription Good For?
The amount of Ativan for an initial prescription or refill is no more than a 34-day supply. Your prescriber may provide refills for up to a 6-month supply.5 Talk to your prescriber if you may have trouble scheduling an appointment before your supply runs out.
Can You Get an Ativan Prescription Refilled Early?
Schedule IV controlled substances like Ativan have limitations on refills and may only be refilled a few days before the refill date.5
How Much Does Ativan Cost Without Insurance?
The cash cost of brand name Ativan can range from $1,000-$1,143 for a 30-day supply of the smallest dosage available (20 mg).
Can You Get Prescribed Ativan Without an Anxiety Disorder?
Yes, Ativan may be used off-label to treat other conditions such as substance withdrawal symptoms, vertigo, and akathisia (a movement disorder).
Can You Get Ativan Over the Counter?
No, Ativan is only available with a prescription.
Is There a Generic Version of Ativan?
Yes, a generic version of Ativan is available and contains the active ingredient lorazepam.
ChoosingTherapy.com 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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Ativan – lorazepam tablet. (January 13, 2023). Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.
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Controlled Substances Listed in Schedule III, IV, V. (May 14, 2024). ECFR.gov. Retrieved from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-II/
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Peng L, Meeks TW, Blazes CK. (2022). Complex Persistent Benzodiazepine Dependence—When Benzodiazepine Deprescribing Goes Awry. JAMA Psychiatry. Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2792518
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Bausch Health Companies Inc. Steinbach, MB. (2020). Ativan (lorazepam). Retrieved From https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/017794s048lbl.pdf
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Mallinckrodt Inc. Hazelwood, MO. (2016). Restoril (temazepam) Capsules USP. Retrieved From https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/018163s064lbl.pdf
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Spencer, Aiden. (May 19, 2016). What Type of Medication Can an Urgent Care Doctor Prescribe? AJMC.com. Retrieved from https://www.ajmc.com/view/what-type-of-medication-can-an-urgent-care-doctor-prescribe
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Added “Key Takeaways” feature. Edited for clarity. Consolidated sections called “Do I Need a Ativan Prescription?” and “What Can I Expect When Getting a Ativan Prescription?”, retitled as “Who Is Ativan a Good Fit For?”; Revised and retitled sections titled “How to Get Ativan Prescribed Online & In Person”, “Questions to Ask Your Provider”, “Ativan Alternatives” with additional subsections “Antidepressant Medications”, “Generic Ativan”, and “Over-the-Counter Ativan Options”. Created additional FAQs, updated sources as needed.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Added new sections titled “How Much Does Ativan Cost?”, “What Can I Expect When Getting an Ativan Prescription?”, “Prescriber’s Tips”, “FAQs”. Revised sections titled “Do I Need an Ativan Prescription?”, “How to Get a Prescription for Ativan Online & In Person”, “What Are Ativan Alternatives?”, “Are There Over-the-Counter Ativan Options?”, “Questions to Ask Your Provider”, Reviewed and added relevant sources. Edited for readability and clarity.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes:Updated formatting and added new article content including drug overview summary block, cost table, and alternatives comparison slider. Also updated “Questions to Ask Your Provider” and “Prescriber Tips” page features.
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