Key takeaways<\/h2>\n\n- \n
Valium, Xanax, buspirone, Seroquel, and Benadryl are among the alternatives to Ativan for the treatment of anxiety disorders, insomnia, and several other conditions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Ativan contains lorazepam and works by enhancing the effects of GABA in the brain. It can lead to dependence and, if discontinued suddenly, can lead to withdrawal symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Non-prescription alternatives for reducing anxiety and aiding sleep include cognitive behavioral therapy, music interventions, lavender oil, melatonin, and valerian.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Switching from Ativan to an alternative requires consultation with a healthcare provider, a strong emotional support system, a positive mindset, and possibly tapering the dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Compare Ativan alternatives<\/a> | Valium<\/a> | Xanax<\/a> | Buspirone<\/a> | Seroquel<\/a> | Benadryl<\/a> | Natural alternatives<\/a> | How to switch meds<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nAtivan is a brand-name prescription medication used for the short-term management of generalized <\/span>anxiety<\/span> disorder, <\/span>panic disorder<\/span>, other anxiety disorders and phobias, <\/span>insomnia<\/span>, or as an immediate emergency treatment for status epilepticus, nausea and vomiting, <\/span>serotonin syndrome<\/span>, and alcohol withdrawal. Ativan is also used<\/span> to induce sedation<\/span><\/a> before medical procedures or anesthesia. Ativan is a popular choice for a sedative-anxiolytic in an inpatient setting due to its rapid (one- to three-minute) intravenous onset of action and relatively straightforward side effect profile.<\/span><\/p>\nLorazepam<\/span>, the active ingredient in Ativan, belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines (sometimes called benzos) that work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows down nerve activity in the brain and causes drowsiness. Ativan is taken orally for anxiety or insomnia. For seizure relief and procedural sedation, it is administered as an injection by a healthcare professional. Benzos are controlled substances and must be prescribed by a healthcare provider with an active DEA license.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIt is important to note that benzodiazepines can induce dependence with subsequent rebound and withdrawal symptoms if they are suddenly discontinued. Furthermore, these drugs are subject to abuse, particularly in patients with a history of alcohol and substance abuse. Since most of the approved benzodiazepines for insomnia have a half-life of more than eight hours, next-day (residual) fatigue and neuropsychological dysfunction are potential side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b>What is Ativan?<\/b> | <\/b>Get Ativan coupons<\/b><\/p>\nWhat can I take in place of Ativan?<\/span><\/h2>\nWhen considering alternatives to Ativan, important factors to consider include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- What specific condition Ativan is being used to treat or augment<\/span><\/li>\n
- Important patient characteristics including other mental health concerns such as depression or bipolar disorder<\/span><\/li>\n
- Whether the medication is intended to be used in an emergency, inpatient, or at-home setting<\/span><\/li>\n
- Potential for abuse and patient sensitivity to the class of medication, which may include a history of drug misuse or abuse, alcohol dependence, or history of placement in treatment programs<\/span><\/li>\n
- The use of other prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications that may result in harmful drug interactions<\/span><\/li>\n
- Age, with special considerations for younger and older adults<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Depending on the reason Ativan is being prescribed, there are several classes of medications that could be used as alternatives to Ativan including:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Other benzodiazepines<\/b>:<\/b> Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), midazolam, Halcion (triazolam)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Atypical antidepressants<\/b>:<\/b> Remeron (mirtazapine)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Atypical antipsychotics<\/b>:<\/b> Seroquel (quetiapine), Zyprexa (olanzapine)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs<\/b>):<\/b> Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), Celexa (citalopram)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Anti-anxiety medications:<\/b> Buspirone\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Antihistamines:<\/b> Vistaril (hydroxyzine), Benadryl (diphenhydramine)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Anticonvulsants<\/b>:<\/b> Neurontin (gabapentin)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Barbiturates<\/b>:<\/b> Amytal (amobarbital)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Antiemetics<\/b>:<\/b> Emend (aprepitant), Kytril (granisetron), Zofran (ondansetron), Aloxi (palonosetron), Compazine (prochlorperazine), Phenergan (promethazine), Akyzeo (netupitant-palonosetron), Varubi (rolapitant), Reglan (metoclopramide)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\n\n\nCompare Ativan alternatives<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n\nKlonopin (clonazepam)<\/span><\/td>\n Seizures, panic disorder, anxiety<\/span><\/td>\n Drowsiness, dizziness, respiratory depression, dependency<\/span><\/td>\n 0.5-4 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Klonopin coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nValium (diazepam)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Anxiety, procedural sedation, alcohol withdrawal\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n 2-20 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Valium coupons<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nXanax (alprazolam)<\/span><\/td>\n Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder<\/span><\/td>\n 0.75-4 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Xanax coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n Midazolam<\/span><\/td>\n Sedation induction, seizures<\/span><\/td>\n Weight-based, max dose dependent on age and indication<\/span><\/td>\n Midazolam coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nBuspirone\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Anxiety<\/span><\/td>\n Serotonin syndrome, headache, fatigue<\/span><\/td>\n 15-60 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Buspirone coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nZoloft (sertraline)<\/span><\/td>\n Panic disorder, anxiety disorders<\/span><\/td>\n Suicidality, sexual dysfunction, sleepiness<\/span><\/td>\n 25-200 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Zoloft coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nProzac (fluoxetine)<\/span><\/td>\n Panic disorder<\/span><\/td>\n 10-60 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Prozac coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nBenadryl (diphenhydramine)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Insomnia, sedation<\/span><\/td>\n Impaired coordination, sedation, paradoxical stimulation<\/span><\/td>\n 25-100 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Benadryl coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nAmbien (zolpidem)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Insomnia<\/span><\/td>\n Hallucination, complex sleep-related behavior, dependency<\/span><\/td>\n 5-10 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Ambien coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nSeroquel (quetiapine)<\/span><\/td>\n Generalized anxiety disorder<\/span><\/td>\n Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, suicidality, somnolence\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n 25-300 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Seroquel coupons\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nSilenor (doxepin)<\/span><\/td>\n Insomnia<\/span><\/td>\n Psychiatric disturbances, suicidality, complex sleep-related behavior\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n 3-6 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Doxepin coupons<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nBelsomra (suvorexant)<\/span><\/td>\n Insomnia<\/span><\/td>\n Hallucination, complex sleep-related behavior, dependency<\/span><\/td>\n 10-20 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Belsomra coupons<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nZofran (ondansetron)<\/span><\/td>\n Nausea and vomiting\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Headache, constipation, fatigue\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n 4-24 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Zofran coupons<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nPhenergan (promethazine)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Nausea and vomiting\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Respiratory depression, seizures, drowsiness, confusion<\/span><\/td>\n 12.5-100 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Phenergan coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nTop 5 Ativan alternatives<\/span><\/h2>\n1. Valium<\/span><\/h3>\nDiazepam is a benzodiazepine more commonly referred to by the brand name, <\/span>Valium<\/span>. Valium is used in the treatment of anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. It is also a useful adjunct in the treatment of skeletal muscle spasms from local trauma, spasticity from damage to central nervous system brain cells as seen in cerebral palsy, and stiff-person syndrome\u2014a rare movement disorder that causes muscles in the trunk and limbs to become stiff.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nCompared to other benzos, Valium has a longer action in the body, but it still has the potential for abuse.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b>Valium vs. Ativan<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n2. Xanax<\/span><\/h3>\nXanax (alprazolam)<\/span> is another benzodiazepine used in the treatment of anxiety disorders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhile both are effective, Xanax is generally used more often in the treatment of panic attacks and panic disorders with associated fear disorders. Sometimes, the prescribing preference between the two will be determined by provider experience and the individual\u2019s response to treatment with one over the other.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b>Ativan vs. Xanax<\/b><\/p>\n3. Buspirone<\/span><\/h3>\nBuspirone<\/span> is an anxiolytic medication originally developed as an antipsychotic. While it was found to be fairly ineffective for that purpose, it is useful in reducing the symptoms of anxiety. Buspirone has recently become a more popular choice in the management of anxiety as it is not habit-forming. There is no risk of physical dependence or withdrawal associated with its use due to its lack of effects on the GABA receptors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nUnlike Ativan, this medication is typically not used in acute settings, as the clinical effect usually takes two to four weeks to set in. Of note, buspirone bioavailability is increased with food, and individuals may be advised to take this medication with or without food depending on the desired effect.<\/span><\/p>\n4. Seroquel<\/span><\/h3>\nQuetiapine is sometimes used as an alternative to Ativan in acute settings. <\/span>Seroquel<\/span> is an antipsychotic medication used in the management of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and acute episodes of anxiety and delirium in an inpatient setting. \u201cQuetiapine was sometimes utilized to manage various forms of anxiety and ICU delirium,\u201d says <\/span>Jaime Gilbert<\/span><\/a>, RN, a registered nurse with years of experience using the medication. \u201cThis approach was often extremely successful in managing problematic patient symptoms and the therapeutic effects of quetiapine seemed to last much longer than Ativan.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThere are some notable differences in <\/span>side effect profile<\/span> and patient selection when considering Seroquel usage. Seroquel is associated with increased mortality in older patients with dementia-related psychosis and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b>Seroquel dosage<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/p>\n
Valium, Xanax, buspirone, Seroquel, and Benadryl are among the alternatives to Ativan for the treatment of anxiety disorders, insomnia, and several other conditions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Ativan contains lorazepam and works by enhancing the effects of GABA in the brain. It can lead to dependence and, if discontinued suddenly, can lead to withdrawal symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Non-prescription alternatives for reducing anxiety and aiding sleep include cognitive behavioral therapy, music interventions, lavender oil, melatonin, and valerian.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Switching from Ativan to an alternative requires consultation with a healthcare provider, a strong emotional support system, a positive mindset, and possibly tapering the dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Compare Ativan alternatives<\/a> | Valium<\/a> | Xanax<\/a> | Buspirone<\/a> | Seroquel<\/a> | Benadryl<\/a> | Natural alternatives<\/a> | How to switch meds<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Ativan is a brand-name prescription medication used for the short-term management of generalized <\/span>anxiety<\/span> disorder, <\/span>panic disorder<\/span>, other anxiety disorders and phobias, <\/span>insomnia<\/span>, or as an immediate emergency treatment for status epilepticus, nausea and vomiting, <\/span>serotonin syndrome<\/span>, and alcohol withdrawal. Ativan is also used<\/span> to induce sedation<\/span><\/a> before medical procedures or anesthesia. Ativan is a popular choice for a sedative-anxiolytic in an inpatient setting due to its rapid (one- to three-minute) intravenous onset of action and relatively straightforward side effect profile.<\/span><\/p>\n Lorazepam<\/span>, the active ingredient in Ativan, belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines (sometimes called benzos) that work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows down nerve activity in the brain and causes drowsiness. Ativan is taken orally for anxiety or insomnia. For seizure relief and procedural sedation, it is administered as an injection by a healthcare professional. Benzos are controlled substances and must be prescribed by a healthcare provider with an active DEA license.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It is important to note that benzodiazepines can induce dependence with subsequent rebound and withdrawal symptoms if they are suddenly discontinued. Furthermore, these drugs are subject to abuse, particularly in patients with a history of alcohol and substance abuse. Since most of the approved benzodiazepines for insomnia have a half-life of more than eight hours, next-day (residual) fatigue and neuropsychological dysfunction are potential side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b>What is Ativan?<\/b> | <\/b>Get Ativan coupons<\/b><\/p>\n When considering alternatives to Ativan, important factors to consider include:<\/span><\/p>\n Depending on the reason Ativan is being prescribed, there are several classes of medications that could be used as alternatives to Ativan including:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Diazepam is a benzodiazepine more commonly referred to by the brand name, <\/span>Valium<\/span>. Valium is used in the treatment of anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. It is also a useful adjunct in the treatment of skeletal muscle spasms from local trauma, spasticity from damage to central nervous system brain cells as seen in cerebral palsy, and stiff-person syndrome\u2014a rare movement disorder that causes muscles in the trunk and limbs to become stiff.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Compared to other benzos, Valium has a longer action in the body, but it still has the potential for abuse.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b>Valium vs. Ativan<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Xanax (alprazolam)<\/span> is another benzodiazepine used in the treatment of anxiety disorders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While both are effective, Xanax is generally used more often in the treatment of panic attacks and panic disorders with associated fear disorders. Sometimes, the prescribing preference between the two will be determined by provider experience and the individual\u2019s response to treatment with one over the other.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b>Ativan vs. Xanax<\/b><\/p>\n Buspirone<\/span> is an anxiolytic medication originally developed as an antipsychotic. While it was found to be fairly ineffective for that purpose, it is useful in reducing the symptoms of anxiety. Buspirone has recently become a more popular choice in the management of anxiety as it is not habit-forming. There is no risk of physical dependence or withdrawal associated with its use due to its lack of effects on the GABA receptors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Unlike Ativan, this medication is typically not used in acute settings, as the clinical effect usually takes two to four weeks to set in. Of note, buspirone bioavailability is increased with food, and individuals may be advised to take this medication with or without food depending on the desired effect.<\/span><\/p>\n Quetiapine is sometimes used as an alternative to Ativan in acute settings. <\/span>Seroquel<\/span> is an antipsychotic medication used in the management of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and acute episodes of anxiety and delirium in an inpatient setting. \u201cQuetiapine was sometimes utilized to manage various forms of anxiety and ICU delirium,\u201d says <\/span>Jaime Gilbert<\/span><\/a>, RN, a registered nurse with years of experience using the medication. \u201cThis approach was often extremely successful in managing problematic patient symptoms and the therapeutic effects of quetiapine seemed to last much longer than Ativan.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There are some notable differences in <\/span>side effect profile<\/span> and patient selection when considering Seroquel usage. Seroquel is associated with increased mortality in older patients with dementia-related psychosis and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b>Seroquel dosage<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \t\t<\/p>\nWhat can I take in place of Ativan?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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\n \n Compare Ativan alternatives<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n
\n Klonopin (clonazepam)<\/span><\/td>\n Seizures, panic disorder, anxiety<\/span><\/td>\n Drowsiness, dizziness, respiratory depression, dependency<\/span><\/td>\n 0.5-4 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Klonopin coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Valium (diazepam)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Anxiety, procedural sedation, alcohol withdrawal\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n 2-20 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Valium coupons<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Xanax (alprazolam)<\/span><\/td>\n Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder<\/span><\/td>\n 0.75-4 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Xanax coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Midazolam<\/span><\/td>\n Sedation induction, seizures<\/span><\/td>\n Weight-based, max dose dependent on age and indication<\/span><\/td>\n Midazolam coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Buspirone\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Anxiety<\/span><\/td>\n Serotonin syndrome, headache, fatigue<\/span><\/td>\n 15-60 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Buspirone coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Zoloft (sertraline)<\/span><\/td>\n Panic disorder, anxiety disorders<\/span><\/td>\n Suicidality, sexual dysfunction, sleepiness<\/span><\/td>\n 25-200 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Zoloft coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Prozac (fluoxetine)<\/span><\/td>\n Panic disorder<\/span><\/td>\n 10-60 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Prozac coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Benadryl (diphenhydramine)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Insomnia, sedation<\/span><\/td>\n Impaired coordination, sedation, paradoxical stimulation<\/span><\/td>\n 25-100 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Benadryl coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Ambien (zolpidem)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Insomnia<\/span><\/td>\n Hallucination, complex sleep-related behavior, dependency<\/span><\/td>\n 5-10 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Ambien coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Seroquel (quetiapine)<\/span><\/td>\n Generalized anxiety disorder<\/span><\/td>\n Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, suicidality, somnolence\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n 25-300 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Seroquel coupons\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Silenor (doxepin)<\/span><\/td>\n Insomnia<\/span><\/td>\n Psychiatric disturbances, suicidality, complex sleep-related behavior\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n 3-6 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Doxepin coupons<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Belsomra (suvorexant)<\/span><\/td>\n Insomnia<\/span><\/td>\n Hallucination, complex sleep-related behavior, dependency<\/span><\/td>\n 10-20 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Belsomra coupons<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Zofran (ondansetron)<\/span><\/td>\n Nausea and vomiting\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Headache, constipation, fatigue\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n 4-24 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Zofran coupons<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Phenergan (promethazine)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Nausea and vomiting\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Respiratory depression, seizures, drowsiness, confusion<\/span><\/td>\n 12.5-100 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n Phenergan coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Top 5 Ativan alternatives<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Valium<\/span><\/h3>\n
2. Xanax<\/span><\/h3>\n
3. Buspirone<\/span><\/h3>\n
4. Seroquel<\/span><\/h3>\n