Is Lorazepam A Narcotic
No, lorazepam isnt a narcotic. Instead, it belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Narcotics are a type of opioid drug.
Benzodiazepines work in different ways in the brain than narcotics do.
Like lorazepam, narcotics are scheduled drugs because they may be misused or cause dependence and addiction.* To learn more about scheduled drugs, see Is lorazepam a controlled substance? above.
With dependence, your body needs a drug in order for you to feel normal. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it was prescribed. And with addiction, a drug is taken even if its causing harm.
Narcotics are used to manage pain, but benzodiazepines such as lorazepam are used to manage anxiety.
* Lorazepam oral tablets have a
- seizures, or have had them in the past
Also, tell your doctor if you:
- are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
- drink alcohol regularly
Your doctor can discuss with you whether lorazepam oral tablets are safe for you to take.
What Does Lorazepam Oral Tablet Cost
Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use.
Assistance to help you pay for lorazepam oral tablets may be available. Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds are two websites that provide resources to help reduce the cost of this medication.
These websites also have tools to help you find low-cost healthcare and certain educational resources. To learn more, visit the websites.
Lorazepam Abuse And Addictive Potential
- Lorazepam is a drug that can be safely taken under the direction of a trained medical professional if used as instructed.1 Using lorazepam that is not prescribed for that person, using it to get high, using it in ways other than prescribed, or using it with or to offset other substances is considered lorazepam misuse and can be very dangerous.9
- Lorazepam may be misused in attempts to self-medicate anxiety, stress, or depressed moods. Some may misuse Ativan to get high, including combining it with other drugs to enhance their effects. It also may be misused in an attempt to alleviate the undesirable effects of cocaine or the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.3
- Longer duration of use and larger doses heighten the risk of dependence. Individuals with a history of addiction should be monitored carefully when prescribed lorazepam.5 Misuse of benzodiazepines may result in overdose.9
- Benzodiazepines can be sedating and have high abuse potential.10 Lorazepam is one of the top 5 benzodiazepines found in the illegal drug market. People with polysubstance abuse history may be at an especially high risk of becoming dependent on and abusing benzodiazepines such as Ativan.3
With continued misuse over a period of time, a person may develop a lorazepam use disorder. Symptoms may include:11
Substance use disorders are serious conditions that are associated with severe physical, social, and emotional consequences.
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How Did You Successfully Taper Off Of 05 Lorazepam
Has anyone tapered from 0.5mg of lorazepam per day? Can you share your experience? Thank you.
It takes a long time for my body and mind to get used to the lower taper. As long as it takes it is worth it. I feel more anxiety and sleeplessness
Hi @ch2232, first of all, congrats on successfully tapering down to 0.5mg of lorazepam. The home stretch can be especially challenging. As you likely already know, it’s important to go slow. But how does one go slow once they’ve reached 0.5mg? In addition to @lindasmith1222‘s comment, I’d like to also invite @healthlady22@cdcc@grandmar@audriana@elwooodsdad@sears@laleewal68@ainsleigh@vfrifr and @layla26 to weigh in with their experiences.
Ch2232, how long have you been taking lorazepam? And of that time, how long have you been on 0.5? How are you feeling on 0.5?
Hi @ch2232, first of all, congrats on successfully tapering down to 0.5mg of lorazepam. The home stretch can be especially challenging. As you likely already know, it’s important to go slow. But how does one go slow once they’ve reached 0.5mg? In addition to @lindasmith1222‘s comment, I’d like to also invite @healthlady22@cdcc@grandmar@audriana@elwooodsdad@sears@laleewal68@ainsleigh@vfrifr and @layla26 to weigh in with their experiences.
What To Do If You Suspect An Overdose
If you think someone is overdosing on fentanyl or any other opioid:
- use naloxone, a drug that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose
- naloxone wears off in 20 to 90 minutes, so it is important to seek further medical attention
- give the person another dose of naloxone if signs and symptoms do not disappear or if they reappear
Staying at the scene of an overdose is important to help save the life of the person experiencing an overdose. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for individuals who witness an overdose and call 911 or their local emergency number for help.
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How Is Ativan Legally Classified
Ativan can only be purchased legally with a prescription from a physician. Ativan is listed by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency as a Schedule IV drug. This means that it is believed to have a low potential for abuse or physical addiction relative to drugs such as heroin or cocaine. However, just because Ativan is not considered to be as physically addictive as heroin, this does not mean it is not a drug that carries potential for abuse and/or addiction.
Psychotherapy In Benzo Recovery
CBT and other forms of talk therapy have been shown very helpful during recovery from benzodiazepine use and for the resolution of personal struggles that could have led to a prescription in the first place.
According to Mayo-Wilson and other researchers, CBT and other forms of talk therapy are a helpful Ativan alternative treatment, for anxiety disorders that are notorious for contributing to other symptoms such as insomnia and depression. Find a counselor you feel able to connect with and see if the results are at least as effective, if not more effective than tranquilizers.4,5,16
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How Should This Medicine Be Used
Lorazepam comes as a tablet and concentrate to take by mouth. It usually is taken two or three times a day and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lorazepam exactly as directed.
Lorazepam concentrate comes with a specially marked dropper for measuring the dose. Ask your pharmacist to show you how to use the dropper. Dilute the concentrate in 1 ounce or more of water, juice, or carbonated beverages just before taking it. It also may be mixed with applesauce or pudding just before taking the dose.
Signs Of Addiction To Ativan
There are several signs that may indicate someone may be abusing Ativan.
First, individuals who use or abuse Ativan may some other comorbid disorder that could include:
- Depression or an anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder, phobias, or other anxiety disorder
- A sleep disorder, such as insomnia
- Some other issue with substance use or abuse, such as alcohol abuse, narcotic pain medication abuse, stimulant abuse, or other illicit drug abuse
- A seizure disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
An individual with one of these disorders who is prescribed Ativan and uses it for lengthy period of time may be at risk for abuse. It is important that the individuals physician monitor use of the drug, as Ativan should not be used for long periods in most cases. Individuals who use other drugs or substances in addition to taking Ativan are at a particularly high risk of abusing the drug. Other signs and symptoms of Ativan abuse include:
- The person begins to neglect responsibilities.
- The person demonstrates declining performance at school or work.
- The person begins to use more Ativan than prescribed or take it more often than prescribed.
- The individual takes Ativan in ways that are not prescribed.
- The individual begins doctor shopping to get more Ativan.
- The individual is obtaining Ativan from illegal sources.
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How Is Lorazepam Similar To Clonazepam
Lorazepam and clonazepam belong to the same group of medications, called benzodiazepines. Theyre both prescription drugs, and they have some similarities and a few differences.
These drugs work in similar ways to help manage anxiety symptoms. They also have similar side effects, drug interactions, and warnings related to their use.
Lorazepam and clonazepam both have brand-name and generic versions. But, they have different active ingredients and dosage forms, and some unique uses.
To learn more about the differences between lorazepam and clonazepam, talk with your doctor. They can recommend which drug is best for your condition.
What If I Forget To Take It
If you forget to take your lorazepam:
- for anxiety if it’s less than 3 hours since your missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 3 hours have passed, skip the missed dose.
- for sleep problems leave out the missed dose if you have not taken it by bedtime. Take you usual dose the next night.
- before an operation or procedure read any information you were given by the hospital about your procedure, which may have advice about missed doses. If it does not, call the hospital to ask what to do next.
If you forget to take lorazepam, never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.
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Supplements Effective Ativan Alternatives
An article by Shaheen and Vieria was published in The Nutritional Journal in 2010 that reviewed over 60 studies on approximately 2600 participants using nutritional and herbal remedies for treating psychiatric symptoms. Their review concluded that based on the available evidence, it appears that nutritional and herbal supplementation is an effective method for treating anxiety and anxiety-related conditions without the risk of serious side effects. 80 Our work using nutritional and other alternatives to Ativan and similar drugs to help our clients at Alternative to Meds Center resonates in full harmony with their findings. This and other studies have found strong evidence for the efficacy of numerous alternative treatments including passionflower, kava, and combinations of amino acids such as L-lysine and L-arginine and others, as effective treatments for anxiety and other symptoms.34,35,36,38,31
GABA
There exists much research on the use of GABA as an effective natural alternative to pharmaceutical treatments for anxiety, stress, and related symptoms such as Hepsomali et als 2020 review published in Frontiers in Neuroscience. Adham et als 2006 study found that GABA produced relaxation and diminished anxiety within one hour of oral administration.33,54
Niacinamide
Magnesium Alternative to Ativan for Stress, Anxiety
Cannabidiol
Melatonin for Sleep, Additional Benefits
Tryptophan for Insomnia, anxiety
5-HTP to Support Natural Mental Health
Valerian Natural Sedative
How You Can Help Someone Stop Ativan
Have you heard of Ativan , and of the risks of benzodiazepines drugs in older adults? Is an older person you care for taking prescription medication for sleep, anxiety, or nerves?
Would you like an easy, practical tool to help someone stop a drug whose risks often outweigh the benefits?
If so, I have good news: a wonderful new patient education tool has been created by a well-respected expert in geriatrics, Dr. Cara Tannenbaum. Best of all, her recently published study proved that this tool works.
As in, 62% older adults who received this tool a brochure with a quiz followed by key information discussed stopping the medication with a doctor or pharmacist, and 27% were successful in discontinuing their benzodiazepine. The brochure includes a handy illustrated guide on slowly and safely weaning a person off these habit-forming drugs.
This is big news because although experts widely agree that long-term benzodiazepine use should be avoided in older adults, getting doctors and patients to work together to stop has been tough. It is, after all, generally easier to start a tranquilizer than to stop it!
But through a patient education brochure, Dr. Tannenbaums team was able to make this tricky process much more doable for older adults, their families, and their doctors.
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Physical Therapies As Ativan Alternatives
Massage, Thermotherapy, Relaxation as Alternatives to Ativan
Sherman et als exciting 12-week trial treated 68 patients with generalized anxiety disorder with therapeutic massage, thermotherapy, and time spent in relaxation rooms. Therapy was delivered in regular weekly sessions and found that 100% of the participants showed a significant reduction in depression, stress, anxiety, and other GAD-related symptoms at the end of the trial. After a follow-up at 26 weeks, the researchers found all participants had retained these improvements. Other studies have shown similar benefits from learning self-administered relaxation techniques.28,55
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Aung et als extensive review of published materials on Traditional Chinese Medicine showed definite efficacy when used as alternatives to Ativan or other drug therapy for psychiatric disorders and symptoms.29
Tu et als 2019 thorough review of medical literature on the use of acupuncture for various psychiatric symptoms and disorders shows the efficacy of using acupuncture in mental health treatment and suggests more clinical trials and studies could provide a better understanding of how acupuncture may benefit the neuropathways involved in such disorders.79
More Common Side Effects
The more common side effects of Ativan include:
- drowsiness or sleepiness
- changes in libido
- memory problems
In people who receive the Ativan injection, redness or deepening of skin color and pain at the injection site can commonly occur.
Some of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If theyre more severe or dont go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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How Should I Take Lorazepam
Take lorazepam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use lorazepam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of lorazepam.
Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Measure the oral concentrate with the supplied measuring device . Mix the liquid with water, juice, soda, or soft food such as applesauce or pudding. Swallow this mixture right away.
Swallow the extended-release capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and mix the medicine with applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Then drink a glass of water.
Do not stop using lorazepam without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use.
Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Store the liquid form of lorazepam in the refrigerator. Throw away any liquid not used within 90 days.
Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.
Lorazepam Oral Tablet Brand
Lorazepam is the generic version of the brand-name drug Ativan.
Lorazepam oral tablet is a generic drug, which means its an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The brand-name medication that lorazepam oral tablet is based on is called Ativan.
Generic drugs are thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name drugs theyre based on. In general, generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.
Brand and generic versions of a drug work in exactly the same way. They both have the same active ingredients. But generic drugs may have different inactive ingredients, such as fillers or binders. These inactive ingredients dont affect how the drug works.
If youd like to know more about using Ativan instead of lorazepam oral tablets, talk with your doctor. And, view this Healthline article to learn more about the differences between generic and brand-name drugs.
Like most drugs, lorazepam oral tablets may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that lorazepam oral tablets may cause. These lists dont include all the possible side effects.
Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:
- other health conditions you may have
- other medications you may be taking
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of lorazepam. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.
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Can I Detox From Lorazepam At Home
If youre considering a home remedy as a natural alternative to rehab, you should look into different options. Rehab centers can help ease the pains of withdrawal and provide the relief that you need. There are rehab centers that specialize in relieving the pains of withdrawal. Additionally, detox can take may only take several days to complete. A small sacrifice for the safety of medical professionals and processes in contrast to some of the serious side effects of withdrawal.
Is Lorazepam A Controlled Substance
Yes, lorazepam oral tablets are a controlled substance.
Specifically, theyre a Schedule IV controlled medication. The government agency called the Drug Enforcement Administration has assigned a schedule to them. This is because while lorazepam has an accepted medical use, it also:*
- may cause psychological or physical dependence
- has the potential to be misused
With dependence, your body needs a drug in order for you to feel normal. And with misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it was prescribed.
If you have questions about lorazepam, given that its a controlled substance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* Lorazepam oral tablets have a about addiction and misuse. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the FDA. For more information about lorazepams boxed warnings, see the What are lorazepam oral tablets side effects? section above.
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