Can Ativan Or Lorazapam Be Taken Instead Of Xanax?

Brief Answer:
It can be done.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Xanax is alprazolam which is short acting benzodiazepine. Ativan is lorazepam which is also a benzodiazepine but is intermediate acting. Both are used for same indications, only difference being the duration of action. So, yes, xanax can be substituted with lorazepam.

I would have liked to know why your doctor decided to stop xanax and since when you are off it. Stopping benzodiazepines do lead to withdrawal symptoms. In case, it was very recent (few days), you can get rid of your symptoms of not being able to concentrate with another benzodiazepine like lorazepam or even better with a longer acting agent like clonazepam, which can be tapered gradually.

However, if it has been some time since xanax was stopped, rather than starting another benzodiazepine, it would be better to start with a agent which will take care of the basic cause (anxiety). Paroxetine or sertraline could be effective in such cases. Benzodiazepines will only take care of the symptoms rather than the actual cause and only increase the chance of becoming dependent on them (as in case of xanax).

I do hope I was able to answer your query. Please feel free to ask any further queries that you might have.

Best wishes,

Dr. Sunil Gupta

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