Ativan is a prescription-only medicine that comes under the benzodiazepine drug class. It is sold under the generic name, lorazepam. The drug is often suggested by healthcare specialists to manage anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia and even seizures. Basically, this drug functions by promoting relaxation in the central nervous system and brain. By increasing the effects of GABA chemicals in your body.
When your body is stuck in a fight-or-flight mode or your mind is racing, GABA slows down your brain’s activity. At least initially drugs like lorazepam (Ativan) can seem like a lifesaver for anyone who is suffering from stress or sleep complications. However, as time goes on a lot of people start to worry about the dangers of benzodiazepines, including dependence, withdrawal symptoms, unwanted side effects etc.
You are not the only one who has wondered about Ativan substitutes. The good news is there are many ways to manage your mental health without feeling constrained by a single medication whether you are searching for safer prescription alternatives, natural anxiety relief or even lifestyle-based alternatives to Ativan.
Using non-benzodiazepine medicine and natural alternatives to Ativan, this blog will show you the safest, most sustainable and most confident ways to feel better.
What are the Common Reasons for Quitting Ativan?
People may decide to stop taking Ativan for the following common and genuine reasons.
- When people use this drug for a long time, it can cause physical and psychological addiction. Several patients quit to prevent or recover from addiction.
- The body may grow tolerant to Ativan pills over time, requiring larger dosages to produce the same results. This may result in a dangerous cycle and decreased efficacy.
- Some patients would rather use non-pharmacological methods, such as counseling, meditation, exercise or natural substitutes to manage their sleep disorders and many other health conditions.
- It may cause common side effects that disrupt an individual’s daily life.
- This drug is a controlled substance with sedative effects, using it may interfere with legal requirements or work obligations
Top 5 prescription substitutes and alternatives to Ativan for elderly
Ativan alternatives include several types of medication some of the top 5 are mentioned below that include:
1. Xanax
This is a fast-acting medicine which is mainly used to treat panic attacks and anxiety disorders. It reduces excessive nervous activity by enhancing the effect of GABA in the brain. In addition to its reputation for providing relief from stress, anxiety, insomnia etc. Always take this medicine under the supervision of a doctor as it can pose some side effects like drowsiness, fatigue and many more.
2. Buspirone
Buspirone is an anti-anxiety drug which differs from Xanax or Valium. In addition to a number of other medical issues it is primarily used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Through its effects on the brain’s dopamine receptors, the medication helps to stabilize mood and lessen anxiety.This option is effective for long-term use as it does not have habit-forming issues, withdrawal symptoms, etc. It might take a few weeks to experience its full effects. Avoid taking this medication without first talking to your doctor because it may cause negative side effects.
3. Diazepam
Diazepam is an anxiolytic drug that acts by increasing the GABA effects in the brain, which relaxes the certain neurons. Because of its calming effects, it can be used as a sedative before medical procedures.It is important to take this drug as directed to prevent any negative effects such as drowsiness, disorientation and poor coordination. People who are allergic to this medicine and have a medical history of liver disease, they should not use it without consulting a doctor.
4. Klonopin
Klonopin is a prescription-only medicine. Some people have benefited from this medicine because it helps to manage anxiety, panic and certain seizure disorders. The prescription medication class is known as benzodiazepines. It reduces excessive nerve activity and calms the brain by raising the level of the GABA chemical. Because long-term use increases the risk of dependence, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, doctors mostly prescribe the drug for short-term management. It may be useful in treating panic or anxiety attacks because of its reputation for having quick-acting and long-lasting effects.
5. Prozac
Prozac is one of the best antidepressant that is a member of the SSRIs class. Physician may use this medicine for the management of panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression etc. It functions by raising the brain’s concentration of serotonin that helps in mood, emotion and sleep regulation. It is best medicine for long-term treatment but it takes a few weeks for its full effects to manifest unlike fast-acting medications. Despite the potential for adverse effects such as nausea, insomnia, or sexual dysfunction in the initial stages of treatment, it is not usually addictive.
Other Prescription Medications to Replace Ativan for Anxiety Relief
Here are several unique sentences suggesting other prescription medications that can replace Ativan:
- Zoloft – It is mainly suggested as a long-term treatment for generalized anxiety disorder.
- Duloxetine – The medicine is a dual-action antidepressant that may help people who suffer from anxiety and depression.
- Zolpidem – It offers fast-acting relief from sleep disturbance which carries no dependence risk like Ativan.
- Trazodone – This is commonly prescribed off-label particularly to patients who are also coping with anxiety or depression.
Some Natural alternatives to Ativan Medication
Ativan enhances the calming effects of GABA which lowers anxiety, encourages relaxation and may make it easier for you to fall asleep. For this reason, its frequently recommended for those who are experiencing severe anxiety or excessive stress.
However, Ativan potent brain-affecting effects can also result in tolerance, dependence and withdrawal symptoms if taken for extended periods of time or without the appropriate medical supervision. This is one of the main reasons people search for Ativan substitutes particularly for chronic anxiety or sleep disorders.
Some people frequently search into natural alternatives to Ativan (lorazepam) which is mostly suggested for stress and insomnia. These may have calmed or anxiolytic effects without the dangers of benzodiazepines. For example,
- Valerian Root
- Ashwagandha
- Passionflower
- CBD (Cannabidiol)
- Magnesium
Lifestyle Changes: Safer and Effective Replacements for Ativan
The following lifestyle changes are frequently made by people who stop taking Ativan in favor of natural or non-pharmacological alternatives for treating stress anxiety or insomnia.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular and effective treatment for anxiety and sleeplessness. Many health issues are permanently resolved by this therapy.
- Following a daily routine has several advantages, including preserving emotional stability and reducing anxiety triggers.
- Keep late-night meals and caffeine, setting up a consistent bedtime and minimizing screen time before bed. Without the use of any drug, they can all significantly improve the quality of sleep.
- People should incorporate physical activities, (like yoga, jogging, swimming and walking) into their daily routines because they can naturally lower anxiety and enhance sleep.
- Reduced intake of alcohol, caffeine and other drugs. Sleep disturbance can be exacerbated by these drugs.
Conclusion
Ativan is primarily used to treat depression, panic disorder and can be used as a preoperative medicine. Some of the alternatives of this drug are mentioned in the above which include lifestyle changes, non-habit-forming medicines, natural substitutes etc. With these alternatives you can manage several health issues as well as mental conditions. If you are switching from ativan to an alternative, you need to discuss with your healthcare expert.