A healthcare provider may prescribe
Ativan® (
lorazepam) to treat several conditions, including
anxiety. However, for some people, Ativan does not adequately control symptoms or may cause bothersome side effects. Fortunately, there are several alternatives available for Ativan. Some of these alternatives include
antidepressant medications or anti-anxiety medications.
There are three different classes of antidepressants used as anxiety medications. These include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Tricyclics
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
There are also a few different anti-anxiety medications that can be used as an Ativan alternative, including:
If Ativan is not working for you or if it is causing bothersome side effects, ask your healthcare provider about trying an alternative.
(Click Anxiety Medications for more detail on possible Ativan alternatives, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. This article also explains when a healthcare provider may recommend one of these alternatives.)