Overview Of Lorazepam

Common Medication Alternatives

The medication alternatives for lorazepam depend on what condition a patient needs to have treated. The most common is to relieve anxiety symptoms, including generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks. Two common alternatives for anxiety are alprazolam and diazepam. The former is often sold under the brand Xanax and is one of the most popular anxiety medications. It relieves symptoms within hours and treats anxiety that is associated with depression. Many patients take alprazolam for short-term anxiety or panic attacks. However, it seems to carry a higher risk of withdrawal symptoms.

Diazepam has fewer withdrawal symptoms and acts quickly, though it interacts with more medications. Of course, it is worth noting diazepam also helps with muscle spasms. Patients with insomnia may be prescribed zolpidem or eszopiclone instead. There are also over-the-counter alternatives. Examples include antihistamines and melatonin.

Advice For Taking It

In all instances, patients must discuss how best to take lorazepam with their doctor. They will be able to provide instructions that are best suited for the patient’s specific needs. However, there is some general advice that all patients should consider and speak to their doctor about. For instance, most patients will take lorazepam two to three times daily. They should ask about the timing of doses, though the most common is in equal intervals.

Many patients will take lorazepam with food, as doing so helps to decrease stomach upset as a side effect. Taking their medication with meals can assist in the timing of each dose as well. Of course, patients can take this medication without food if necessary. Patients who struggle to swallow pills may want to ask their doctor or pharmacist about specific lorazepam tablets. Some of them can be split or crushed so they are easier to swallow. However, this is not suitable for all lorazepam tablets, which is why patients must ask first.