Generic Ativan
There are several companies that produce the generic form of Ativan including Baxter Healthcare and Ivax Corporation. As with the name brand medication, the generic form can be found in injection, tablet and liquid forms. Each version of the generic drug have a rating of "AB" or "AP", meaning that they the same as the brand name Ativan.
The Basics of Generic Ativan
Ativan (lorazepam) is a medication available by prescription only that is used in the treatment of . It belongs to the category of medicines known as
benzodiazepines.
Biovail Pharmaceuticals is the current producer of Ativan. Recently, the drug has come off patent, which makes it available to be made in generic form.
Strengths of Generic Form of Ativan
The form of
generic Ativan tablets can be found in three strengths in online pharmacy:
- Generic Ativan 0.5mg Lorazepam
- Generic Ativan 1mg Lorazepam
- Generic Ativan 2mg Lorazepam
The liquid and injectible forms of generic Ativan are also available.
Is the Generic Lorazepam as Effective as Ativan?
In order to prove effectiveness, all generic drugs have to be tested and compared
to their brand-name counterparts. After the tests are completed, the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) reviews them to determine whether the generic forms of the medications are as effective of their brand name counterparts. Once effectiveness is determined, a rating is assigned to each generic drug. Ratings of "AB" or "AP" assure that the Food and Drug Administration has found that the generic drug is equally effective as the brand-name medicine. All of the current generic larazepam drugs available have a rating of "AB" or "AP", which means they are just as effective of Ativan.
Generic drugs can have inactive ingredients that are different than their brand-name counterparts. Inactive ingredients are considered to be dyes, fillers or other ingredients that can affect people who have sensitivities or
Dosage of Generic Ativan
When using Ativan for treatment of anxiety starting dosage is recommended to be 1 mg twice to three times a day. If Ativan is being used to treat insomnia caused from anxiety, starting recommended dosage is 2 to 4 mg taken before bed once a day. If Ativan is taken at higher doses or for longer than your doctor recommends, serious side effects might develop. It's also important to consider age and other medications that you might be taking when considering the dosage of this drug..
Your health care provider will prescribe you a dosage of Ativan or larazempam depending on a few factors:
- Any medical problems that you might have
- Medications you might be currently taking
- How old you are
You should never change your dosage of this drug unless your doctor advises that you do so.
Ativan for Anxiety Dosing
When Ativan is used to treat anxiety, the recommended dosage to start is 1 mg twice to three times a day. When treating insomnia caused from anxiety disorders, a recommended dosage to start is 2 to 4 mg once a day before bed.
Older people who take this medication may be more sensitive to effects of Ativan, so the recommended dosage to start is Ativan 0.5 mg up to 1 mg two times a day.
Dosages of Ativan or lorazepam should be gradually increased as necessary to offset any negative side effects. Also, when increasing doses, it's important to increase the evening dose before the morning dose for best effects.
General Information about Ativan Use
People who are taking Ativan should consider the following:
- Ativan is available in injectible, oral liquid or tablet form. If taken by mouth, this medication is often taken twice to three times a day and sometimes right before going to bed.
- This medication can either be taken with or without eating. Should you notice it is bothersome to the stomach, take it with food.
- In order for Ativan to work correctly, it is important to take as directed by your healthcare provider. This drug can have serious side effects when you take more than directed or take it for longer than prescribed.
