Ativan - anyone with experience?

[House]

Hey everyone, I just have a quick question.

I take Ativan SL (sublingual) for Epilepsy. I place it under my tongue when needed.

Today I noticed that my pharmacy gave me a different Ativan tablet. I presume it is just the normal tablet that is swallowed

Does anyone know if there is a difference between the two? Can I just place the normal tablet under my tongue? Will it have the same effect or should I just change it?

 

[Mephisto_Helix]

The normal one takes longer than the sublingual, it's the same effect and everything. I prefer the sublingual because it acts almost instantly, as opposed to the other kicking in after the usual 20-30mins.

 

[RiaX]

Did you get the original ativan or a generic of lorazepam ? if its a generic could you post its name then I can help you.

though if each tablet contains 1mg lorazepam then its most likely the SL prep. Its important you keep the SL if you use it for epilepsy you might not have the time to wait for the drug to take affect via the normal route depending on the severity of your epilepsy.

 

[House]

The normal one takes longer than the sublingual, it's the same effect and everything. I prefer the sublingual because it acts almost instantly, as opposed to the other kicking in after the usual 20-30mins.

Did you get the original ativan or a generic of lorazepam ? if its a generic could you post its name then I can help you.

though if each tablet contains 1mg lorazepam then its most likely the SL prep. Its important you keep the SL if you use it for epilepsy you might not have the time to wait for the drug to take affect via the normal route depending on the severity of your epilepsy.

Thanks Mephisto_Helix & RiaX.

No, I use the original Ativan 1mg SL. Yes, I always get a chest pain a few seconds before a seizure and it is then when I need to take the Ativan, which so far prevented seizures.

Yesterday when I fetched my prescription I noticed that the Ativans I now received is quite larger than the small ones. Last night I realized that I have to use the SL and presumed that the new Ativans is the normal tablet and not the SL.

Since the start of my chest pain to the seizure, it takes around 1-2 minutes, so I do not think I have a lot of time to wait for the normal tablet to kick into effect.

 

[cerebus]

You know who does have experience though? Your pharmacist, doctor or other qualified medical professional. Call them and ask.

 

[RiaX]

You know who does have experience though? Your pharmacist, doctor or other qualified medical professional. Call them and ask.

lol this. return the meds and get what you were prescribed. Though why didnt you check your meds before leaving the pharmacy?

 

[Space_Chief]

lol this. return the meds and get what you were prescribed. Though why didnt you check your meds before leaving the pharmacy?

It's good advice. It's unprofessional and unethical to issue advice on forums. If HPCSA finds out they could nail you. The OP should call his doctor or pharmacist and ask.