Ativan shortage?

Short answer: there have been intermittent shortages of lorazepam (Ativan) in some places, but availability varies by country, pharmacy, and dosage form. I can’t see live inventory, but I can help you check current status and plan.

What to do right now
- Check reliable shortage sources for your location:
- United States: FDA Drug Shortage List
- International/other regions: national health authorities or pharmacists’ drug-shortage resources
- Professional reference: ASHP Drug Shortages Quick Reference
- Call or use a pharmacy app to check inventory for all lorazepam forms you might use (tablets 0.5/1/2 mg, injectable 2 mg/mL, oral solution). A form or strength might be out of stock even if others aren’t.
- Talk with the prescriber if you’re running low. They can advise on alternatives or a safe taper plan if you’re switching medicines.
- If you can’t get lorazepam right away, ask your pharmacist about alternatives and what is reasonable to substitute. Possible options some clinicians consider (under medical supervision) include:
- Other benzodiazepines: diazepam, clonazepam, temazepam (differences in onset/duration mean you shouldn’t switch on your own)
- Non-benzodiazepine options for anxiety (short-term): buspirone, hydroxyzine
- For longer-term anxiety: SSRIs/SNRIs plus therapy (CBT) are commonly used
- If this is for seizure management or acute agitation, do not substitute without clinician guidance
- Do not stop lorazepam abruptly if you’ve been taking it regularly. If you’re near a shortage and unsure what to do, contact your prescriber before changing your regimen.

A couple of quick notes
- Lorazepam has a relatively short to intermediate duration and can cause withdrawal if stopped abruptly after regular use.
- Availability can differ by dosage form (tablets vs. injectable vs. oral solution).

If you tell me your country/location (and whether you’re looking for tablets, injectable, or oral solution) I can point you to the current shortage status resources and help you think through reasonable alternatives with your clinician.