Can't Find Lorazepam? Here Are Your Alternatives

If your pharmacy is out of Lorazepam and you're worried about what comes next, take a breath. You have options. Several medications work similarly to Lorazepam and may be available even when Lorazepam isn't.

In this guide, we'll explain what Lorazepam is, how it works, and walk through four real alternatives your doctor might consider if you can't fill your current prescription.

Important: Never switch medications on your own. Any change from Lorazepam should be made with your prescriber's guidance. Stopping benzodiazepines abruptly can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures.

What Is Lorazepam?

Lorazepam (brand name Ativan) is a benzodiazepine medication primarily prescribed for:

• Anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety)
• Insomnia caused by anxiety
• Seizures (injectable form, used in hospitals for status epilepticus)
• Preoperative sedation

It's been available since the 1970s and is one of the most widely prescribed benzodiazepines in the United States. Lorazepam is a Schedule IV controlled substance, available as a generic in 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg oral tablets.

For background on why Lorazepam has been hard to find, see our article on why Lorazepam is so hard to find in 2026.

How Does Lorazepam Work?

Lorazepam works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve activity in the brain. When GABA activity increases, the nervous system calms down — reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, and preventing seizures.

Specifically, Lorazepam binds to a site on the GABA-A receptor, which increases the frequency of chloride ion channel opening. This makes brain cells less excitable, producing the drug's calming, sedative, and anticonvulsant effects.

Lorazepam has an intermediate duration of action (half-life of 10–20 hours) and does not produce active metabolites, which makes it a good choice for older adults and people with liver concerns. You can learn more in our detailed guide on how Lorazepam works.

4 Alternatives to Lorazepam

The following alternatives are commonly prescribed when Lorazepam is unavailable. Each has its own profile of benefits and risks. Only your doctor can determine which is right for you.

1. Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Clonazepam is a longer-acting benzodiazepine that's FDA-approved for panic disorder and seizure disorders. It's also widely used off-label for generalized anxiety.

Key differences from Lorazepam:

• Longer half-life (18–50 hours vs. 10–20 hours) — meaning it lasts longer and may require less frequent dosing
• Typically dosed once or twice daily instead of two to three times daily
• May be better suited for patients who need all-day anxiety coverage
• Same drug class (benzodiazepine, Schedule IV) with similar side effects

Typical dose: 0.25–2 mg per day in divided doses.

Availability: Clonazepam is widely available as a generic and is generally well-stocked at most pharmacies.

2. Alprazolam (Xanax)

Alprazolam is one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines in the United States. It's FDA-approved for anxiety disorders and panic disorder.

Key differences from Lorazepam:

• Faster onset — may work more quickly but also wears off sooner
• Shorter half-life (6–12 hours) — typically requires dosing three times daily
• Available in immediate-release and extended-release (XR) formulations
• Generally considered to have higher abuse potential than Lorazepam due to its rapid onset

Typical dose: 0.25–1 mg three times daily (immediate-release).

Availability: Alprazolam is widely available as a generic, though some strengths and formulations (especially XR) may also experience sporadic shortages.

3. Diazepam (Valium)

Diazepam is one of the oldest and most well-known benzodiazepines. It's FDA-approved for anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal.

Key differences from Lorazepam:

• Very long half-life (20–100 hours, including active metabolites) — effects last much longer
• Produces active metabolites that extend the drug's duration
• Because of its long duration, it's often used for benzo tapering protocols
• May cause more accumulation in older adults due to the long half-life

Typical dose: 2–10 mg two to four times daily depending on the indication.

Availability: Diazepam is available as a generic and typically well-stocked at pharmacies.

4. Hydroxyzine (Vistaril / Atarax)

Hydroxyzine is not a benzodiazepine — it's an antihistamine that also has anti-anxiety properties. It's FDA-approved for anxiety and tension, as well as for itching and as a pre-surgical sedative.

Key differences from Lorazepam:

• Not a controlled substance — no DEA scheduling, no abuse potential, no withdrawal risk
• Does not carry the same risks of dependence or addiction
• Less potent for severe anxiety compared to benzodiazepines
• Main side effects are drowsiness and dry mouth
• Often prescribed as a first-line option for patients who shouldn't take benzodiazepines

Typical dose: 25–100 mg up to four times daily.

Availability: Hydroxyzine is widely available and very affordable as a generic. Because it's not a controlled substance, it's rarely affected by the supply issues that impact benzodiazepines.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Switching

If you can't find Lorazepam, here's how to approach the conversation with your prescriber:

1. Explain the situation: Let your doctor know that your pharmacy is out of stock and you've been unable to find Lorazepam nearby.
2. Ask about equivalent dosing: If switching to another benzodiazepine, your doctor will calculate a roughly equivalent dose. For example, 1 mg of Lorazepam is approximately equivalent to 0.5 mg of Alprazolam or 0.5 mg of Clonazepam.
3. Discuss timeline: Ask whether the switch is temporary (until Lorazepam becomes available again) or if they'd recommend trying the new medication long-term.
4. Don't stop abruptly: If you're switching from one benzodiazepine to another, your doctor will plan the transition carefully to avoid withdrawal.

Still Looking for Lorazepam?

Before switching medications, it's worth checking whether Lorazepam is available at another pharmacy near you. Use Medfinder to search for real-time Lorazepam stock in your area. You might also find it at an independent pharmacy that has different supply sources.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to find your medication is stressful — especially when it's something as important as Lorazepam. But you do have alternatives. Clonazepam, Alprazolam, Diazepam, and Hydroxyzine are all proven options that your doctor can consider based on your specific needs.

The most important thing is to not run out without a plan. Talk to your prescriber, check Medfinder for available stock, and make sure you have a safe path forward — whether that means finding Lorazepam or transitioning to an alternative.