I know certain medications can be taken sub-l to increase the efficacy and speed of action. Can regular old ativan be taken sub-l? If so, does it work any faster?
Can Ativan be taken sublingually, even if it's a regular pill?
Question posted by mloleary on 5 Jan 2018
Last updated on 1 December 2021
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Answers
It can be taken sublingually but due to its high oral bioavailability (85%) and relatively fast onset of action (30-40 minutes) I guess it just is not that common. I had not heard of people using this method for Ativan until now.
Sorry , don’t understand “ high oral bioavailability “ . Please explain . Thx .
Oral bioavailability means how much concentration of drug in your blood can you expect when you take the drug orally when compared to IV and it is measured in %.
For example if you take 1 mg of Lorazepam IV, and you get 100 mcg in blood at its peak level; you expect to get 85 mcg in blood if you take the same dose orally.
Hope that helps.
No, do not ever take oral ativan sublingual. It will destroy your life and the lives of your loved ones. I took it for 8 months for anxiety, panic attacks and what I thought was insomnia. I was used to falling asleep within 5 minutes and when it was taking 15 to 20 minutes I thought I needed ativan to sleep. I sometimes took without water, just allowed it to dissolve, never realizing it would hurt me. It has destroyed mine and my family's lives. My once youthful and very healthy skin is now dull, extremely dry and unhealthy. My once shiny, soft and sleek hair is now a dried up frizzy mess. I have tachycardia and have been diagnosed with a hole in my heart and POTS. In the last 25 years I've had 4 perfect echocardiograms and stress tests. My once beautiful healthy teeth are destroyed, my mouth is miserably dry. My once healthy, toned and attractive legs are covered up in varicose veins. I've had bladder and rectal prolapse. I never sleep anymore.
Related topics
ativan, anxiety, panic disorder, medication, pill, speed
Further information
- Ativan uses and safety info
- Ativan prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Ativan (detailed)
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