I take Ativan every day because I have huge amounts of anxiety. My doctor does not like prescribing it and is always trying to lower the dose or amount of pills. That's fine. The latest batch is marked ATIVAN on the prescription lable but the pills are a different size, no identifying marks, tastes different but mostly I do not notice any effect. I didn't notice the difference in the pills until I started noticing the lack of feeling better after taking them. I've taken two at a time and no difference. If I took two at a time a month ago, I would be sound asleep within an hour. I normally take 1/2 once per day.
Is it legal for a doctor to order a placebo of medication I take monthly?
Question posted by wagabu on 11 Jan 2017
Last updated on 15 May 2018
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Answers
Windchimes123
11 Jan 2017
Hi Wagabu,
I agree totally with Meggie. It's becoming a common problem with generics.
No they cannot give you placebos without it being written on the bottle.
I don't even think they do placebos anymore. The new trend is to be honest with patients and deal with it from there.
I haven't given a placebo in 25 years. I really think it's a thing of the past.
If anyone knows differently, please add your thoughts.
Best wishes
:-)
Inactive
12 Jan 2017
I am totally disillusioned in how many people are having less relief nowadays from their medications. I wonder how effective so many of the generic meds are becoming as time goes by? It's a sobering thought that so many of the generics are no better than a sugar pill for so many folks who are suffering and need relief and not getting it from some of the current "generic" (but equally effective to brand name - Not!) medications. Bah humbug!
Inactive
12 Jan 2017
I, for my part, am paying a "goodly" amount of my income for "insurance" to cover necessary "meds" to give me "quality of life" as I get older. Why is it costing more and covering me less??? Anybody else?
My formulary can be written in the palm of my hand now, it has shrunk so much, so to speak. So fewer meds are being covered, but coverage keeps going up. Something is wrong with this picture??
Inactive
12 Jan 2017
Oh, throw me a "generic" blood pressure pill! That'll make me feel better! (NOT)
MeggieGirl
11 Jan 2017
Chances are, your pharmacy purchased a generic from a different manufacturer, and it is working differently for you in your body than the other one did. If you can find the old bottle for the one that did work for you, take a look at the name of the manufacturer on the label - or give the pharmacist the color, letters, etc., and they'll be able to figure it out for you... then ask them to place an order for you from that pharmaceutical company instead.
I take a migraine medicine that only works for me if I take one specific manufacturer, and so my pharmacy purchases enough to fill my prescription every month, but they give a different brand to everyone else. I've taken that brand, and it's as good as swallowing a sugar pill.
Just something to consider - I hope this helps!
BERSERKR
15 May 2018
Easiest way to find out what you actually have is go to pill finder.com, enter the markings, shape and color, and it will instantly tell you what your pills are. Generics are chemically identical, and should have no difference in effect.
Related topics
ativan, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, dosage, doctor, medication, pill, placebo
Further information
- Ativan uses and safety info
- Ativan prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Ativan (detailed)
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