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Why Does Ativan Not Show Up In A Drug Test Despite Taking It Regularly?
I have been taking ativan for 12 years. I have had back surgery also so I am taking Loritab. I took a drug test at my doctors office and the ativan did not show up so now they are taking my prescription. I have been reading and it seems to be a common problem. Is there anything non narcotic that can do what ativan does?
Tue, 22 Jan 2019
Hello,
I am not sure why it did not show on your drug screen, especially if you are taking it daily basis because the half-life of the medication is 14 hr for adults and can be traceable for 24 hours.
It can also be detectable in blood up to 3 days in some patients. For your question regarding non-narcotic treatment to replace Ativan, it depends on what condition you are taking Ativan for.
If you are taking it for muscle spasm or chronic pain, you may replace it with muscle relaxant or SNRI such as Cymbalta.
If you are taking it for panic attacks, then you may replace it with other anti-anxiety treatments which also include SSRI (which is also used for antidepressant treatment)or SNRI.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Katie Lee, General & Family Physician
I am not sure why it did not show on your drug screen, especially if you are taking it daily basis because the half-life of the medication is 14 hr for adults and can be traceable for 24 hours.
It can also be detectable in blood up to 3 days in some patients. For your question regarding non-narcotic treatment to replace Ativan, it depends on what condition you are taking Ativan for.
If you are taking it for muscle spasm or chronic pain, you may replace it with muscle relaxant or SNRI such as Cymbalta.
If you are taking it for panic attacks, then you may replace it with other anti-anxiety treatments which also include SSRI (which is also used for antidepressant treatment)or SNRI.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Katie Lee, General & Family Physician
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