Have been taking one half of a 0.5mg lorazepam for years. Lately the Sandoz brand. My pharmacy can no longer get that brand (not sure if Sandoz still makes it). I was given Watson instead. It gave me bad heartburn and when it finally kicked in it felt so strong I was unable to stand up. I asked for a different brand and was given Mylan. It was way too strong. I felt like I had a brick in my chest and developed a sore throat and horrible dry mouth and lips. My lips are cracked from one dose.

I called a different pharmacy and they assured me they had Sandoz. Had to get a new prescription from my doc. When I got the new pills they told me they were Sandoz but they are really Actavis. I assume Sandoz purchased Actavis. I've taken one dose of this with not much relief and it is bothering my stomach.

I know brand names are usually better but I was doing okay before the switch. Do they still make a brand name Ativan or the Sandoz brand? Anyone know?

I am really having a hard time with this as Ativan/lorazepam is the only med I have been able to take for anxiety and panic with low side effects until now. I've tried many things through the years.

I don't understand why the generics are allowed to be so different and have so many inactive ingredients.

Any ideas? Thanks!