Inactive Ingredients Of Qualitest Or Leading Pharma Lorazepam (Page 3)
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What are the inactive ingredients of Qualitest lorazepam or Leading Pharma lorazepam? Does anybody know?

It seems that its formula might have been changed because I feel 1mg is less effect than before or does not work. I used to take Ativan 1mg before abroad and one month from Kaiser in the U.S. but they gave me refill as generic lorazepam (Qualitest). I felt 50-60% effectiveness compared to Ativan(brand lorazepam). I can't take Watson lorazepam as it does not work for me causing side effects (rapid heart beats, sweating, anxiety, dehydration). Qualitest has less side effect (less dehydrated than Ativan) I did not have physical dependence on Ativan for long time and quit too. But this generic lorazepam is getting less effective over a few months.

Also my pharmacy had changed Qualitest to Leading Pharma without notice so I had to get new transcript for new pharmacy for qualitest (I transferred once).

I did not take it for mental problem (anxiety or panic attach) but for side effect of levothyroxine (I should take it as I got my thyroid gland removed). Ativan has calming effect and reduces heart beats, sweating, and stiffness and helps sleeping a little as I suffer from some pains. It does not fix my problem but reduces temporarily. Zanax does not work. Cymbalta does not work. All depression medicine does not work. With Cymbalta, I became unconscious and was hospitalized. I almost died taking Prozac due to side effects and worsened my symptoms. Ativan only helps a little.

I called most pharmacies in LA but many of them sell Leading Pharma lorazepam and some sell Watson. Most pharmacies do not receive return once it is opened (only one pill is taken) while Rite Aid does and during the period of medication, patients can't buy another lorazepam even with new prescription so if the medicine cause side effects or does not work, customer have to wait until refill period comes.

I found only one pharmacy selling Qualitest lorazepam but most others sell Leading Pharma, I don't know why but maybe because of their marketing. So I may change to Leading Pharma but am worried that it does not work like Watson.

I wonder if anybody tried Leading lorazepam and if it works, though effects are different according to each individual. Ativan in the U.S. is very expensive ($2600 for 1mg 30 tablet) and most doctors do not prescribe it and insurance is mostly not covered or do not want to pay for it. That's why Kaiser gave me brand Ativan only once and changed it to generic.

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Gabby (# 69) --

The English woman....do you mean Claire Weekes (who didn't feel benzos were a big deal..)? She was wonderful...anyway..... I was told in 1967 that I would probably be on them (at the time- valium) the rest of my life. In 1972 I tried to get off it....back then they believed in Cold Turkey.... I agree with you...THE WORST period of my life.....imagine being a zombie in pain with panic attacks.....and btw...after one month the craving was just as strong....got a new doc at the clinic and he immediately put me back on Valium (benzo of choice back then)...within that day I was human again...went home the next week.....switched to Ativan in 1983 when my shrink was retiring and he didn't want his patients on an addictive drug like "Valium"......showed me a pamphlet about Ativan....it stated that is didn't remain long in your system and was not addictive like valium.....(sigh).....they were right ...its MUCH more addictive!

Anyway....I agree....for some its utterly necessary......much like Metaformin is for diabetics, heart drugs for those with heart issues, valsartan (well....um...something like valsartan) for people with high blood pressure...many conditions require drugs for life.....and I believe benzos are one of them for people with panic disorder/severe anxiety....yeah...its addictive....but try ripping a heart medication away from a heart patient or like my wife who is on valsartan for BP.....she will be on it most likely the rest of her life.

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Re: Judi (# 64)

Judi I was in your shoes many times thinking maybe I should just come off from this stuff. I won't give you the long version but I went.against my pdoc and internal medicine doctor and checked myself into detox. One of the worst life events I've ever been through. The sad thing is that I failed to be able to cope with extreme panic disorder without being on something. My doc met me at the front desk and said here's a script for Ativan you'll need to be on this most likely for life. Only good thing that came of that we found a benzo that actually worked and I was able to live a somewhat normal life. There's a English lady that has devoted her life to the study of benzodiazepines. She feels that there's nothing wrong with being on them. And to rush trying to come off from them is not the right approach. I'll try and find her name and posted it later. If you aren't being forced to come down my advice would be take your time. :)

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Re: Gabby (# 67)

First...sorry if I confused anyone...first...I never said it was ALL in your/my heads.....I think a good many reasons why we take lorazepam is due to how we think....and I think a medication's effectiveness has much to do with believing it works......so I do think positive thinking CAN play as big a part as negative thinking......secondly....people have been making blanket statements that “Leading” or “Sandoz” just doesn’t work while I believe the truth is closer to ‘it doesn’t work for ‘them’...% of inactive ingredients can/will affect the absorption of the active ingredients differently in everyone.....I have to admit..I got pretty nervous reading the earlier posts in the forum regarding Leading.....i’ve been taking Watson for 6 years..yet I read others that cannot take Watson..I read Qualitest is excellent but cannot be gotten anymore but then I read how ‘Qualitest is the worst”....’Sandoz is good...Sandoz is bad.....

“Watson doesn’t make lorazepam anymore” though two separate pharmacists have told me they have always made lorazepam but when a Teva took over Actavis it became the distributor......I have no idea what the truth is......just like everyone else here who isn’t a pharmacist i’m relaying what I’ve read....and relaying personal experience. As far as having troubles......well...anxiety, particularly health anxiety has a major effect on the effectiveness of a medication...i’ve seen Leading referred to as ‘no better than aspirin’ and ‘it’s just a placebo’’......’it’s garbage’......what effect do you think that has on a person who can only get Leading? Scares the s*** out of them, that’s what some people that take 6mg a day for 35 years feel......yet other than personal ‘experience’ is there any proof these generic don’t work except for those who write here? My guess actually it’s not a guess but a reference from a Costco pharmacist and a friend who is a pharmacist in the Midwest ...both say they’ve had zero complaints regarding Leading Pharma lorazepam......and unbeknownst to each other...they both gave me the same conclusion......people who it works for don’t write in to medschat groups complaining about it...i’m not saying it DOES work for people writing here...i’m saying just maybe it does work for many that don’t write here...one wouldn’t get that from reading this forum.

I’m about to run out of the Watson I have.....i’ve been on 2 Leading/one Watson per day for weeks...I still cannot tell the difference......I wouldn’t have even been on this forum if I hadn’t noticed the pill was twice the thickness of the Watson...”Leading”? I’d never heard of them....googled them and found this forum......I wish I hadn’t.

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Leading Pharma Inactive Ingredients:
-Anhydrous Lactose UNII: 3SYSLH9PMK (UNII stands for Unique Ingredient Identifier)
-Magnesium Stearate,
-Microcrystalline Cellulose,
-Polacrilin Potassium.

The difference in Leading Pharma, Ativan, Sandoz, and Activas/Watson is the first inactive ingredient: Lactose.
Ativan: lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline Cellulose, polacrilin potassium.

Mylan: Lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, polacrilin potassium, and sodium stearyl fumarate.
Activas: same as Ativan, EXCEPT their source of lactose is not specified UNII: 8J2B2A4N98G

(Sandoz uses the same ingredients as brand name Ativan). Magnesium Stearate helps improve the strength of Lorazepam.

I've been researching for 5 days and I am tired of it. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research phone number: 301-796-3400 the lady there gave me the website to look into all the ingredients of lorazepam.

Also, I have been replying to individuals thinking it would be a public post so sorry about that. Just figured out how to do a public post to everyone. A little confusing for me.

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Re: Richard (# 60)

That is probably true. I think it depends if a pharmacy still has some left in stock. My pharmacy will not order from repackagers which still have some of these brands. I called Sandoz and they do not make it anymore either. That worked for me. I am going to pick up Activas on Monday and hope it works. I went yesterday to Rite Aid pharmacy (CVS is my normal pharmacy for insurance) and they wouldn't give it to me because of just getting an order from Leading Pharma. So I have to bring the bottle in so they will fill a new one for me. I have gotten so much misleading information from pharmacies and online that I am exhausted. I have just a few pills left for the Sandoz. I filed an FDA complaint on Leading Pharma, but they seem to be taking over all the pharmacies as their other ones run out. So to everyone: if you tried Leading Pharma and you can't take it, please file an FDA report. That is the only way we can get it off the market if enough people can't take it. I think they are heavy on fillers and short on Lorazepam! God bless everyone and action is what will make a change. We can't sit idle or we all will be in withdrawals.

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Re: Gabby (# 68)

I’m glad to see a familiar friend who I felt was always honest. I wonder if Qualitest started up again or if it's someone else. Pill identifiers still haven’t been updated since way back. If you go to search drugs instead of putting in the logos on the pill, Qualitest is on the first page, has a “V” on one side and 4008 with a line under on the other and says it’s made by Qualitest, that’s the 1 mg. I’m due to fill my prescription a week from Monday and I’m not sure if he’ll still have Mylan left or what I’ll deal with. I did have to switch my 1 mg twice a day to two of the 0.5 instead. I’m not sure if they’re getting old or what, but I haven’t been feeling too good lately. Two of these don’t work like the 1 mg did and if I take an extra half too soon, it knocks me out and I’m sleeping for an hour. I’ve been on this for so many years and I’ve got too many issues to think about stopping now and get an attack just thinking about it, but I’m wondering if these drug companies are really messing with us. The Qualitest was all I could use and trust for 4-5 years and actually changed pharmacies when CVS couldn’t get it and a local family pharmacy could. That lasted about 2 years and then they discontinued. Please let me know if you’re going to try it. My depression was so much better when I was on that. I felt a true sense of total calm, but not tired or yucky just taking the minimal dose every time. Keeping my fingers crossed.

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You know I just called a local supermarket chain a few hours ago and they said they have Qualitest. Didn't I read they were d\c'd. This is getting very overwhelming to say the least. I've never tried it but alot of y'all have said it works good. Has it being renamed by another manufacturer? I was trying to find someone in my city that may still have or can get Mylan from their warehouse. This Sandoz is not working well at all. I can't tell if I'm in withdrawals or Its to strong.

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I see someone is making the rounds again stirring up the pot after she's got her brand name. Some of us are hurting really bad and I'm not sure what your two cents are worth to us right now. You've already made your case about what Leading brand did to you.

Deedee I'm on Sandoz right now and it's not working well at all. It's worst then Leading was for me. The above comment isn t talking to you. She knows who she is.

Richard don't mean to come across harsh dude but alot of your post are confusing. Sad thing is brotha it's not all in our heads that many of the different brands just don't work. What I read from your posts that you actually had troubles like us and now you don't.

Deedee someone posted a website from the FDA says Mylan is truly done. I took my last pill yesterday and I'm on the roller coaster ride now.

Glad you and Jamie were able to get the Mylan stocked up for the time being.

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Re: Richard (# 65)

When I have tried to cut down my 3 mg a day the panic attacks started on day 4 or 5. I've tried 3 times and think I'm going too fast. I need to switch to 1 mg tablets so I can take .25 mg less than .5 mg. I have 2 mg tabs that I split now.

My doc wants me to at least try. That's the plan. In answer to your question I think it's just our chemistry. Just took longer to react for me.

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Re: Judi (# 64)

Why would it take a week if it was not working at all? I missed one dose of the brand name Ativan and bp went sky high and rapid heart rate, dizzy and anxious......all because I missed a dose...2hours later the heart rate went up...then i’m Guessing my anxiety took over and poof! Bp went up....of course being anxious I took my own....225/140..yikes.....while awaiting treatment I thought ...ohhhh I think I didn’t take my Ativan this am...I took an extra in my pocket...20 minutes later I felt relief.......the nurses were perplexed until I told them what I thought had occurred...sure enough when I got home it was still in the case I kept meds in.........right now i’ve Been taking 2 Leading/one old Watson a day (at night)......sort of acclimating my body AND mind to Leading as little else is available...

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Re: Richard (# 63)

I ended up in the ER as well because I thought I was having heart issues. I would say it was not working at all. It was a week after starting Leading I ended up in withdrawal. I can get Sandoz and Actavis. I take both each day and feel fine. I'd like to really cut down but have been on for 24 years. We shall see how it goes.

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Re: Cindy (# 62)

I’m curious......when you (or anyone else on this forum) say Leading is not working.....do you mean ‘not at all’ or just ‘not as good’......I know when I go without a dose I end up in the ER....it’s not just high anxiety or a panic attack...another question.....has ANYONE found a generic they are happy with and can currently obtain? I wonder if this recent scare with Valsarten will get the fda off it’s butt and get meds made in the USA again and oversee their content continuously....clothing requires a label where it’s made..why not our medications?

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Re: Richard (# 17)

I have taken Mylan for 15 years. It works great for me. However, CVS was unable to get it for me the last time I refilled it so I emailed and called the manufacturer. Customer service at Mylan told me they will no longer be manufacturing lorazepam, which explains why CVS can't get it. I am trying to find another manufacturer that will work for me. I have tried Teva/Actavis/Watson. Not working. Seems so unfair that they can just stop making it.

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Re: Judi (# 58)

I googled the FDA website, so don't remember the web address. And somehow I found file a complaint. Here is their phone number if you can't find the webpage: 1-888-463-6332

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Re: LadyGreenEyes8 (# 57)

Mylan has been discontinued:

[1] accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Lorazepam%20Tablets&st=d

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Re: LadyGreenEyes8 (# 57)

According to the fda and another site that has the info...Mylan stopped making lorazepam 6/18/18....."it was a business decision".

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Re: LadyGreenEyes8 (# 56)

How do you file a complaint?

And what info do they need.

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Re: Judi (# 51)

Yes, Sandoz seems to work for me and when I got the Leading it was twice the thickness...must be fillers. I think I will ask for Mylan. I think Safeway Pharmacy has it. I've been calling all the pharmacies around where i live to see if they carry Sandoz..most carry Activas which used to be Watson and if I remember correctly it gave me heartburn. I used to take Rambaxzy. But don't know if they still make it. I was sad when I couldn't get it anymore..thats when I went to Sandoz.

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Re: Richard (# 20)

I just filed a complaint with the FDA on Leading Pharma for Lorazepam. Took it for a week and was sick the whole time. Couldn't sleep at night either. I like Sandoz, but might have to try and find Mylan since everyone seems to like it. Please file complaints everyone...only way to get them to improve their product. Thanks.

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Deedee (# 52) --

Oops, I forgot to address the leading issue (sorry, no pun intended)......As I have said, I’ve been on ativan/lorazepam since 1983....There have been times I’ve missed a dose (any one else’s ipad pro have this quirk with using the apostrophe?) and boy did I know it...Ended up in the er because I thought I had taken it...Well, since being in leading lorazepam I’ve taken doses late because I thought I had taken it....And no way would an aspirin have had any effect....Within 1/2 hour of taking the missed leading lorazepam I feel calm coming back and that awful craving/anxiety disappears......For me.....That tells me a drug is working.....Next month I will need a new prescription...My local costco, where I’ve had my prescriptions filled for years...Has leading and some mylan (in blister packs...Boy does that sound inconvenient!)...I’ve been in touch with costco. Right now they have leading and watson/actavis available........Literally around the corner is leading pharmaceuticals in fairfield, nj....They wouldn’t meet with me in person but they have communicated by email that their product is effective (what else are they going to say)..But I put the question out to an anxiety forum ....Those who were taking leading responded that it worked for them.....Not one was negative.....So I’m puzzled why leading appears so negatively on this forum. I did find out that making lorazepam is incredibly cheap compared to other drugs....So cutting back on ingredients wouldn’t exactly be a profitable move to receive negative reviews from a business aspect.

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