How can i get my dr. to switch me from ativan to xanax (alprazolam)?

You are asking the: wrong doctor this question, because I am on the other side of that argument. I think we would all be better off if this drug were not on the market. Xanax (alprazolam) is rapidly absorbed and rapidly excreted, which creates a far more abuse-prone drug than Lorazepam (ativan). If it is very occasional panic attacks or anxiety, and you take it rarely, it's fine.For chronic use, Ativan or Klonopin are better.