Lorazepam questions: I am taking the... - Anxiety and Depre...

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Lorazepam questions

adieyoung profile image
16 Replies

I am taking the occasional 1mg lorazepam for my anxiety. Probably one every two or three days. I have to say it makes me feel sooo much better for a few hours bit I’m worried about becoming dependent. I have been using it for about 3months now.

Has any one any experience with this drug

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adieyoung profile image
adieyoung
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16 Replies
Stilltrying_ profile image
Stilltrying_

Hi, yes, I've had experience with this drug. It's easy to become dependent/addicted which is why it is hardly ever prescribed nowadays; though I was prescribed it during my recent acutely low phase.

I was on it for a couple of months but I took it every day. My doctor didn't agree with me being on it but my psychiatrist had prescribed it so he could do nothing. I did come off it as soon as I could (having discussed with my psychiatrist). I think if you are worried then you need to do the same. Spacing it out every three days is a very good idea but even then it isn't a drug you would want a lifelong dependency on due to the fact that if you take it too regularly it actually increases rather than reduces anxiety.

I found it a godsend and a miracle worker at the time but I'm happy to say I am now off this drug, just on the AD's, quietiapine and zopiclone now.

Gemma Xx

adieyoung profile image
adieyoung in reply to Stilltrying_

Thanks. Very helpful

jkl5500 profile image
jkl5500

I still use lorazepam .5mg tablets on an "as needed" basis for anxiety. When I was much worse last year, I took it 2 or 3 times a day for a few months. Personally, I didn't have any withdrawal symptoms or other problems when I got better and stopped taking it regularly. I have a hunch that it may not be as effective if you take it for long periods, but that's just my opinion.

b1b1b1 profile image
b1b1b1

If you are only taking it every 2 or 3 days, I don't think you will have any problems with withdrawal or dependency. I take it also. I think it is more widely prescribed in the US, where I am. It is a very helpful drug. Depending on the level of your anxiety you can also cut it in half, and see if that is enough. But take it without worrying about dependency. That is what my pshiatrist tells me, unless it is a high dose for a long time.

My doc doesn’t want me on a benzo. He prescribed trazadone to help sleep and calm down at night and it really helps. Since starting it, I feel soooo much better!

Rhody3333 profile image
Rhody3333

yes, you can easily become dependent. It seems that you are taking it rather regularly, not so much as often, but regularly. I hope you are running that by your meds provider. Mine was prescribed PRN as needed, and I take it, say, once a month if I need it. Good luck

Greenforest profile image
Greenforest

Try RediCalm is natural and no side effects.

Greenforest profile image
Greenforest

Hi guys, stay away from drugs, try natural things like adaptogens: Ashwadadha, Rhodiola, Licorice, Panax ginseng, lemon balm... some are ready to use like RediCalm, it has 5 natural compounds, no side effects.

dmduarte profile image
dmduarte

I have taken lorezepam and it is the only medicine I am comfortable with. I only take it when I absolutely have to. I can go like a year without it. I still have anxiety but I do puzzles on my phone. The pixels one and it takes my mind off of it. I have many adult coloring book. I cook or bake or talk to someone on the phone. Just try to take ur mind off of it.

adieyoung profile image
adieyoung

Thanks everyone. I will try the RediCalm. Heck I will try anything right now! I will also try taking just a half a pill.

Greenforest profile image
Greenforest in reply to adieyoung

Before you take RediCalm, talk to your Doc, because RediCalm contains 5-HTP a serotonin precursor, a natural seed grows in Africa and may interact with depression/anxiety drugs which they increase serotonin as well. Too much serotonin symptom are harmful and fatal in some cases.

Greenforest profile image
Greenforest in reply to Greenforest

Bacopa Monnier is good as well,i is one of the best nootropics for studying.

Researchers at Banaras Hindu University in India showed Bacopa as effective for anxiety as the benzodiazepine drug lorazepam. Unlike benzodiazepines, Bacopa did not cause memory loss. But in fact, it boosted cognition

Unfortunately, I have been taking ativan for many years. I was off of it for a few months and the anxiety came back and it's the only thing that has been effective. I'm taking two anti depressants and they aren't working for the anxiety. When I did come off the ativan I did it slowly and it wasn't too difficult. I'm concerned right now as I've had to take it more frequently beginning in the morning whereas I used to only take it in the afternoon and evening. However the anxiety has been really bad first thing in the am.

Rlich profile image
Rlich

Have been taking it for years. Need it for sleep. No side affects for me. Works well

mmcnail profile image
mmcnail

Stopped working for my husband rather quickly and he found he had to very soon take more. He had to come off of it. It does work well but you can quickly build up a tolerance and/or dependence. Would recommend using it as a short term solution only.

Very addictive yet a great drug....please be careful with it.

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