Ativan for sleep?

[Mike7777]

Has anyone been put on ativan for sleeping problems? I use it sometimes for sleep and it has worked the best. out of everything natural i have tried nothing helps much. My doc only knows that i use it for anxiety but i might need to ask him about sleep issues. I only take .5mg or 1 mg usually and only a few times a week max. I dont want to hear anything about becoming dependant on it just advice if anyone has used it for sleep, thanks.

[Lm92]

No. It isn't recommended for sleep issues. Not only because of dependence but because tolerance rapidly increases meaning you have to take a higher and higher dose often just to get the desired response.

Trazodone, hydroxyzine, certain beta blockers, diphenhydramine, and doxylamine are most likely to be prescribed now. Last resort are things like Eszopiclone (Lunesta) and Zolpidem (Ambien).

Your best bet is to talk to your doctor about what will work best for you and your needs. I'd save the Ativan for true anxiety though.

[Eagledove in reply to Lm92]

Be very careful with Ativan/Lorezapam. I had horrible issues with this drug due to interdose withdrawal, tolerance, and a long protracted period of misery due to the neurological issues it caused when I stopped taking it.

[Mike7777 in reply to Eagledove]

Oh im sorry to hear that ive never experienced that. I just simply want to know if anyone has taken it for sleep..

[brokenlight in reply to Lm92]

My doctor replaced Ativan with Hydroxyzine 👍🏾

[Mike7777]

Dependance can occur with anyone on medication they need, ive never needed more and been on it almost a year. I tried trazodone awhile back and i couldnt handle the side effects but it actually did help, id like to stay away from ssris or snris if possible but ill ask my doc.

[Eagledove in reply to Mike7777]

Benzodiazepines like Ativan can cause more issues than SSRIs. I’ve been on both. But not for everyone.

Basically benzos result in down regulation of GABA receptors over time. When the drug is stopped or reduced or you reach tolerance, you don’t have enough GABA receptors and you can get all kinds of horrible symptoms. That is the physical dependence.

[Mike7777 in reply to Eagledove]

I get that but thats not what the post is about. Everyone must be different because ive had more issues with ssris and stopping them.

[brokenlight]

I used to take it to help me sleep sometimes.

But it was usually just because I was experiencing so much anxiety at night/before bed.

I have been off of that medication for 9 months now but was on it for years.

My doctor told me about studies that showed that taking this medication long term can cause early dementia.

CBD products work well for sleep and are natural.

Just be safe and mindful.

And best of luck ✨

[Nerds]

Hi Mike.

I’m currently taking 1 mg of ativan for sleep/anxiety for the past 11 years. I’ve been giving ambien but once I stopped it for a week, I experienced really bad withdrawal. Your body does get dependant on any control substance especially with ativan. I do have to say I went from remembering every little detail in my life, to not remembering what I did last week. This medication does affect your memory, so be very careful if you use it. I personally don’t recommend as it does make your feel groggy when you wake and that feeling can last throughout the day. Hope this helps.

[Mike7777 in reply to Nerds]

Ok thank you, ive been taking alot of melatonin i just cant seem to fall back asleep well. I might have to take more ativan.