Ativan

Can anyone PLEASE tell me if taking 2 mg of Ativan a day a high dosage an how do I get off of them. I have a terrible phobia of meds an doctors an some how they scared me into taking this an been on them for a year an cost is very high an can't get help on paying for them or what to do. I need help PLEASE !!!!!

[Hidden]

Good morning,

Please do not take my answer as gospel but I am answering from personal experience.

2mg of Ativan is an average dose for the treatment of anxiety.It is a drug that has a multitude of uses.

I was prescribed 3mg at night as a sleeping aid because it does damp you down a bit.

However after 3 months my doc took me off it because it was starting to make me feel depressed.

Like most drugs of this ilk it is best to come off it gradually so please consult your doc before you do anything else.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Good morning thank you so much I'm afraid that my anxiety will get worse if I come off of them but I see no other choice bless you.

[mallet-head]

Hi there "mimisings",

Ativan is in the drug group called "benzodiazepines" and these generally will develop "dependency" i.e. will need a higher dosage over time to get the same effect. I was prescribed these about 30 years ago, when I was diagnosed with anxiety syndrome, concurrent with the birth of our first child..Little was known about the problems with dependency in those days. Generally GPs are reluctant to prescribe this kind of medication these days because of the known problems. I was on 2 mg, 3 times a day i.e. 6mg a day in total. I was on them for about 3 months and decided myself to wean off them gradually. I stepped down the dosage as evenly as possible over about 6 weeks. I did experience some insomnia and general "nervousness" but tolerated it as it did not get any worse as I reduced my daily dosage. I would certainly advise you consult your GP about coming off Ativan and the best way for you specifically to wean yourself off them. There are certainly better alternatives to Ativan available today. I don't understand your concern on costs. Any of these meds should be "free at source" through the NHS and your GP. Are you not resident in the UK? What I still find helpful now in managing my GAD (30 years on!!) is Mindfulness meditation, which keeps your mind focussed "in the present" . We all tend to worry about "what is round the corner" i.e. things that we don't know about, but at the same time, either won't happen , or we don't have any control over anyway!! So in summary, we can't change the past, can't predict the future, so staying in "the present" mentally is very relaxing , just "go with the flow".

Hope this comment based on my personal experience, can be of help to you.

Kind regards, Mallet-head

[Hidden in reply to mallet-head]

Thank you no I live in US and pay 166.00 every two weeks it is a hardship. I'm taking total of 2 mg a day an top it all off I have a terrible phobia if meds so going on them was awful so going off off them is just as frightening causing anxiety too act up it is terrible at wits ends thank you bless you.

[formidible]

To put it into perspective 2mg of Ativan (aka Lorazepam) is the equivalent of 20mg of Valium (aka Diazepam) - both are similar Benzodiazepines, so yes it is a high dose. Many years ago I became addicted to 1mg tablets of Ativan quite quickly and it took a lot of determination and gradual withdrawal to come off them. I presume you are still being prescribed these tablets? Doctors will only supply them to existing addicts and Benzodiazepines are the only drug that they are legally obliged to prescribe if you are an addict, so as to assist you in reducing and eventually coming off. It can be done. Believe me you can do it but you need a lot of support to do so. In the UK there are some support groups around the country that will support addicts to come off. I'm sure there will be similar support groups in the US. If you have been getting these tablets from an online source and without your GP's knowledge I suggest you tell your GP. Please do this because he then has an obligation to prescribe them to you in order to help you follow an agreed reduction plan. Believe me you are far from being alone in your situation and I wish you all the best in your efforts to come off.

[Hidden in reply to formidible]

Well didnt know I was an addict doctors prescribed this crap. So you wonder why I have phobia of meds an doctors major what a pickle I'm very upset so now what I really didnt need this plus health anxiety - post traumatic stress syndrome an anxiety now what too do I really need your prayers everyone please thank you

[Hidden]

Well now that I asked this question an now I feel really sick about it all I don't know what my next step is Thanks for your comments have a restful evening.

[formidible]

Try to get some support for yourself and tell your GP you want eventually to come off them. I'm sure you will get the support you need if you ask for it. Meantime try not to panic or let it get you down. Dependancy on Benzodiazepines is not uncommon. Maybe "addiction" is too strong a word.

[Carolinee71]

Hi, I have just read all the answers about your question and I have recently been given lorazepam which I believe is the same drug as Ativan and my dose is 1mg twice aday. At first I was told I could only have them for two weeks but some three months later I am still on them. I saw my GP this week and he asked if they were helping and I told him yes so he now gives me a months worth each time.

I know a lot of people say you can become dependant on them and I am sure this is right. At the moment I need them in order to have some kind of life that I can live without being in tears all of the time and being scared of things. I am also on loads of strong pain killers for another condition both of which you can become dependant on as they as MST( long lasting morphine) and Oramorph ( a short acting morphine ) I also take anti depression drugs.

I have severe depression and a yet to be named joint condition.

I could spend time worrying about being dependant but I don't, these drugs allow me to live a form of normal life and to be a mum to both my kids and I think I do a good job as a mum. ( one daughter is half way through her second year at uni and the baby ( whos 17 years) has just taken her AS levels. Both girls are great and are A grade students who have never been in trouble. If my drugs that the doctor has given me has let me guide both my girls to success then I am glad I have taken them. I will deal with the dependence once I am better for now I will take the tablets and see my GP monthly to keep a check on me.

I will deal with coming off these drugs when I no longer need them or they find a better one. I know everyone on here seems to say not to take them but they have helped me a lot and I will keep taking them all for a while. By taking them I can function.

I know this is not what everyone is saying but this is how my life is and I can just about make it work if I take the tablets.

Don't feel sick with worry about them, as I have said they are working so very well for me but unlike you I do not have to pay for any of the drugs I am on. If I had to pay I don't know what I would do. have you asked you doctor if there are any cheaper drug than Ativan, that would do the same job, as over here they always seems to be a couple of tablets that work in the same way, hopefully one will be cheaper please let us know how you get on.

I am just about to take my morning handful of drugs and hope today will be a good day. My day has started well pain killers working and the sun is shining so have hung the washing out.

I hope and pray that you too can have a good day

Love and hugs from Caroline xxx

[Hidden in reply to Carolinee71]

Bless you for your reply you should be proud of yourself with your daughters I also have two daughters that have graduated an one gran daughter that just finished her first year at university I guess I get tired of each day worrying if I'm going to be addicted an cost. With my case I have phobia of meds so changing would cause serious anxiety I am getting counseling on this issue is a slow process as I stated I'm dealing with several things bless you for your kind words they have helped me so much this morning xxxxxxx

[evilimbic]

2mg isn't a terribly high dose - the typical dose it 2-6 mg daily so you are on the lower end of the dosage range. Do you take it regularly or just as and when needed?

[Hidden in reply to evilimbic]

I am taking it regularly for a year now I know eventually I will have to be weaned off but right now doctor still wants me on them I'm not happy with this but have to come terms with this and the cost I've called every agency for help on cost even manufacture I pray for anyone going through this emotion roller coaster finds compassionate people to hold their hand or give a hug or just listen to them because it can be very frightening and lonely. Most of my family will not speak to me because of the anxiety they say its in my head. Here in US I have not found to much help nor do I think they know themselves it's very sad you are all so blessed for the programs you have we have a few but so far to travel or very expensive I thank you for your reply and I'm glad I'm on the lower dosage so maybe it won't be so hard to come off of them. Because all this firghtens me an makes me anxious and very sad but I'm trying with every ounce of my being bless you.

[BriarRose in reply to Hidden]

Dear Mimisings - your post has nearly broken my heart, hun - I am so, so sorry for the situation you find yourself in! In the UK, we complain constantly about 2 things - the weather, and the National Health Service - but a prescription medicine will cost around £8 (roughly $12) and that may well be for one or even 2 months' supply! The young, the elderly, the poor, pay nothing at all. I am over 60, take at least 5 different types of medication, and pay nothing! Sorry, hun, don't like to criticise your country, but it breaks my heart and baffles me as to why one of the richest and most advanced countries in the world finds it so difficult to provide affordable healthcare for its citizens!

Keep blogging, my love, I know we can't help with the sheer practicalities, but let it all out on here, there's lots of support!

Just a thought, would your doctor prescribe it as lorezapam, rather than Ativan? I don't know if it would make any difference to the cost in the US - it does in the UK, cos Ativan is the branded drug, lorezepam is the same drug, but unbranded, and in the UK the unbranded versions are cheaper - but no worse, I would emphasise! As I say, don't know if this applies in the US, but worth asking, hun.

Lots of love, and as I say, keep blogging!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Rose

xxxxxxx

[Hidden in reply to BriarRose]

Thank you for being so kind. In this country rich get richer an poor get poorer yes we are all blessed in so many ways I cannot take the other it does nothing for me and it is cheaper. I will get through this it's been a year of struggle an I will try an write more but sometimes I don't want people thinking I'm so weak. You are all so blessed to even have this site I cannot find one here that even compares to this site. Plus we have the time dif I'm not sure the hours. Bless you so much xxxxx

[BriarRose in reply to Hidden]

No-one on here will think you're weak, darling, going through what you're suffering on your own, and with the added financial stress - I think you're being incredibly strong!!!!! Never mind the time difference, hun, there are plenty of insomniacs on here - me included - so KEEP BLOGGING! Together, we'll get you through this!

Big curly hugs!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGGGSSS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Lots of love

Rose

xxxx

[Hidden in reply to BriarRose]

Bless you warm hugs to you xxxx

[Hidden]

Deep inside of me there is a garden, full of many seeds. Three very special seeds have names. Those names are Confidence, Calmness and Contentment.

I was born with these seeds, but when I was young the garden was not tended to, and the seeds of ugly weeds began to take over Confidence, Calmness, and Contentment. As I grew older, I thought that the weeds had taken over the garden for good, and that Confidence, Calmness, and Contentment had been destroyed for good.

Gone forever.

What I didn’t know was that the little seeds, no matter how many times they were stepped on or neglected, were the strongest seeds in the garden. They were alive, only lying dormant, for many years. For when I began tending the garden myself by nurturing the seeds with the love and respect that they deserved – small, yet strong, lovely sprouts began to grow.

Someday soon they will choke out the weeds and become the most beautiful flowers in my garden.

Eventually, they will drop other seeds into the fertile soil and they too will grow strong with more beautiful flowers, with names like Hope, Pride, Peace, and Dignity.

Nobody will be able to walk on my garden again --- I won’t let them!

For I know that every human being has the right to grow a beautiful garden inside of them.

[BriarRose in reply to Hidden]

Oh hun, that is BEAUTIFUL!!!! Do you mind if I copy and paste it into a Word document, to keep with me? It's totally inspirational!!!! Bless you for sharing!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Rose

xxxx

[Hidden in reply to BriarRose]

You are more than welcome to I just blogged a poem about rain Also <3 xxx

[Hidden]

Yes very beautiful

love

whywhy

xxx

[Hidden]

Thank you xxxx

[Steveinspain]

Good morning and hi mimisings,

2 mg per day should be fine and nothing to worry yourself about. Are you taking them as and when needed, or one whole tablet in the morning? My suggestion is.....Lorazepam word very well for anxiety....it's in a higher league to, say Valium but if its working and asking you feel better, 2mg is safe and a sensible dosage. Over a period of time, your body will start to become dependant on them....but not to such a degree where I am at present! It's not a brilliant choice but personally, I'd stick to the 2mg lorazepam and ease the anxiety rather than have no medication, or a mediation thats not working. When your ready, the dose your on wouldn't be too difficult to ween off. Lorazepam is generally very safe and if u stick to your dose, my advise would be to carry on with the meds rather than the agony of your anxiety. Hope this helps, take care

[Hidden in reply to Steveinspain]

Thank you for a reply yes I take them everyday but eventually would love to be taken off of them due to cost Have a blessed day

[nanabud]

Hi I'm new here. I've been on ativan now for 30 years, after the birth of my first daughter and a violent( now very much ex-husband!! ) I was taking 1mg three times a day, then my gp said last month that I have to reduce them, I have reduced to 2 and a half a day, then i realised I should only have cut them by 2 and a half a WEEK, well I'm doing OK so far, in fact I feel very good. My problem is that I'm actually scared of cutting them out completely!! I have depended on them through many many tough times and I'm also scared f getting withdrawal symptoms as I cut back more over the next few months. Any help would be appreciated.. many thanks.

[Agora1 in reply to nanabud]

nanabud, it sounds too fast. I weaned off slowly from Ativan. Cutting a small dose every 2 weeks. Never going back up. Slow but sure is the way (under doctor's guidance) Over 2 years off Ativan now, the feeling is amazing. Good Luck

[Claire02]

Hi... everyone. I started taking Lorazepam (Ativan) prescribed to me for (slight) anxiety. I was prescribed 1 mg but I cut it in half and only took prior to bedtime. I ended up using it for sleep instead as my anxiety wasn't really a problem during the day; only in the evenings so it made it hard for me to get to sleep. I actually didn't have any problem with it, but I can understand how one could get hooked easily. Just the 0.5 mg made me feel so relaxed and at peace which was nice. This is the very first prescription drug I've ever had in my life...btw, I order it at generic-meds-store.com ...ships really fast and no prescription needed.

Many blessings