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Global Patient Feedback for Ativan (Lorazepam) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
i have a question. i have a prescription that is about 2 years old. i used to take it for panic attacks and anxiety. i've gone through a couple periods in my life where i have them a lot. this last time (2 years ago) is when i got the prescription for ativan. i think it really just helps me knowing i have that bottle in the cabinet. how long should i keep them before i throw them away?
i haven't had to take but a couple of them. so i still have a whole bottle. the reason i ask is because i have this major phobia of highway driving, and in a couple months my husband and i are planning to go to a concert 3 hours away. i dont plan on taking it, but i would like to know that i can just in case. and i won't be driving of course my husband will. Thanks!
23 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-23 04:11:35
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Your prescription bottle should have an expiration date on the bottle. The medication should not be taken after that date as its effectiveness and safety cannot be guaranteed. Talk with your doctor about a new prescription if you feel you will need the medicine for your trip.
Posted: 2009-05-27 21:26:22
Answer/Reply:
you can usually keep a perscription for 5 to 7years if it is stored in a cool dark environment, usually the date that the chemical companies is arbitrary ,they want you to get more meds which means more money ,and a bigger kick back for the Govt inspectors.
68 year old Male
Posted: 2009-06-14 13:06:56
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Prescription medication is considered still effective up until the use-by date on the prescription label. The use-by date is one year after it is dispensed by the pharmacy unless the actual product is labeled with an earlier expiration date. It is best to avoid using a medication that has expired because some medications degrade into harmful chemicals and most medications lose effectiveness over time. Please contact your physician to discuss the need for a new prescription.
Posted: 2009-06-17 23:40:31
Answer/Reply:
2 years old trrwo it away consult your doctor and ask him/her if you still need to take advan it is a controlled substance if you get caught by local officals with a 2 year old controlled substance perscription they may no like that idea if you know what im saying
37 year old Male
Posted: 2009-06-29 23:20:17
Question/Comment:
I have been givin Simvastatin, Lisinopril & I take Lorazepam 1mil only at nite, plus I take pepcid ac everyday. I am not taking the first two because of the side effect I have read about. I am a smoker, I have been told to quite, I would like to start taking omega3 & flaxseed oil but i've been told if you smoke they dont work to well, also pepcid & Lorazepam are not suppose to work together, so far i have had no problems with it. My Doctor wont let me use the patch to help with quitting smoking because i wont take the Lisinopril. Anybody have any suggestion, would welcome any you have, plus I do a lot of praying, Also I Lost my dear brother in Nov.
72 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-19 14:49:44
Answer/Reply:
first you did not say how high your cholesterol level was , mine was so high they thought that my blood would be solid but as we know God is the giver and sustainer of life ,If I were you I would take soy lecithin and the other over the counter meds with a good vitamin and keep on praying bless you !
68 year old Male
Posted: 2009-06-14 13:15:33
Answer/Reply:
Use the patch anyway.
45 year old Male
Posted: 2009-07-24 13:06:10
Question/Comment:
I use ativan 3/4 times a week for anxiety and insomnia. I have never experienced any side effects other than drowsiness, which is what I want to happen. I have tired many other drugs but this is the mildest for me.
66 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-29 14:25:21
Answer/Reply:
Hello ..i am a male in my 60.s and use Ativan when i nedd to take anxiety levels down.Ativan does work in a mild but effective way.for sleep as well ....i agree with the last post by 65 female..
in fact i take the lowest dose.
63 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-17 22:07:53
Answer/Reply:
Hello Iam a 64 yr. old female who also takes Ativan to bring down my anxiety levels and to help me sleep. I take the lowest dose and don't have any side effects.
65 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-24 22:37:19
Answer/Reply:
I am a 48 yr old female and have been taking ativan since 1992. I have never had any type of side effects. My doc tried to switch me to xanax at one point because ativan is addictive but I could'nt take the xanax. I have been on the 1 mg the whole time. I don't feel it when I take it but if I don't take it I know within 1 hour that I didn't, If I feel an anxiety attack coming on I take and extra one and I swear it is a miracle drug. There was a point in my life where I would be somewhere and have to literally run outside because my attacks were so bad. Now I don't have to be afraid to go out with friends for dinner or shopping, etc.
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-30 13:08:00
Answer/Reply:
Hello I am a 55 yr. old female who also takes ativan, and have been taking it since 2003. I take it for anxiety and migraine/headaches. I also take a low dose as needed...Never have any side effects...It's a miracle drug for me...Have tried all the other meds...Just couldn't tolerate anything else.
56 year old Male
Posted: 2009-07-13 12:08:22
Answer/Reply:
Xanax is just as addictive as Ativan.
45 year old Male
Posted: 2009-07-24 13:06:50
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Ativan now for 2 years to help with anxiety/panic from PTSD, when I take my Ativan (.5mg) I don't feel anything either, but if I don't take it I feel it. I use a .5 twice a day to prevent anxiety and panic.
I also see my Psychiatrist every 6 weeks for follow ups.
42 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-08 15:36:28
Answer/Reply:
I also take Ativan 1mg. nightly for sleep, wake up refreshed with no side effects. I tried many 'sleep' medications and all made me feel like a wet noodle in the am's...E.
74 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-21 12:57:37
Question/Comment:
I was placed Flexeril after a dehablitating neck mucscle injury that provoked a panic attack in my body. Prior to that I had not been diagnosed with having anything wrong with me at all. After three weeks of treating the neck injury with Flexeril, I finally got connected with my Primary Care physician, who barely knew me, and found out about the addictive qualities in Flexeril, not to mention the drowsiness. My PCP suggested I try Xanax for what I thought were panic attacks (but now realize were withdrawl symptoms from getting off of the Flexeril). I took that for about two weeks, prayed to God while I was taking it, and something in my spirit just told me to stop that medication. Then I read up on it's addictive qualities and stopped it altogether. I went to the pharmacy and purchased the NATURE MADE, St. John's Wort, herbal mood enhancer and began taking that for three days withouth any Flexeril, or Xanax. By the fourth day, I'd had another panic attack and had to be put on something else. The doctor in the hospital gave me Ativan. I've been taking it ever since and have thus far had good experience with the medication.
I'm only taking .5 mg. Though I can take two per day, I usually make it through the day with 1/2 a pill and somtimes take a whole one at night. With prayer and alot of what I call "anti anxiety scriptures and yoga stretching (to Gospel Music), I am working toward my healing and believing God to wean me off of this man made medicine to restore me back to myself.
I have overcome the trauma of the accident, my physical body is healing, and I am daily feeding my mind with a set of scriptures, and regular meditation to get it back to it's normal functioning (without all of the anxiety and fear). I believe that I am healed (in the spirit realm) according to Isaiah 53:14 am eager for the day when my natural body catches up to the miracle of healing that the Lord gave me two months ago. I also ordered the self help package from the MidWest Center for Anxiety and Depression. It's been very helpful. Please, if you are able, work toward getting yourself off of the medicine. Anxiety is an emotional disease that can be healed with DIVINE spiritual intervention. I will be praying for you all as well. Please pray for me.
Here's some helpful scriptures: GET YOUR BIBLE OUT!...and read it. It is life and health for you.
Luke 12:32, Psalms 23 (everyday), Psalm 94:19, Jeremiah 29:11, 1 Peter 5:7, Phillipians 4:5-7,Psal 112:6-8, Proverbs 12:25, John 14:1....and to wash your mind of those old thoughts: Romans 12:1-2. Be renewed in your mind.
God Bless You all.
33 year old female determined to get better without being on Ativan for a long time...:)
34 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-16 15:05:27
Question/Comment:
May God bless all of you who have posted or answered comments about this drug Lorazepam.Hope'll you find peace in dealing with your health and medications. I too have been taking Lorazespam for about 6 yrs, because the death of my 24 yr old son, who was murdered on Jan 23, 2003.His death brought on many side effect, worst than getting of any medications, and I have always been a person who loves people, and always wanted others to love me. Well since the death of my son, I have became withdrawn from people in general, actually I can't stand been around a lots of people, and especially the kind of person who murdered my son. Although I have forgiven him, I still can seem to like people or be around them anymore. But I can tell you all, the most wonderful thing that came out of this dramatic experience of losing my son is that I found Christ and my son's death have bought me closer to God. So even though my phyc prescribed this med for me, I prayed before I visited him and taking this med, that God would use the doctor and this prescription for the better of my condition, which I have developed because of the lost of my son. I am doing find, and treat this medication and all the rest of my medication as a blessing from God through my phyc and medical doctor. I have no side affect at all from any of my meds. , treat it like "I HAVE TO EAT" every day. I pray every day for the food I eat and the meds I take be blessed before I eat and take my medications. Prayer works, because God listens! I know, and I will get through this depression and anxiety, and learn how to love others again and live with this grief as part of my life. I am looking forward for it. God loves you all and my prayer goes out for all of us. Hope you all have a great family support system as well. Prayer and Meds for Life!
A 55 year old looking and feeling good female!!!
55 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-31 06:58:58
Answer/Reply:
When I lost my younger son in 2002 I went into a deep depression with extreme anxiety. MD tried all the currently popular drugs but the side effects were worse than the problems. When the nurse practioner suggested trying ativan it was such a blessing. It was mild enough that I did not experience any side effects on the lowest dose but got relief. When I have trouble sleeping because of the anxiety I take the next higher dose which makes me drowsy. Perfect! Now I only use them when the occasional anxiety flares up or I can't sleep. Thanks to Nurse Practitioners everywhere!
66 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-29 14:33:15
Answer/Reply:
May God continue to bless you and help you through your difficulties. Please know that there are others here in cyberspace who have had similar experiences and that you are not alone in your struggle.
Lorazepam is, indeed, a good medication. I have taken it for several years and find that it, along with prayer and family/friends support is a wonderful tool for dealing with everyday life.
68 year old grand mother
69 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-29 15:38:24
Question/Comment:
I am a 30 yr old mother/wife who has been taking Ativan for panick attacks. I also take citolapram daily and the ativan if i feel an attack comming on. Because of ativan i am able to leave my home and actually have a life without the fear of not having a solution if a panick attack comes on,however i just moved to Grimsley Tn from washington state and have not been able to find a doctor that will continue my perscription, because my doctor was out of state. I feel like once again i am going to be bedbound. Any advice?PLEASE>>>>
31 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-27 16:37:38
Answer/Reply:
Go back to the doctor who prescribed it originally. Tell him the prbolem you having getting the medication. Ask him to help you. He can do this by: Helping you find a new doctor in the area -writing a letter a explanation with a prescription to bring to a new doctor so he can validate your treatment. Call your insurance company -- ask them for a doctor in your network. Do you have a mail away pharmacy that you can use? Your previous physician may be able to utilize the mail away until you can this worked out. If you have a medical history that validates the usage of this medication - it should be utilized. You need to ask your previous doctor to mail you copies of your medical records. When ever you move, a complete and current copy of your records should come with you to validate your history - those are your medical records - you may have to pay for the copy but they are yours to have,
61 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-24 08:16:46
Answer/Reply:
God Bless you all, and may God take care of you always. I am a 63 year old mother of 3, grandmother of 8 and have 2 great grandchildren. I have also been taking Ativan for about 3 years now for panic attacks, fibromyalgia and a liver desease (hepititis C). Also, my liver specialists suggested for me to take Ativan because it doesn't hurt the liver and goes through the kidneys. Ativan has been a blessing to me. I am officially disabled and take Ativan because of my panic attacks, liver problems and sleeplessness. The Ativan I take is not covered by my medicare supplement so I have to pay for it every month. The doctor told me about 5 years ago I had Hep C. None of my doctors and I can figure out how it was contracted because I never took drugs, was a heavy drinker or had a blood transfusion. I pray all the time that God will heal me. Guess we all need a miracle.
64 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-25 21:06:28
Answer/Reply:
Perhaps you could contact the drug company for assistance with the cost. I have found that many of them are willing to help.
66 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-29 14:27:38
Answer/Reply:
Regards your posting your condition should also be taken with an SSRI in combination with
Ativan. The SSRI such as Effexor, Paxil, Wellbutrin etc. should be taken together. Ativan is
an anti anxiety but the SSRI meds are an antidepressant. Another substitute for Ativan is Xanax
or Klonopin. It seems that you are suffering from Agoraphobia or fear of open or public places.
There are newer drugs coming out all the time but try different ones until you get the best results.
My recommendation is to explore your optons to include " natural " solutions or treatments
instead of using prescribed synthetics as these meds temporarily masks the problem they are
not a cure. They actually do more harm than good in the long run.
53 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-04 10:36:09
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Ativan since 2003 after I started getting panic attacks related to my breathing. I have copd, (chronic obstructive respiratory disease), and I never panic attacks in my life until I got so sick I ended up in the hospital originally for gall bladder surgery, then I contracted pneumonia while in recovery. I was on a respiratorfor 2 weeks, and drugs that restricted any movement, because they said I was fighting against the machine to breathe on my own. After that I started having panic attacks on a regular basis, especially if I caught a cold or worse the flu. My doctor prescribed Ativan and told me to take it with her blessing. I knew of the addictive properties because I was a substance abuse counselor for 4 years. I had the prescription for quite a whilebefore Ieven started takingthe medication. The none day I went down to the basement to get my typewritter and didn't know there was mold was from a leak in the foundation, by the time I got back up the stairs I couldn't breathe. My daughter called 911and they came and gave me oxygen for about a half an hour and left. It wasn't 5 minutes after theyleft that I couldn't breathe again, this time they took me to the hospital. I was there for 3 days and on my follow up doctors appointment she asked if I had been taking the ativan, I said no I had not and she told take it with her blessing. I still didn't take it for quite a while ,the prescribed dosage was1.0 mg, I took it and put me to sleep, so I made another trip to my doctor and asked if there was a lower dosage,that is when I started taking 0.5 mg, and have been it ever since. I was so miserable due to the anxiety I was feeling all the time I finally gave in and started taking the medication to relieve my symptoms. Now I take 0.5 mg twice a day, more if I am having a bad day with my breathing. I don't think I regret taking the medication, it is a better option than suffering through a panic attack, I nick named it the fight or flight attacker. Thanks for listening, I don't know if what I've said will help anyone else, it has helped me to sit down and write about what happened to me. Sincerely Linda Schrawyer
56 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-15 19:19:41
Question/Comment:
I have been using Orfidal (lorazepam) for years now to combat my chronic insomnia. I take one mg. tablet when I go to bed. When I have forgotten to take it I have insomnia, palpitations and vivid dreams. I also take a 20 mg. tablet, in the mornings, of Prisdal (citalopram) and when I tried to get myself off it, although I had no withdrawal symptoms, after a month my depressions came back. Although I feel a bit of a zombie most of the time and everything about me has slowed down, I wouldn't be without either of these pills because they at least give me some quality of life.
66 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-12 16:22:08
Answer/Reply:
to the 65 year old female:
ask your doctor to adjust medicine level and that will help the zombie feeling you will feel so much better good luck and feel better
karyn
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-20 23:22:10
Question/Comment:
I am a 53 year old female who has been taking Ativan (Lorazepam) and Effexor XR since I was in my early 20's for panic attacks and anxiety. I know I am addicted to it but the doctors (psychiatrists) tell me that I need it because otherwise my panic attacks will return. One doctor told me that I will be taking it probably for my entire life! I take 6 mg in the morning and then 4 mg in the evening. I was just wondering does Ativan affect your liver or kidneys or any other organs? Is there a chance that I will die younger due to the fact that I am taking Ativan and Effexor XR? I am a single mom and that has been on my mind for years. I would hate to leave my kids alone in life. Thank you ...
54 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-09 16:04:12
Question/Comment:
I have taken Ativan for several years at bedtime only as my mind would not quit racing. Without it I cannot sleep all night. I have tried several times to not take it for a night but laid ther wide awake. I know I am addicted to it but the insomnia is worse. I am always tired in the morning until I get showered and then the effects begin to leave.
57 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-07 20:11:42
Question/Comment:
Wow. I think we're going to have to build a bigger boat for all of us!! I have been on Ativan for 18 years, first given it for Fibromyalgia and all things relative to that. I know I'm addicted to it, have weaned myself down to 2-1/2 mg from 4 mg. a day. I'm not against going off it entirely, but know it will have to be gradual. For those who want NOT to be dependent, if you have an addiction clinic in your area, go there. Any change in meds (I think) deserves the closest attention possible. Your MD doesn't have time, believe me. I'm sorry I don't have a solution (but what applies to one should NEVER be applied all-around). What we all need is a good support system around us, and as some may realize, no one has time anymore. Breathe deep....
54 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-07 19:07:35
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
! hae been taking ativan for 18 years at nightime so I can sleep along with 1 tynol pm . and also takimg the rest of my medicines at the same time which encludes atenolol,and zantac I dont know why my Dr. didnt tell me not to take them togethter. I have been having bad leg cramps for years and was told it was poor circulation /.anns904@aol.com
Posted: 2009-03-16 11:57:04
Question/Comment:
I've been on Ativan for many years for depression and schizo-affective disorder....it really seems to help me sleep at night...I fear I'm too dependent on it though....it seems it I go down on my dosage that I can't sleep at nights. Anybody out there like that?
42 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-22 23:13:16
Answer/Reply:
I have noticed the very same thing, without it I can't sleep. I am actually going to my doctor today to discuss this, we will see what he says. Glad I am not the only one, thanks for the post.
27 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-04 09:07:58
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Gabapen 800 mg, 2 tablets 4 times daily for 5 years now. I have noticed pain relief that is deminishing. However, I have been recently been getting cramps in my right leg at 4 a.m. in the morning. anyone the same out there. Also, I have been on Lorazepam for 5 years now and am terribly addicted to it. I cannot sleep without it and also, I get the shakes without it and sweats without taking the Lorazepam. If by mid-morning I have not taken a dose of my Skelaxin and Lorazepam I will get a drippy nose and the tiredness. I am pretty sure it is the lack of the Lorazepam since the Skelaxin (muscle relaxant) if pretty new to my regiment. Please tell me if anyone out there have been on lorazepam for over 5 years and have the same symptoms. Also, the gabapen situation is also over 5 years. The leg cramps have just started. However, with iron supplements and vitamin b, b-12 shot each month my iron is a 4 out of 0-299. Very low. Anyone out there experiencing weight loss and iron deficiency. I have lost 80 pounds in 8 months without trying. I am really scared. Kathrine 54 year old female.
55 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-25 07:43:04
Answer/Reply:
I have been takin lorazepam for 8 months and i find when i run out and cant get to the doc right away, i get a bad headache, and bein on it i have lost my appatie and lack of energy. I didnt realize that it was addictin til i was readin some of the comments on this website.
35 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-06 10:15:51
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I have been on ativan for several years also. I was started off at 6 mg and was weened down to 2mg. I know when I miss a dose because I tend to stay awake all night and day almost. I have been addicted to them at some point. I can sleep at night with the 2mg now because I do excersize before bedtime and that seems to help alot. Maybe you should try excersize before bedtime I hope it works well for you, good luck.
46 year old.
Posted: 2009-03-17 17:17:09
Question/Comment:
I was given Ativan, Benadryl & Ibuprofen as a "headache cocktail" (3 doses) to stop a 2-month bout with migraines that would come on at night between 2AM & 3AM. Turns out it was from sleeping on my side with degenerating discs. I'd start on my back & then roll onto my side - then BAM the migraine would hit. Now the VA sends me 30-tabs for "anxiety" - fools. I need my neck fixed again!
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-10 18:59:39
Question/Comment:
I use Ativan to tolerate my Synthroid medication. If I didn't take it I would get severe jitters from the Synthroid. I also have a history of panic attacks, anxiety and agoraphobia.
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-09 16:13:53
Answer/Reply:
I was recenty precribed ativan by my dr. after being on valium for 15 years. i have uncontrolled epilipsy along with angina, panic attacks, anxiety and now i have been told i have agoraphobia.. do not know much about it just the fear and panic of being in public. how do you cope? I do not drive and live in the country any thoughts on this would be a god send
44 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-05 09:26:11
Question/Comment:
I've been on Lorazepam for many years;in fact, not sure how many, but a long time.I know it's not working anymore because I'm still a very very jumpy person...I'm highly anxious......I'd like to get off of the med. but know it'll be too hard at my age.....I'm 64 now........I have other health problems too. major ones..Any ideas?
66 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-02 21:43:06
Answer/Reply:
considering i have no knowledge of your other condition(s), however, being one who has suffered from PTSD, anxiety/panic among other things for years myself, i ask you to remember how easy it is to pick up and handle crutches (metophorically, of course) and KNOW this:
you cannot have negative THOUGHT PATTERNS and positive 'feelings'; nor can you have POSITIVE THOUGHT PATTERNS and negative 'feelings'.
peace, love and bare feet sister ; )
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-03 10:26:06
Answer/Reply:
I have negative thought patterns,but I do feel good about 1/2 of the time... It all depends on what's going on around me, and how my meds are working. I'm a 54 year old female, post menopause and post hysterectomy at age 28. I am very excited and feeling good about my soul mate coming to see me, but I'm also very anxious about it too, since I haven't seen him in several years. (he lives 12 hours from me) It is possible to have positive feelings and negative feelings at the same time. I also have PTSD from a rape at 18 and molestation at 11. I still have very anxious feelings about men, but that's not going to stop me from finding someone to be with the rest of my life. I know God has someone out there for me. Church helps with the aniety too.
55 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-02 11:02:03
Answer/Reply:
I was taking 8 milligrams of Xanax for years....then realized that it was not doing anything for my anxiety and panic. What happened was, my body got used to the drug, and now I was taking it just to maintain it in my system. I had read that stopping it immediately could cause seizures. I am now taking Lorazepam, and understand that stopping that can cause a multitude of bad effects on the body.
I weaned myself off the Xanax by breaking off a small chip of one pill, waiting two weeks, then breaking off more, etcetera. By six months, I was completely off the drug with no side effects. Now I will do the same with Lorazepam. My doctor was amazed I did that, but said it was the best way he could think of to successfully get the drug out of my system.
Now I will need ANOTHER drug for anxiety and panic.....and it, too will work for about a year, and then back to the drawing board. Wish there were a drug that wasn't so addictive.
62 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-19 16:14:02
Answer/Reply:
That is wonderful that you were able to slowly come off the medications, it can be really hard, I hope there were options which were less addictive as well, I have weened myself down to only taking my lorazepam no more than once a week, I am also looking for something which is less addictive, please let me know if you encounter anything
29 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-22 16:07:20
Answer/Reply:
Hi, I am a 61yr young female who was taking 1mg of Klonopin three times a day for 8 years and when I tried to wean myself off it I had horrible withdrawls, shaking, nervous,anxious, couldn't sleep, heart went racing, no appetite/ The only good thing was that my mind (when I was on it) was racing thoughts all the time and now I have no more of those!!! The Dr. put me on Ativan 1mg three times a day so I don't know how long that will work but at least for now my mind is clear. I hate having to take antianxiety drugs but without them I couldn't function....did anyone out there ever have any reaction to taking Klonopin?
62 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-18 19:58:27
Answer/Reply:
I too, have been on Ativan for many, many years, and although I still can count on it
to help in a high stress situation, I feel that it's overall effect has been lost.
I am a very anxious person also, and do not deal with stress well at all.
I would like to be on something that helped, but have no idea how to get off this
pill that has been a "staple" for at least 15 years.
64 year old female
66 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-18 16:51:24
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Go too http://www.benzo.org.uk/ Lot of good stuff.
Posted: 2009-02-25 11:04:21
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I was on an anti-anxiety drug for many years, close to 20, when suddenly it lost it's effectivness...I went immediately to my dr and explained the problem...he told me that long term use of a medication can cause it to suddenly lose it's effectivness, and he put me on Ativan instead, which is working well for me...There are many other anti-anxiety meds your dr. can try if yours has now become ineffective.
Posted: 2009-03-05 05:38:59
Question/Comment:
Is there long term side effects with lorazepam? Father-in-law has been taking 3x day prescribed, and sneaking some here and there for approx 10 years.
79 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-30 16:24:14
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
http://www.benzo.org.uk/
Posted: 2009-02-25 11:06:32
Question/Comment:
I was just wonderin what SYMPTOMS CAN REBOUND WHEN IT IS STOPPED that ment if neone can let me know that would be cool thank you. u can email me at beautifulbabymee@adelphia.net thank you
23 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-21 10:45:22
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I have cut down to 3 2 ml 3 times a day The doctor told me to cut down gradually or I could have a bad reaction
Posted: 2008-12-28 12:45:23
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
For your answer go too http://www.benzo.org.uk/
Posted: 2009-02-25 11:06:09
Question/Comment:
I have been given Ativan twice while at The Emergency room. Both times were done thru the iv and I was sent home with a supply of 30 pills. It worked. I was happy. My Therapist and Med Doctor say I cannot have it because of the other meds I am on. I just looked up other drugs used for anxiety and I am on Celexa, Klonopin, Welbuturin. Wouldn't it make since to stop 3 pills and just go to one pill.
44 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-20 15:45:07
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
It sounds right to me. Ask your doctor
Posted: 2008-12-28 12:48:15
Answer/Reply:
praise be!..someone whose awake! the thing is my friend, only one script is only one income of monetary percentage for the doctor! if you have THREE scripts the doctor(s) monetary percentages of the pharmaceuticals prescribed are, however minimal, obviously greater. imagine that! please remember that your right as a patient is to have as much say over what you choose to put into your body to use for medical purposes as the doctors. if the doctors refuse, fire them. you and ONLY you, know your body better than anyone.. other than the one who created it. now, get out there and kick butt and take names sister! peace.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-03 10:41:54
Question/Comment:
hello i am on img 2 times a day and 1 xanax before bedtime i want to wein off to one of each at night or just xanax at night before bed will some one help please thank you
56 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-17 16:49:05
Question/Comment:
I've been taking lorazepam for 4 months--1.5-2 mgs a day--started to cut back 3 weeks ago after no more anxiety attacks for 10-15 days--am now down to 1 mg a night to go to sleep--staying on each cut back dosage for at least a week--so far doing okay--will cut to .75 starting Tuesday--have no ill affcets while taking it or cutting back
75 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-14 11:04:43
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Iam a 71 yr old woman who has been taking 2ml 3 times aday for the last 3 yrs. started out with 1 ml aday 19 yrs ago so im addicted to the drug. Iam so glad to see some cut back without side effects. Keep up the good work
Posted: 2008-12-28 12:42:32
Answer/Reply:
GREAT JOB! i applaud you, sir.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-03 11:00:03
Question/Comment:
My cousin (a pharmasist) told me years ago that when I wanted to get off Ativan that I should take half a dose of my afternoon pill (I take three a day, one in A.M., one in afternoon and one before bed, 2mg each), for one to two months, then quit taking the other half for one to two months, then do the same with the am. pill and the evening pill, until I am off the drug completely.
Does this sound like what your Dr. told you to do 54 year old female who posted on 11-11-2008??
Thanks!
59 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-20 08:37:25
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Iam on the same doseage it sounds like what the dr told me but do it gradually I get heart disorders when I try to cut down
Posted: 2008-12-28 12:46:57
Question/Comment:
I have been taking ativan .05 mg and 1mg ...for anxiety attack , I find that it really helps and I haven't suffered any side effects.....
44 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-18 22:18:33
Answer/Reply:
how many times a day do u do this /brfigures1@aol.com
56 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-17 16:51:42
Question/Comment:
I am a 60 year old male with severe COPD(end stage) taking lorazepam for more than 5 years at the rate of a tablet 2mg as needed.60 pills last me 3 to 6 months.I have never had any breathing difficulties when taking this drug. It has been a relief to have them available while experiencing anxiety attacks
61 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-13 09:59:44
Answer/Reply:
sir, you follow wisdom! i have suffered from PTSD, anxiety/panic for years; i know whereof i speak. therefore, i would like to share with you a hard truth i have learned. KNOW this: you cannot have NEGATIVE THOUGHT PATTERNS and POSITIVE 'FEELINGS'; nor can you have POSITIVE THOUGHT PATTERNS and NEGATIVE 'FEELINGS'...and MAN if this doesn't take practice. fear is your ENEMY, do NOT surrender. soft hugs.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-03 11:20:34
Question/Comment:
I take Ativan intermittently for sleep. I alternate three meds for sleep -- Ambien CR 12.5 mg, Ativan 2 mg, and clonopin .5 mg. I try to take a different one every few days. Sometimes none of them work, but I think that has to do with eating too much sugar, and/or caffeine. I limit caffeine severely.
If i take just one of these for a long time, they will quit working or the dose will have to go up. Ambien quits working after about three weeks. But Ativan and Clonopin are addictive (or cause dependence, what the difference?) and will have to increase. In fact, i have increased them and take about 1 and a half pills, but htat also varies.
58 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-11 08:33:15
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I also use ativan every night to help me sleep and have been on it for years. I take between 1 and 1 1/2 milligrams a night.
Posted: 2008-11-11 11:50:17
Answer/Reply:
ah, addiction or physicial acclimation..what's the difference? please, allow me. when one has been on a script with 'addictive qualities', if you please, ones body acclimates and dosages need to be increased to achieve or reach the desired results of the med(s) prescribed. when one makes the choice to use the medicine either not as prescribed or for reasons other than prescribed, this is a sign of a possible addictive personality traits. how well do you know yourself or rather, how honest are you willing to be with yourself?
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-03 11:10:51
Question/Comment:
I use ativan as a rescue only. I have gone 10 months without having to use it. About 3 weeks ago I had to use it. I found an old bottle that was over a year old. My question is can that make me sick or cause serious problems? I know the strength was different. Hopefully some one can answer so i am not poisoning myself
41 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-06 01:43:50
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