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Lorazepam User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

Brand names: Ativan, Lorazepam Intensol, Loreev XR, Ativan Injection

Lorazepam has an average rating of 7.9 out of 10 from a total of 1,056 reviews on Drugs.com. 74% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 13% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Lorazepam

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Bri...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • February 14, 2018

Lorazepam for Panic Disorder "My son, he was on drugs and drinking. My wife and I returned from a vacation. He tore his home up, he drove his truck through a heavy boarded fence. Damage in excess of $42,000. He slit his left wrist vertically very deep. It could not be stitched because of infection. He had a slit on his right wrist and a slit on his throat. He got better with professional help and meds through an indigent program. A psychiatrist visit was $1 an hour. He vastly improved from around 2009 through 2014 from drinking and drugs. Then in February 2014, he was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer and suffered terribly during Chemo and Radiation. In August, he had his esophagus removed (Esophagectomy) and was dead by September 23, 2014, at 1:10 AM. I want everyone to know that without the help of Lorazepam, I never would have gotten through the nightmarish ordeal with my son that I loved so much I would have killed and died for if it would have helped him. My precious Drew, I'll miss forever."

10 / 10
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184 Report
  • Sta...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • October 7, 2019

Lorazepam for Anxiety "I've been taking Ativan since 2008. For the last five years, I went up from 2 mg a day to 3 mg. I want to get off this drug because I feel my brain is cloudy. I went to my doctor, and he gave me a schedule on how to wean off, but his schedule is not working for me. I've been trying to wean off for the last 2 weeks, and I finally got down to 2 mg today. I feel a lot of anxiety, and I had to take another half milligram to calm me down. Does anyone have any suggestions? Do I need to go to a hospital? I have no family to help me."

10 / 10
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154 Report
  • len...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 7, 2014

Lorazepam for Anxiety "Long story short, I am terrified of medication. The first time I took Ativan, I had already got myself all worked up about having to take it, that when I did, I went into full-blown panic attack. It was not because of this med, it was my own doing. The second and third time I took it, it worked well. It allowed me to get through the entire day like myself again. It even took the depression away that I have caused from anxiety. I have only taken it 3 times in the last month since I was prescribed it. Since I've read how addicting this can be, I have been very careful about taking it only when I really need it."

9 / 10
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235 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Sar...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • October 31, 2019

For Panic Disorder "I have been taking this drug off and on for over 15 years and it has saved my life. When I was first diagnosed with anxiety, over 15 years ago, I was prescribed an antidepressant and Ativan to use if I have a panic attack. I was so unequipped to deal with the onset of an attack and it helped me tremendously in times of need. At the worst times of my life, I was taking 0.5-1.0 three to four times a day. I was taking it regularly for over a year. I never had withdrawal symptoms and think it’s a disservice to people to scare them away from using it for fear of addiction. I had such terrible anxiety that had I not had this medication, I don’t think I would have survived this time. I now carry it as a safety everywhere I go but haven’t used it for over a year."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 3, 2014

Lorazepam for Anxiety "I suffer from severe anxiety and panic attacks that happen unexpectedly. I am also taking an SSRI with the Ativan, but the Ativan is on an as-needed basis and has helped tremendously. The tightness in my chest is relieved, and the irregular heartbeat slows down. Anxiety and panic are very scary things to experience, and Ativan has helped me get through those tough times. I would absolutely recommend it."

9 / 10
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219 Report

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  • Anonymous
  • March 1, 2008

Lorazepam for Insomnia "I find when I have those nights that my brain just can't settle down, either a 0.5 or 1 mg Ativan will help me relax just enough to get a restful sleep. Usually I feel totally energized and fresh the next morning. This is the only thing I have found in almost 20 years that works. However, I can only use it on my worst nights, as it is addictive. That's the only drawback."

9 / 10
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300 Report
  • Jay...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 13, 2020

Lorazepam for Anxiety "Safe and effective medication as long as you do not become dependent on it. PLEASE avoid getting hooked on this medication as it is a benzo, and withdrawal from benzos can be deadly. Has helped me manage severe panic attacks due to anxiety, depression, and OCD. I take 0.5 mg if I am having a severe panic attack, and it immediately helps take the edge off."

10 / 10
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  • Lu ...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 23, 2020

For Anxiety "About 2 years ago I started having panic attacks whenever I left the house, and I had terrible insomnia. I was also diagnosed with social anxiety, so I would always feel edgy when around people and this made me quite depressed. I started staying by myself and not going out much. My doctor prescribed 0.5 mg of Lorazepam. I've been taking it almost every day for one month, and I feel a sense of calm and relief. My mind isn't racing anymore, and I'm able to sit still and relax. I'm also sleeping better, and I'm able to concentrate more. I started going out in public again, and I've actually been able to enjoy myself. This medicine is a life-saver for me. I've had some drowsiness, but I just drink a cup of coffee and this helps me to feel alert, but still calm. Now that I'm able to leave the house again, my depression is getting better. I'm a little worried about building a tolerance to this medicine, but so far it's been helping me get my life back on track."

9 / 10
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110 Report
  • bec...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 22, 2019

For Insomnia "I have been using this med for sleep, now, for about 30 years, believe it or not. Started on it with anxiety attacks and continued on it for lack of sleep. I take 1 mg. every night and that is it. There are a few nights when it doesn't work, but for the most part, I am sound asleep within 1 hour. I should take it earlier, but I take it about 10:30 or so, read, turn off the light and am soon asleep. I am somewhat sleepy still during the day, but that's better than being exhausted for days on end for lack of sleep."

10 / 10
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126 Report
  • maz...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 27, 2016

Lorazepam for Anxiety "This drug has saved my life. I take 1 mg twice daily. I have severe anxiety and panic disorder that leads me to never leaving the house because I'm scared of everything. This drug dug me out of a deep anxiety phase that was leading to very serious depression. I was scared to tell my doctor that I was going to kill myself if they didn't find something that worked. I tried about 14 other meds with little to no success. Before my doctor said I'm going to try you on Ativan and see how it helps with my drug history, this was a last choice kind of thing. He warned me about the potential for abuse and addiction. I'm aware of it and I never abuse the drug. I've been using Ativan for 2-3 months now and I'm finally back into the work force, finally able to drive again."

10 / 10
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176 Report
  • use...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • May 10, 2013

Lorazepam for Anxiety "I have been taking Ativan for the past 28 years! Initially, it was 0.5mg 2/3 times a day for a few months. Later, 0.5mg twice a day for about 2/3 years. Then once a day for 5/6 years. Since then, I regularly take 0.75mg once a day in the morning during all these years. I have never exceeded the dosage, and I am able to skip the tablet on many Sundays when I don't need to go out or do stressful things. I am sure I will be able to stop taking the medicine when I want, but as the dosage is small, I have made it a habit to pop 3/4th of a 1mg pill daily before I start to the office. Side effects - I am unable to distinguish as I am 61 years now and have formed some forgetfulness and some usual age-related minor personal problems. Ativan is a great medicine!"

10 / 10
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  • 732...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • February 1, 2025

Lorazepam for Anxiety "I give this anxiety medication 50 out to 500,000,000 trillion percent. I had Ativan before multiple times back when the pandemic happened. I was in the hospital getting over an infection. My anxiety had gotten worse, so I had asked them to give me something that would help me calm down but doesn’t make me sleepy at all because I wanted to be awake and alert at all times. Once I got on that medication at the hospital, my life had changed drastically because of that medication. I had used it again at the same hospital last year, and it had helped me so much that I had asked my family doctor to prescribe it to me as my new PRN medication if my anxiety gets really bad again. I want to say that if anyone has anxiety, get this medication, it would help people a lot. I have other types of medications to help with my chronic illnesses, so I have to be extra careful and cautious about how much I’m able to take this type of anxiety medication."

10 / 10
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  • Nic...
  • April 30, 2015

For Insomnia "It works GREAT!! I'm 32 yo. I have always been a very light sleeper. Toss and turn all night. Anxiety causes me to lay there and constantly think about everything. I've been on Xanax and too many to name. None work as good as this. So happy every day that I finally get a full night's sleep with no tossing and turning. No side effects. Highly recommend it!!"

9 / 10
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181 Report
  • Pan...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 19, 2015

Lorazepam for Panic Disorder "I am prone to terrible and traumatizing panic attacks. I was afraid one was going to happen on an airplane, so I dreaded an upcoming flight for months. On the day of the flight, I took a 0.5 pill and felt all of my anxiety wash away. I took another pill at the gate before boarding and had the most calm flight of my life with essentially no notable anxiety. This medication has allowed me to no longer be a prisoner of my panic. It's really changed my life."

10 / 10
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170 Report
  • doo...
  • May 6, 2013

Lorazepam for Panic Disorder "After losing my first child, I soon started having these feelings like I was having a heart attack, chest pains, hand cramps, and could not breathe. After several trips to the hospital, I was told it was a panic disorder. That was thirty-two years ago. I was given Ativan to hold under my tongue, and I still use it to this day 3x 2mg daily as needed. I now have two grown sons and two grandchildren, but I do not think I could have made it without Ativan and a great support group. I have no side effects, just a calm, peaceful feeling."

10 / 10
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204 Report
  • Hap...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 21, 2019

Lorazepam for Anxiety "The doctor gave me Ativan for treating bad anxiety/panic attacks. I just take 1/2 of a 1mg pill when I’m experiencing a panic attack. The doctor was very reluctant to prescribe it as it is a benzo, but in my opinion, it is 100% better than the long-term stuff which just completely messed up my moods and made me depressed, which I never was before. I keep the Ativan with me, and if I start to feel a bad attack coming on, I have 1/2 a pill and am completely fine again within 15 mins. It’s been a lifesaver for me as my panic attacks would sometimes last days, and I’d be throwing up, the whole deal. Ativan has really helped. I’ve only had to use it twice in six months, but just knowing it’s there if I need it is great. The only side effect I get is drowsiness, but usually I take it at night anyway, so it’s good. I also get a lot of relief from cognitive behavioral therapy like tapping and meditating."

10 / 10
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116 Report
  • Tha...
  • September 9, 2015

Lorazepam for Anxiety "This medicine has saved my life on several occasions. I developed physical anxiety issues (severe tingling, losing balance, trouble driving, insomnia, etc) a year after my 3rd child was born. My physician tried several SSRI and tricyclic antidepressants. They all made my symptoms worse. Ativan/Lorazepam helped immediately for all symptoms. In my opinion, it is a miracle and I hate how it is demonized in the media and medical community. When you suffer a month without sleeping hardly at all and can barely function in a normal setting due to crippling physical anxiety symptoms, and something provides relief, you take it. Yes, when you are ready to stop the medicine you have to reduce very slowly over a long period of time. Godsend!"

10 / 10
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164 Report
  • Bea...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 17, 2019

Lorazepam for Anxiety "I have extremely bad anxiety that started at 8 years old when my essential tremor started. It’s a vicious cycle. Shaking causes anxiety, anxiety causes shaking to become more pronounced, and it leaves me in constant fear. Anxiety became so bad recently that I had to go to the ER! I couldn’t even leave the house. Doctor gave me 1mg of Ativan, within 30 minutes, I was calmer than I felt in months. It was SO hard to find a psychiatrist that would prescribe them, but I did, and now I take 0.5mg as needed but literally when needed!! I have 90 pills, but have only needed 1. I force myself through the moderate anxiety as I am terrified of becoming addicted. (I DO NOT have an addictive personality though, never have). Anyways, I find these an absolute lifesaver, and for some reason, just knowing I have them on me calms my anxiety. I 100% recommend ONLY when needed in extreme cases!!! Force yourself through the moderate anxiety."

10 / 10
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  • Arg...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 27, 2025

For Insomnia "I have a love/hate relationship with Loraz. I just freak out it will cause Alzheimer's with long-term use, but I have no real evidence - seems 50/50 with any research. Anyhow, I've had insomnia for decades - tried every natural thing and every medical thing. Loraz has been a Godsend for me. My psychiatrist prescribed it when I was in the hospital for three weeks with severe MDD. She said I need to sleep to manage depression long-term and I needed to take whatever worked. It works. I keep going off it and trying other things - currently I'm trying Endep again, but it turns me into a horrible, angry, impatient beast, also hungover and constantly tired even though it makes me sleep. It's a matter of convincing myself it's okay to take it long-term. Reading how some older people have been taking it for 20 years helps me so much. Thank you for posting. Tonight I'm going to go back to the land of bliss and relaxation and decent sleep and feeling awake the next day. Back on the Loraz."

10 / 10
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  • Hsa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 30, 2019

Lorazepam for Anxiety "This is by far the scariest experience I have EVER had with a drug. Ativan immediately took the anxiety away but the after effects were horrible. I took it intermittently for 2 weeks and then noticed when I didn't take it consistently my anxiety was 100 percent worse. I was crawling out of my skin and so irritable. I also had uncontrollable muscle shaking and memory problems. This drug is very dangerous for some people. I'll stick to cognitive behavioral therapy."

1 / 10
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153 Report
  • Dig...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 22, 2019

Lorazepam for Insomnia "I have been using Ativan for sleep over the last few months, and I must say it's been a real help. I strongly recommend that you only take it two to three times a week maximum, otherwise, you could become addicted to it and its effects might no longer work. Moderation is the key here."

10 / 10
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  • scr...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • January 14, 2019

For Insomnia "Have taken for 15-20 years. Cannot sleep without it. Have had no side effects or interactions with other medicines, etc. Am a moderate drinker, but take no other drugs that would interact with Lorazepam. Highly recommend. I take 1 mg about 30 minutes before bedtime."

10 / 10
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112 Report
  • Tom...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 12, 2016

For Insomnia "I have very loud tinnitus (hissing-ringing in ears) from exposure to noise in submarine engine rooms for several years. I take 1/2 mg lorazepam at bedtime to let 'sleep find me'. I have been taking this for 4 years and have NO after effects. I wake up feeling awake and good. Some sleep meds leave me feeling 'drugged' in the morning. Not so for Ativan. It works well for me and I can stop (have done so at times) with no withdrawal symptoms other than not sleeping well. Good stuff for me. I am not an addictive type and went through high school, Navy, college, and 40 years of work and have NEVER used or tried recreational drugs. Thanks."

10 / 10
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146 Report
  • edd...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 29, 2013

Lorazepam for Anxiety "I was in the E.R. for my usual anxiety, waiting to be sent to a mental health treatment facility. I lay there for seven hours. I was tired but I could not sleep. It's like the voices around me were getting louder and louder. I eventually exploded. It took three security people and a nurse stuck me in my thigh from a distance with Ativan, it was great. The anxiety demons went away and I felt normal. I was later prescribed Ativan. I've tried many medicines in my twenty-seven-year battle with depression, social anxiety, anxiety, O.C.D., and P.T.S.D. Nothing works like Ativan."

10 / 10
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  • Ash...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 27, 2020

Lorazepam for Panic Disorder "I had tried so many other bad anxiety medications like daily ones and had worse symptoms even panic all day. ATIVAN saved my life, I started with half a pill to see how it affected me and I take 0.5. I didn't feel super high or messed up, I felt calm and normal. I hadn't ever found something that worked for me EVER. I was so scared to try new anxiety medications because of bad experiences but this one is amazing as needed. I prefer to take it at night since you get a little tired and relax. Everyone has a different experience, and I recommend this as needed. As someone who has anxiety about taking medications, you should try it and see if it helps because it helped relieve my anxiety within 30 mins or less of a panic attack. The next day feels a little mellow in a good way, relaxed and like a human not going a million miles from anxiety. Hope this helps!"

9 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.