Lorazepam and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Nut...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 28, 2023

Lorazepam for Anxiety "I’ve been on this medication for anxiety and anger since 2018, it immediately takes away panic rage and lets me think clearly. However, my psychiatrist took me off cold turkey 9 days ago, and I feel miserable!!! I’m having constant blackouts, anxiety, intense paranoia, rage, no energy at all to even get up and use the bathroom, and insomnia. I’m afraid of feeling like this for years or forever, I don't know how to deal anymore. This is so unreal. I’ve had many crying fits and moments of depression because of this awful feeling. Pros: 10/10 Cons: 0/10"

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 26, 2021

Lorazepam for Anxiety "I initially took this drug to treat chronic nerve pain, as nothing else would work. This gave me some relief as I was experiencing continuous pain. I also suffer from anxiety and bipolar disorder. I believe this drug saved my life, even though it has actually worsened my anxiety. I take 1 mg once a day in the morning, so that I would wake up the next morning with severe anxiety. It took me a long time to figure out this came from Ativan and not my 'normal' anxiety, which wasn't that severe in the first place. As my neuralgia eventually got better over time, I tried to lower the dose to 0.5 mg per day. I was prepared to experience withdrawal, but instead, I felt as great as ever! I eventually went into a manic state and started to have psychotic symptoms. So bipolar people beware: stopping long-term use of Ativan can trigger a manic episode! Altogether, I don't regret taking this drug as I have a more productive life and more desire for social connections."

• Tom...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 11, 2019

For Cervical Dystonia "I have CD, tried all the different Botoxes. Botox A works best for me and which doctor injects, but lorazepam has always helped with my anxiety and dystonia if I can get it prescribed to me. But zolpidem 10 mg taken in half gives me full relief for 3-4 hours per dose with no Botox injections, full range of motion. The hard part is getting it prescribed or the prescription from the pharmacy. Insurance finally pays for 4 doses, 2 pills a day, really need 5 to 6 doses a day, have been doing this treatment for 1 year off-label and it is working for spasms and some anxiety issues, thanks for your time."

• Gen...
• June 9, 2019

Lorazepam for Anxiety "Addiction, dependence, and abuse are all three very different things and carry different definitions and connotations. I see many worried about addiction. As with any of the many drugs that change a physiological function, our bodies can become up- or down-regulated and normalize the presence of the drug. Any mammal reducing or discontinuing certain drugs, like Ativan, can experience dependence, characterized by physical and emotional distress at withdrawal. This should NOT alone be considered addiction. Addiction often involves dependence, but that's not all. If you discontinue Ativan and find yourself drinking uncharacteristically more or pursuing other chemical ways to cope, you may have a valid addiction concern. Physical/emotional dependence is not the only criterion for addiction. Doctors are generally accepting of this and should take no offense. Consult an expert, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and alcohol are the only common substances that can be dangerous if discontinued suddenly."

• Sar...
• February 15, 2019

For Anxiety "Taking 1 mg per day before bed for about 7 years. Helps a lot with falling asleep. No side effects during daytime. Then, about 3 years ago, withdrawal symptoms started. I started getting anxiety during daytime, which was especially bad about lunchtime, which was about 15 hours after the night dose. For the last 6 months, I have been tapering off lorazepam by breaking bits off the 1 mg pill. Now I am at about 0.5 mg per night and feeling better during the day. Sometimes I still get anxiety during the day, but it has become milder. Still staying on the 0.5 mg dose as I need my sleep."

• Anonymous
• July 15, 2016

For Anxiety "If you're using this drug for anxiety, make sure you read up on it before you use it for more than an occasional anxiety fix. Even at the minimal dosage, using this stuff daily for even a week will cause problems. Namely, it CAUSES anxiety. From what I've read, this is a dependence that develops - either (or both) physical or mental. After only a few times, you get accustomed to it 'fixing' your situation. Your body adjusts for the GABA boost, and then 'crashes' - resulting in anxiety. Very bad loop to get in. Warning signs: you're counting the # hours the med will still be working (about 6 total), you're watching the clock for when you might be able to take another pill, you always carry a pill in your pocket, etc. Those are bad signs."

• Ric...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 24, 2021

Lorazepam for Anxiety "Ativan works like a charm. If I'm feeling edgy or having a panic attack, I take 1 mg, and within 20-30 minutes, I'm good for exactly 24 hours. I would give it a 10, but you really have to take it sparingly, and it can be habit-forming. I'd say it's good to take 3-6 times a month, and more frequently than that, and you will have some withdrawal symptoms, which can be unpleasant (muscle aches, constipation, more anxiety, etc.). But that's just the nature of benzos. Really great drug generally, and happy to have access to it in a pinch."

• Ced...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2021

For Anxiety "I started taking Lexapro 10 mg 35 days ago and increased it to 20 mg 21 days ago and hoped that it would have helped more than it did. I was still experiencing anxiety, tension, and clenching my jaw at work, home, and in my sleep, but Lorazepam sublingual 0.5 mg helped greatly. I was more relaxed at work, calmer in high-pressure situations. No clenching. Wasn't overly drowsy, just had a few yawns here and there. I could focus. But because they were sublingual, they are short-acting. Four hours later, jaw clenching and tension, my hands were back to feeling shaky. Took another one. The seven pills the walk-in doctor gave me didn't last long as a result. I have been waiting to see my GP. Appointment next week, but I saw the walk-in doctor again today and we determined that the regular (non-sublingual) would be a better option since it's longer-acting. Still at 0.5 mg, no increase, and I don't want an increase. If this is something that I take regularly with my escitalopram, I want the lowest possible dose."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2020

For Insomnia "I recently went through an experience that triggered my anxiety. I have always had anxiety, social, loud noises, smaller sleeping quarters, etc. My sleep regimen now consists of taking 15 mg of Remeron and 1 mg of lorazepam. I know the lorazepam is very addictive, but I tried to go for 4 days without it, and my anxiety came back pretty high, so I'm back on it. I talked to someone else who has bad anxiety and trouble sleeping, and they take Xanax at night. It's really difficult for me to have to take such a powerful drug at night, but at this time, with all the other stressors in life-the election, COVID-I don't have much of a choice. I hope to find a better way to relax in the upcoming months and slowly taper off of it or switch to a different medication. If you do decide to stop taking this drug and have anxiety, you will need a plan to do so. There are methods. Google Benzo.org.uk for the withdrawal schedule."

• Dru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2020

Lorazepam for Anxiety "Ativan does the job. But you do NOT want to go through the withdrawal. It's very bad. I have generalized anxiety and panic disorder to the point where I can't leave the house unless I really have to. And Ativan makes it a lot easier to leave the house. The withdrawal makes your anxiety come back with vengeance. It's bad. For the short term, it's great, but long term you become addicted and physically dependent on it. And you build a tolerance so it doesn't help you as much as initially taking it. I love Ativan and recommend it to anyone suffering from anxiety. Just make sure you wean off it, or you will feel like life becomes a nightmare."

• Jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2018

For Anxiety "Was prescribed this after a nervous breakdown left me with severe insomnia for 2 weeks, leading to daily panic attacks and severe depression. I took 0.5 mg at night and finally passed out. I still had some residual anxiety for a few days, but I was able to cope. Now, after 7 days of 0.5 mg at night, I started to taper off to 0.25 mg per night to get off the med and am experiencing minor withdrawals. Last night, I had nausea and anxiety attacks, leading to some sleep loss. I plan to fight through it at 0.25 mg per night for the next 4 days, then go down to 0.125 mg for a week, then stop... Be careful with this stuff, it works wonders, but make sure you have an exit in mind. I am frightened to think of how the withdrawal would be had I not started tapering so soon."

• Jes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 6, 2018

For Insomnia "I've had various meds over the past 31 years, on and off, for anxiety, insomnia, and depression. I've suffered two bereavements this year - one of them was my mom. Lorazepam was my saving grace. I have 1 before bed and 1 before lunch, if during a day too if I feel anxiety getting to fever pitch. Works really well, and I still function at work, etc. You can certainly come off it, but always under your doctor's direction. Little by little. You may feel a bit bad as your body and brain adapt. Sort of anxiety/insomnia symptoms as side effects. They do lessen. You can do it. I did. And I have the willpower of a cushion! Good luck."

• gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 30, 2018

For Anxiety "I take lorazepam for anxiety and insomnia/disrupted sleep. When I take it for panic attacks, I feel like they are far more manageable, although sometimes not all of my anxiety symptoms remit after taking it. Lorazepam is also very helpful for sleep. Usually, I have trouble falling asleep and wake up often, and I often have vivid nightmares. When I take Ativan, I fall asleep much more quickly and I tend to stay asleep. Additionally, it is usually pretty much dreamless."

• Mic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 12, 2016

For Anxiety "Three years ago, we discovered a clot inside my heart. I went in for exploratory surgery and awoke from a coma 33 days later. It had broken while being looked at, and I had a mild heart attack on the table. I had to be put into a coma to survive. To make things worse, I was also paralyzed from the waist down. It was too much, and I had my first anxiety attack. Fast forward to now: I've regained part of my ability to walk, it's painful, and I can only walk so much. The clot is gone, but I still take maintenance meds for it. Sadly, I still suffer from regular panic, but this drug works great. When I feel myself slipping, I take an Ativan and feel better, breathe easier, in less than an hour."

• Sin...
• June 4, 2014

For Anxiety "I had a sort of nervous breakdown during a trip. I could not catch my breath and could not sleep for 4 days. It was a horrible feeling of anxiety. I dreaded the night. I started 1 mg Ativan at night only. It was a godsend. It worked like a charm and gave me my life back. I went to therapy and continued the nightly 1 mg for 3 months. I became dependent, as everyone does. I then 'pill chopped' my way off from 1 mg to less than 1/2 mg over the next 3 months. After 6 months, I was off completely. I feel good and am glad to be pill-free for 5 weeks now. Properly used, this medicine can be a lifesaver. I still have them for peace of mind, but I find now I can live without it."

• Rig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2022

Lorazepam for Anxiety "This medication has saved my life. I always suffered with panic attacks, agoraphobia, and anxiety. I wasn't taking anything for my condition and was simply surviving, not living. Three months ago, I tried a melatonin supplement that contained passiflora incarnata and had a really bad reaction. I couldn't sleep for seven days straight, and it triggered severe anxiety. On day seven, I stopped taking the supplement, but it left me with EXTREME anxiety that wouldn't go away. Doctors gave me Seroquel, risperidone, Zoloft, nothing worked. I am going to try Lexapro. I went through three months of hell. One of the doctors prescribed me Ativan, and I am so happy he did. It's the only thing that worked, I was contemplating suicide because I felt horrible dread feelings 24/7. Words can't explain how bad I felt, I was in hell. Ativan is the only thing that truly helped me and stopped the anxiety in its tracks. I couldn't sleep before it, I would wake up every 20 minutes and have horrible anxiety dreams. Ativan saves."

• Rig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2022

Lorazepam for Anxiety "This medication has saved my life. I always suffered with panic attacks, agoraphobia, and anxiety. I wasn't taking anything for my condition and was simply surviving, not living. Three months ago, I tried a melatonin supplement that contained passiflora incarnata and had a really bad reaction. I couldn't sleep for seven days straight, and it triggered severe anxiety. On day seven, I stopped taking the supplement, but it left me with EXTREME anxiety that wouldn't go away. Doctors gave me Seroquel, risperidone, Zoloft, nothing worked. I am going to try Lexapro. I went through three months of hell. One of the doctors prescribed me Ativan, and I am so happy he did. It's the only thing that worked, I was contemplating suicide because I felt horrible dread feelings 24/7. Words can't explain how bad I felt, I was in hell. Ativan is the only thing that truly helped me and stopped the anxiety in its tracks. I couldn't sleep before it, I would wake up every 20 minutes and have horrible anxiety dreams. Ativan saves."

• Rig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2022

Lorazepam for Anxiety "This medication has saved my life. I always suffered with panic attacks, agoraphobia, and anxiety. I wasn't taking anything for my condition and was simply surviving, not living. Three months ago, I tried a melatonin supplement that contained passiflora incarnata and had a really bad reaction. I couldn't sleep for seven days straight, and it triggered severe anxiety. On day seven, I stopped taking the supplement, but it left me with EXTREME anxiety that wouldn't go away. Doctors gave me Seroquel, risperidone, Zoloft, nothing worked. I am going to try Lexapro. I went through three months of hell. One of the doctors prescribed me Ativan, and I am so happy he did. It's the only thing that worked, I was contemplating suicide because I felt horrible dread feelings 24/7. Words can't explain how bad I felt, I was in hell. Ativan is the only thing that truly helped me and stopped the anxiety in its tracks. I couldn't sleep before it, I would wake up every 20 minutes and have horrible anxiety dreams. Ativan saves."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 30, 2021

Lorazepam for Anxiety "I have been on Ativan in varying dosages for a few years now. I had a terrible bout of anxiety after an illness years ago, and I was unable to eat anything for weeks due to extreme stomach pain. If I wasn’t prescribed Ativan, I don’t know if I would have survived. I don't think that benzos have such a stigma, but for those living with anxiety and all the terrible things that come along with it, it can make living so much better. At my highest anxiety, I was taking 3 mg/day. I could finally eat and get through the day without pain. When I am not having issues, I take 0.5 mg at night to sleep. If I don’t have it for more than 24 hours, I can tell because I will wake up in the middle of the night with anxiety. I don’t love the fact that it is so addictive, but I don’t know where I would be without it."

• Rub...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 17, 2020

For Panic Disorder "At the start of 2020, I gave birth to my third child. A few weeks later, I was diagnosed with PPD, and just a month later, I went through a traumatic experience in my life that put me in a really bad state of mind. I tried to fight it for weeks, but it just wasn’t happening for me. I was irritated at everyone and anything, crying 24/7, could barely mother my own children, constantly being overwhelmed with anxiety and anger. That’s when doctors suggested lorazepam. It’s absolutely crazy how it works within 30 minutes, and you immediately start to feel yourself again. I’ve had so many episodes where lorazepam has literally saved me. I’ve currently started on an antidepressant, hoping that it will help as a long-term strategy, as doctors don’t like to prescribe lorazepam often. So fingers crossed this antidepressant works for me, and hopefully, I can come off this benzo for good... In saying that, Ativan has been amazing ❤️."

• Rub...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 17, 2020

For Panic Disorder "At the start of 2020, I gave birth to my third child. A few weeks later, I was diagnosed with PPD, and just a month later, I went through a traumatic experience in my life that put me in a really bad state of mind. I tried to fight it for weeks, but it just wasn’t happening for me. I was irritated at everyone and anything, crying 24/7, could barely mother my own children, constantly being overwhelmed with anxiety and anger. That’s when doctors suggested lorazepam. It’s absolutely crazy how it works within 30 minutes, and you immediately start to feel yourself again. I’ve had so many episodes where lorazepam has literally saved me. I’ve currently started on an antidepressant, hoping that it will help as a long-term strategy, as doctors don’t like to prescribe lorazepam often. So fingers crossed this antidepressant works for me, and hopefully, I can come off this benzo for good... In saying that, Ativan has been amazing ❤️."

• Mia...
• January 15, 2020

For Anxiety "I've been on lorazepam for over 20 years. 1 mg twice a day as needed. Have to take one at night because my brain never stops. It was my savior med. If someone says they have something that will stop your paralyzing panic attacks and nonstop anxiety, what would you do? I jumped right on it. Now I can't find a med doctor who wants to prescribe it! They want to put me in rehab?? I've had two heart attacks from my panic attacks, so no, I'm absolutely terrified to get off the med. I also have very high blood pressure. So what I'm seeing is this could be the end of me because lorazepam is the only thing giving me somewhat of a normal life, and Dr. won't prescribe it. I'm agoraphobic, have such bad panic attacks that they wake me up. Sometimes twice a night. I also suffer from depression, PTSD, OCD. Looks like I'm doomed. Thx, doctors."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2019

For Anxiety "I had a stroke, 9 actually. An artery filled with plaque broke loose after my unattended high blood pressure. Each of the pieces of plaque was considered a stroke. It changed my personality almost completely. I have daily anxiety attacks, and I started drinking which I never had before. It seems that I don’t care about anyone except me now. No empathy. I have a husband of 44 years, and he’s sick and a disabled son. I tried therapy, but he just kept bringing up the past about how my parents treated me, and I couldn’t handle that. So I started leaving once a month. I have too much anxiety. The doctor put me on 2 mg a day of lorazepam, and I can control it better, plus Zoloft. Zoloft alone did nothing. But if I didn’t have the lorazepam to take daily, I don’t know where I’d be. I wish the DEA would stop being so strict on it when it’s given to those who really need it and long term. Nothing else has helped me."

• 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."

• Hyp...
• March 11, 2019

Lorazepam for Anxiety "I was diagnosed with panic disorder at 8 years old, and when I was 13, the panic attacks became severe. My psychiatrist finally prescribed me 15 pills per month of 1 mg of Ativan. I’m now 18, and just went through a really hard time. I relapsed into severe anxiety, had to quit all my schooling. My panic attacks can last for hours, and this is the only thing that provides relief during those sleepless nights. If it weren’t for Ativan, I’d have gone to the hospital 30 times now. It is pretty easy to become dependent. I’m tapering off, went from 0.5 mg per day to 0.25 mg, to skipping days. The withdrawal symptoms are not terrible, but they’re definitely uncomfortable. I suffered vertigo, insomnia, and increased anxiety. Advice to anyone taking this medication: Never cut cold turkey. Although rare, it can cause seizures if you stop the medication suddenly. Also, it’s very easy to become dependent on it. Please be careful."