Lorazepam and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

• fox...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2016

For Anxiety "WITHDRAWAL HELL! I was prescribed this medication after extreme anxiety that was not getting better with citalopram. I was only given 2 by GP (I am in the UK), and then it worked so well on my anxiety I went back for more. They shouldn't have prescribed me 2 months' worth because when I was told I wasn't allowed anymore, my body went into meltdown. Over three weeks later, I'm still suffering from the withdrawal symptoms: severe anxiety, insomnia, spaced out feeling, double vision, tremors, sweating, auditory hallucinations! Awful, awful, awful. It may seem great when it's helping you, but when you stop, be prepared to give up your life... This has been the worst time of my life, hands down, and I'm three weeks on and only marginally better."

• 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."

• jon...
• July 11, 2008

For Anxiety "I've been on Ativan for 4 months now: 0.5 mg once or twice a day to control my anxiety attacks. I only take it when I feel jittery, flushing in my face, a heavy headache akin to a tension headache, and dizziness. Usually, these symptoms subside within 1 to 2 hours of dosing. Sometimes as quickly as half an hour, and it is not often that I have to take 1 mg in two divided (0.5 mg) 6-hourly doses. Last month, I didn't take Ativan for 5 straight days, and I didn't suffer any withdrawal symptoms or rebounds."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 8, 2025

For Insomnia "In 2004, I was leaving work and had my first severe panic attack (although I didn’t know it was that at the time). I was fortunate that my ER nurse immediately recognized what I was experiencing and gave me IV Ativan (lorazepam). My PC physician later prescribed Klonopin (clonazepam). It helped, but after taking it for 18 years, its effectiveness wore off. About 15 months ago, I started having “sleep anxiety” and would go four days, at times, with not even a second of sleep. I saw a psychiatrist, who switched me to Ativan, a faster-acting benzodiazepine, and I’ve been taking that for the past 15 months. It helps me with sleep-onset latency, most of the time, but as we tried to taper me off it, I experienced severe withdrawal (rebound insomnia and debilitating anxiety). Ativan might be ideal for short-term or occasional use, but I don’t recommend taking it every day."

• Cen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 14, 2021

Lorazepam for Anxiety "I’ve been on 1 mg daily for almost 2 years. I wish I would have known how hard it is to get off of without tapering off slowly. If I miss a dose, the rebound symptoms kick in, and I’m left in pain, wondering if I’m going to have a grand mal seizure. I want off of this med, but I’ll have to talk to my doctor about switching to a slow release to taper off of benzos. If you get prescribed, please only take a small amount for a short period of time. Get a good therapist to find ways to deal with anxiety on your own, this drug is just a band-aid."

• 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."

• vin...
• July 4, 2009

Lorazepam for Anxiety "The nurse didn't lie - no anxiety, fewer nicotine cravings. I'd stay smoke-free, but I'm hyper without the cigarettes. At least I've decided strongly against alcohol and drugs. One day at a time, one step at a time. I'll quit smoking eventually. Then I'll replace the hyperactivity negativity with positive exercise. I don't want another relapse."

• 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 ❤️."

• 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."

• too...
• November 21, 2008

"Without this, I am not quite human, nor quite sane. After my mom passed with an acute illness, I developed a horrible case of insomnia and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). A psych prescribed this, and with it, I feel that I can calmly exist and think clear thoughts. Without it, I am a tight jumble of nerves, I cannot think straight, am paranoid, mean, physically ill, and feel like giving up. I tried to go without it for about 6 weeks, and all my symptoms returned to me 10-fold. Taking a few pills a day is a small price to pay for your sanity, the ability to smile again, work, look forward to seeing your family, and actively pursuing life. Although I don't recommend this for everyone for a long time, I will probably take it forever. Excellent."

• 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."

• min...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2012

For Anxiety "While Ativan definitely helped me deal with anxiety for short periods of time after administration, I found that it gave me awful rebound anxiety within 4-6 hours after it began to wear off. It is very short-acting, which can be great for taking care of acute panic/anxiety attacks, but it's NOT a good choice for individuals who must take it multiple times a day."

• Anonymous
• September 27, 2009

For Anxiety "While I was taking lorazepam, I did notice my anxiety and stress level go down. When I decided to go off the drug, I experienced horrible anxiety for hours at a time. Because of this, I am nervous to take anything else for my anxiety."

• 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."

• Res...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2019

For Anxiety "Lorazepam. Doctor gave me this at the hospital to deal with anxiety. Got a prescription for 8 tablets. I took the first tablet the following night, and that was the worst night of my life. I was dreaming while awake, afraid to sleep for fear I would die in my sleep, having to use the fan in the winter because I was hot. Took 3 more tablets at different times and had the same negative results. Sleepless, with my heart pounding, I took a spoonful of Buckley's, which calmed me down, and I was able to sleep. Meantime, I flushed the other 4 tablets down the drain. I now do my Buckley routine every time I have anxiety. I would rather be addicted to Buckley's."

• SEA...
• September 21, 2009

Lorazepam for Anxiety "Originally prescribed for anxiety related to flying. It does well with general non-flight-related anxiety (thought racing, panicky feelings), but am having a hard time finding the right time to take dosage before a flight. Am prescribed 1 mg (doctor said I could take up to 4 times or so without any adverse effects). So far, I am less anxious on the plane (I don't cry as much, at least, but am still shaking and jumpy the whole flight). Strangest thing is I never remember getting off the plane, claiming baggage, and rides to the hotel. I always remember the flight and being scared, but the airports (both) are a blur! Maybe my timing is off. Am flying again in 1 week, so I will try my timing again. Luckily, our favorite vacation spot is only an hour away, but whew."

• Tir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2021

For Insomnia "My pharmacy switched to this brand lorazepam, and I started taking it and can no longer sleep. Lorazepam was supposed to be for my insomnia, but this generic of it was horrible. It did not make me tired, it did not turn my thoughts off, it was basically useless, and I had to keep taking it for 60 days because my pharmacy couldn't order the other brand. I don't know how to check this out, but I believe it has too many fillers in it that counteract the medicine. I just got more anxious because I couldn't sleep."

• And...
• August 23, 2015

For Anxiety "I had a very alarming adverse reaction to Ativan (lorazepam) that I never had with any other benzodiazepine that I'd like to share. My doctor prescribed me 0.5 mg of Ativan for my anxiety that I've had since childhood. Within an hour of taking my first dose, I began to experience scary hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. This never happened whenever I took Xanax, Valium, or Klonopin, so I don't know what made Ativan different. Not only did Ativan increase my anxiety, but it also caused these disturbing adverse side effects! I personally did not have a good experience with this drug and threw the rest away. Please be very careful with it!"

• Poc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 5, 2019

For Anxiety "Doctor prescribed me 1 mg x 3 per day. First week was fine, but soon after I developed a tolerance and between-dose withdrawal. Much to my dismay, my doctor kept me on this for 4 long months. The pills were working against me, actually causing me anxiety. Now I am in the process of tapering off. If only I was prescribed a longer-acting benzo for a much shorter period."

• Eur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2021

Lorazepam for Anxiety "This pill works, but is not a solution. Be wary even if you don’t have an addictive personality. I don’t, but using this only 3 days in a row, then stopped, caused me physical withdrawal symptoms! I only took 1 mg each day. After 3 days, I had rebound anxiety, tense, painful shoulders and back, neck/head pain, teeth grinding, and achy. Also, this medication makes my hair shed!! and makes me feel stupid and foggy for days after! This is definitely NOT a drug you want to play around with! My husband was prescribed this years ago, and he said also, he became “dope sick” after using just for a couple of days! Withdrawal from benzos can be really hard, so if you are trying to get off of them, consult your physician. I couldn’t imagine how bad withdrawals would be if you were on these long-term. I will keep them on hand for extreme, rare emergencies. But in the meantime, I will stick to hypnosis and taking lemon balm or passionflower herbs."

• Des...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2017

For Anxiety "I've been struggling with depression but mostly anxiety for 16 years. I take an antidepressant, and last year I tried to change it three times. During this time I began to use Lorazepam daily and began to increase it when it wasn't working for me. Needless to say, this was the worst year ever. My anxiety symptoms were hell. After reading about Lorazepam and the problems with tolerance, rebound anxiety, looping, and withdrawal, I realized my problem was not the antidepressants but Lorazepam. If you take it once a month or several times per year, it could help and shouldn't hurt you, but if you take it every day, you are asking for trouble. My recommendation is to avoid Lorazepam at all costs."

• Anonymous
• March 23, 2011

Lorazepam for Anxiety "Periodontist prescribed before dental surgery - 2 x 1 mg tabs 1 1/2 hrs before my appointment. It was great! I do not remember anything about the surgery and obviously felt no anxiety - yet was awake the whole time. Great for this purpose."

• jon...
• July 13, 2008

"I've been on Ativan for 4 months now, 0.5 mg once or twice a day to control my anxiety attacks. I take it when I feel jittery, have a flushing face, a heavy head akin to a tension headache, and dizziness. Usually, these symptoms subside within 2 hours of dosing. It isn't often that I have to take 1 mg in two divided (0.5 mg) 6-hourly doses. Last month, I didn't take Ativan for 5 straight days, and I didn't suffer any withdrawal symptoms or rebounds, but my anxiety attacks returned on the sixth day."

• khi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 11, 2021

For Anxiety "I took it on and off for a few years, and it was so helpful for me; just started it again after 3 months, and the Watson's (yes, they do vary), which I took before had a completely different effect; very unpleasant, so I discarded them. I've received since then a different generic (Leading Pharma), which actually gave me anxiety. Something has changed. I received it in the hospital (IV), and that was not the case."