Lorazepam and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ati...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2021

Lorazepam for Panic Disorder "I have tried just about every benzo for chronic anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, and panic attacks. Klonopin 0.5 mg 3x a day made me depressed and sleepy, and made me want to take extra. Valium 10 mg 3x a day worked great but resulted in excess daytime sedation and far too much muscle relaxation. Xanax was perfect, except for the rebound anxiety, the potency, and the extremely short duration of action. My Dr. suggested Ativan. I agreed and switched to 1 mg 3x a day, then 0.5 mg 3x daily. I found Ativan the least addicting of the benzodiazepines I’ve tried, although it’s supposedly very addictive. I also thought it was relatively easy to come off of, at least compared to Klonopin or Xanax! Finally, it has the lowest number of side effects relative to the main effect. Ativan doesn’t make me drowsy but does get rid of my anxiety. And 0.5 mg is enough for a bad flare-up of anxiety, 1 mg enough for a panic attack."

• 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."

• Owl...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 30, 2016

Lorazepam for Anxiety "Ativan is very good for anxiety. The trick is not to take it too often. I've found that I get used to dosages fast. I've also found that on the day following when I take it, I'm more tired, listless, and depressed. It's something to watch out for."

• Cra...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 6, 2015

For Anxiety "Ativan was prescribed inpatient to me. After major suicidal ideations and an active plan, I was given this to take when required (about 3 to 4 mg a day) inpatient. I am on Lamictal, Lexapro, and Ritalin, also Seroquel as needed for sleep, plus Ativan 1 mg when required. I usually take 1 mg in the evening. Works great! Very subtle compared to Klonopin, Valium, and Xanax. I would rank Xanax as number 1, Ativan number 2, Valium 3, and Klonopin a close 3rd but 4th. Give Ativan about 1.5 hours to feel effects, it takes about 2 hours to peak and lasts about 8 for me. Doesn't pack a 'punch' like Xanax or Valium, but it is noticeable. It also seems to help depression somewhat! Whereas others can drag you down."

• phi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 1, 2014

For Insomnia "Have taken lorazepam now for a year, only on and off when insomnia becomes unbearable. They are little life savers, only take 0.5 mg. Took 1 mg once and had a bad day the next day - depressed and drowsy the whole day. Menopause is a challenging time with the awful insomnia. I have also taken Night Nurse and sometimes 3 mg melatonin. It is hard to get a doctor to prescribe the tablets, but they are worth taking just to get one night's sleep."

• can...
• August 19, 2010

For Anxiety "I thought I was having a heart attack in 2004, went to the ER, and learned it was a panic attack. My life is stressful 24/7, but I could not believe I had this! The doctor gave me a Valium and sent me home. I went to my doctor and told him what was up, he immediately put me on Xanax. I was cured! It also helped greatly with my depression and short temper I had had for years. I was fine for four years, then I moved to being okay."

• It...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 8, 2022

Lorazepam for Panic Disorder "I take 2 mg on occasion for sleep. I try to go no more than two 2 mg pills a week. For severe anger and panic attacks, I will take 2 mg. I really try not to take them every time I have an emotion because some are normal. Everyone is different and responds differently and needs to be tailored to their life. Personally, I would rather not take them, but realize I have to. Side effects are feeling a little fatigued and down, but that's the only side effect for me. So I'm very careful with using them."

• 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."

• DKa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 4, 2019

Lorazepam "I have been taking 0.05 mg for nearly twenty years for my inner ear condition called Meniere’s disease. I would suffer with debilitating dizziness (vertigo) to the point that I would have to roll out of bed to the floor and crawl to get to the restroom or any other place in my house. If I stood up, I would fall over. Ativan has given me my life back. It is a miracle drug for me. A couple of years ago, I had a mental breakdown due to extreme stress from my job, loss of parents, and a son. This made my Meniere’s worse, and I was put on 1 mg. This was the only thing that helped me function until an antidepressant (Wellbutrin) kicked in. I am now back on the 0.5 dose, 1 daily in the morning, and able to live a very normal life. I am very thankful for this medication."

• mrs...
• February 21, 2016

For Anxiety "I have had to take this medication (when I try my hardest to stay away from meds) on a few occasions. Every time, it's only taken .2 or .5 mg to relieve my panic attack! I love it, except my Dr. won't prescribe me anymore for those just-in-case times, and I don't want to go on an antidepressant. I don't know if it's just my depression, but I feel a lack of motivation and very tired, but that could have to do with it being a sedative too. Would suggest to anyone that just can't control the anxiety and panic."