Lorazepam and Drowsiness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ele...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 16, 2019

For Anxiety "Lorazepam has saved my life on numerous occasions. When I’m doing all the things I should be to look after myself, yet I still become completely overwhelmed, past the point of no return-to the point where my brain is mostly all nasty and mostly thinks about suicide-then even half a tablet makes the world of difference. The anxiety literally melts away, and I’m able to start again and begin the looking-after-myself process again. I also like that I can take it when I need, and I don’t have to take regular SSRI medications, which all made things worse for me and whose side effects were unbearable. At low dosages, I have no side effects with lorazepam, at higher dosages, I lose balance or trip over things easier and can be forgetful and very sleepy."

• Lis...
• May 13, 2016

For Anxiety "I have taken .05 mg 1/2 pill 2x a day as needed, usually just 1/2 pill before bed to ease anxiety to sleep. There have been times when I was having severe panic attacks and have used up to 2 pills a day. I have GAD, and this pill has saved me many times from running to the ER. Mental health is no joke. Being very sensitive to meds, a small dose helps me, you will need to find what works best for you. Too high a dose can cause drowsiness or put you to sleep. I also take Zoloft for anxiety and depression. I've been on these meds for 5 years now, it works for me! Talk to your doctor always, it's best to be prescribed by a psychiatrist since they specialize in these matters. Good luck on your journey! You're never alone, there's always help available if you seek it!!"

• Eag...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 28, 2016

For Anxiety "I have been experiencing periodic anxiety attacks ever since my house caught on fire, five years ago. Doc initially prescribed two Ativan a day, one in the morning and one at night. It worked great, but I didn't like the drowsy side effect in the morning. But, I will tell you, it is a lifesaver to quell off an attack that's in full gear or one that you feel coming on. As I write this, I just woke up in the middle of an attack and took 1 mg and am starting to come down after an hour. I only take them as needed now, so I don't build up a tolerance to the medication. I hope this was helpful to a few of you that suffer out there too."

• Gar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 7, 2013

Lorazepam for Panic Disorder "This medicine is powerful. It does stop panic attacks, however, it can leave you drowsy and with difficulty concentrating. It's still a tremendous help with my symptoms, but as I was a programming student in college, my ability to concentrate was still compromised. If you need quick relief from panic attacks, this likely is your medication, but depending on what you do, you may want to look at SSRIs instead (though they take longer to take effect)."

• Sot...
• June 18, 2017

For Anxiety "I rate this 9/10 because I haven't used it enough. I have agoraphobia and anxiety/panic disorder. Lately, it has been hard for me to leave my house, and so I would get anxious inside the car and then at the destination. The moment I woke, I took 0.5 mg on an empty stomach to let it kick in while I brush, change clothes, and later eat. By the time I leave the house, I noticed I didn't feel any hesitation to step out. The car ride was calm. I didn't sweat, no feelings of wanting to panic. I was able to browse clothes and shoes without having to do my usual breathing exercises to keep myself relaxed. It enabled me to shop without worry, panic, and rushing. I have only taken it twice, a month apart. No drowsiness or sleepiness for me."

• str...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2023

Lorazepam for Anxiety "Compared to other long-acting anxiolytics such as Klonopin and Xanax XR, Loreev XR is the best. It has better anxiolytic effects than Klonopin, in my opinion, and is less sedating than Xanax XR (plus, lorazepam has a longer peak than Xanax and Klonopin, so that’s a plus as well). I take two 3 mg Loreev XR (both taken at the same time) daily. 6 mg Loreev XR = 3 mg Xanax XR, but even with taking a dose that equates to 3 mg Xanax XR, the effects of the Loreev XR are still less sedating. Would definitely recommend this medication. You can get a coupon from Loreev XR’s website, which makes it very affordable."

• Kay...
• January 6, 2021

Lorazepam for Panic Disorder "I have severe panic disorder, agoraphobia, IBS-D, and damage to my nervous system due to trauma. I have been given Ativan for numerous procedures, which I wasn't sure what it was, but I knew for the 24 hours after I felt normal. Not groggy, not post-operative blues, nothing just... normal. After over a year of trying a million different things to manage my conditions, I asked my doctor in his office what he puts in my IV because that is magic. He gave me the rundown on how Ativan can be addicting and how my procedures I get 2 mg and he was going to start me on .5 as needed. In the last month, I've taken a half of a .5 mg tablet as needed, and let me tell you, life has been much more bearable. Unfortunately, Ativan is supposed to be a short-term solution and my problems are very much chronic. I haven't ever experienced more than a slight groggy feeling once. Anyway, if you feel as hopeless as I did, this doesn't hurt to try. I hope it works as well for you as it has for me."

• Anonymous
• June 3, 2009

Lorazepam for Anxiety "Ativan is great for anxiety flare-ups, especially when breathing or alternative methods won't cut it. However, certain manufacturers make their pills slightly differently, and some seem to be more sedating, and then I feel out of it. I wish there wasn't a price war for the least expensive medication, so the pharmacy would stick to one brand. Even the generic isn't working to control my anxiety right now. When my pharmacy carries the right brand, it works perfectly for those fear and flee moments that I can't get under control."

• Und...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2014

For Anxiety "Severe social anxiety to the point of not being able to interact with people in public, couldn't go to seminar classes where speaking was required. Would sweat profusely with my heart beating out of my chest. Now I take one 1 mg pill most days (not all) along with clonidine daily, and I feel fine! I participate in lecture discussions, talk to people around me, etc. Side effects: a slight 'nodding' effect and a bit drowsy, but I sort of like its cool breeze of sedation. Great medicine!"

• Cel...
• June 26, 2010

Lorazepam for Panic Disorder "I took this medication because I was having panic attacks. I had no drowsiness and no side effects. This medication didn't make me apathetic or sedated; it simply took the panic away so I could think and get my work done. It saved me. After the panic attacks stopped, I was still suffering from anxiety (a new condition for me), and the Ativan didn't help that, so my doctor switched me to Klonopin, which worked great for day-long anxiety, while I also tapered up on Zoloft. Still waiting to figure out if the Zoloft works."

• Rah...
• November 18, 2013

For Anxiety "I've been receiving relief from the intense anxiety I used to feel that started 20 years ago by taking 0.5 mg of Lorazepam, usually only at night until my seasonal work kicks into gear and then occasionally once during the day. But it has been a lifesaver. The triggering divorce from 20 years ago left me depressed, and the side effects left me spacey and numb. The doctor who identified the real issue as anxiety and not depression I feel saved my life. I guess there are those who get hooked and/or abuse this drug, but it has been safe for me with very few side effects. I'm most grateful that it doesn't make me groggy the next day. I'm up and ready and clear-headed. A brief attempt with Ambien freaked me out as I couldn't remember driving and stuff."

• Kas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 14, 2016

For Nausea/Vomiting "I would like to share my experience with lorazepam - I have breast cancer, which entailed a right-side mastectomy and axillary node dissection (painful), where I am on hydrocodone 10/300's for pain. I am on my 4th extensive chemo, where the first 5 days after chemo every food smell causes severe nausea, where I cannot eat - I just want to cover my nose. They had me on Compazine (really needs to be off the market as it is a useless drug - did not work during my pregnancies either, that and Phenergan) - they put me on Zofran - all this did was make me want to sleep with no relief relative to nausea. After consulting with my oncologist, he placed me on lorazepam, and would you not know, as soon as I took it - within 15 minutes, the nausea feeling was gone!"

• Jar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 3, 2020

For Anxiety "When I needed it, 1 mg made me more akin to a normal person with no anxiety-induced freak outs. I could function in public. For sleep, 2 mg started knocking me out but left me a little groggy in the morning. After I built a tolerance, even 3 mg wasn’t knocking me out anymore, and I was groggy from drugs and lack of sleep. New Bipolar 2 DX and new pdoc refuses to prescribe Benzos for fear of abuse and addiction. When it worked, it worked great, but high tolerance led to taking more and more and leaving me open for addiction and abuse."

• diz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2020

Lorazepam for Light Anesthesia "I was prescribed 2 mg Ativan to take 2 hours before a dentist appointment (I’m a 110 lb woman). I took it 2 hours prior, and within a half hour, the whole room was spinning, and I was getting nauseous. I was only not dizzy if I was laying down. It seemed like an impossible task to walk to the car and be driven to the dentist and endure an appointment in that state. I stayed home and immediately fell asleep for 5 hours. I felt nauseous upon waking, and it got better after eating a small amount of bland food. It is now evening, and I feel better, just very groggy and a little slow feeling. I would rather endure the dentist appointment than go through this again."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2017

For Anxiety "This does work for anxiety and seems generally safe and with little side effects. I personally do not like the long-term effects of the drug and wish it was more of a 30-minute to 3-hour effect. But this is great. My first choice would be Xanax, this is a great second. There are some short-term memory blanks and more difficulty in concentration at times, also a slight sleepy feeling. I do not feel any addiction aspects to this drug. I can take it or leave it. I noticed when I do have anxiety and take it, this helps the episode resolve sooner. If I have anxiety and don't take it, I get through it longer and may have other problems associated with the stress on my body. I see no need to take this for recreational reasons, it is not fun."

• Anonymous
• October 24, 2011

Lorazepam for Anxiety "This medication worked for my anxiety but made me a complete zombie. I would forget things I was doing and just had a drowsy, I-don't-care attitude. It got rid of my anxiety but interrupted my daily work routine because I couldn't think to function. I would only recommend it if you are having extreme, jump-out-of-your-skin anxiety, otherwise, try to do things naturally. I started taking vitamins and working out regularly, and my anxiety has gone down at least 60%."

• Les...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 2, 2022

For Anxiety "Lorazepam saved my life. I had anxiety, depression, insomnia, and social anxiety. My family has a history of multiple generations of mental health problems. I was barely functioning and felt like I could not breathe or talk. I had trouble all my life and was just getting worse and worse. Finally, an MD gave me a prescription for lorazepam. My life completely changed. For the first time in my life, I felt like I could talk to my husband, family, and friends. I began doing social things. It made me feel normal, not sedated. I ended up taking it just once a day at bedtime, and it helped me sleep, and I did not have trouble with the anxiety for many years. I have had to change providers several times, but everyone has always been very understanding and has continued to prescribe lorazepam for me. The newest provider was a nurse practitioner with one year of experience. She prescribed it for me for a couple of months and then decided she wanted me to stop taking it. So I’m stopping."

• Dol...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 30, 2017

For Anxiety "I am a 35-year-old female with bipolar disorder type 1 and generalized anxiety. I've been taking lorazepam off and on for about seven years, only during panic attacks or particularly bad spells when my anxiety can't be managed by the coping techniques I've learned over the years through CBT, mindfulness meditation, etc., and my daily mental health medications (quetiapine, venlafaxine, and topiramate). When I do need to use it, lorazepam is a godsend. It works more quickly than diazepam, which I'd previously tried, which is what you want when you're in the midst of a panic attack or suffering badly with anxiety. It's very effective without being too much, and I haven't had any side effects, just slight sedation."

• Ale...
• January 24, 2019

For Anxiety "This drug definitely helped with my anxiety and panic attacks. I mostly use it for my plane anxiety now, and it works great. This is not a long-term drug, if you need a long-term med, I suggest Xanax. Very little to no side effects using this drug, except a little drowsiness."

• bil...
• January 13, 2018

For Insomnia "Have been taking .5 mg for a few years. Used to wake up at 1 or 2 a.m. with all the lights on, so to speak. Am a stem cell recipient because of leukemia. Originally blamed it all on other prescription drugs I was on, especially immunosuppressants. But as I have been slowly removed from all these other meds, I still was experiencing middle-of-night sleeplessness. Have occasionally tried a full 1 mg pill but saw no difference. The .5 mg dose does just fine for me. Remember, in most states it is considered a controlled substance, so DO NOT drive until 8 hours after using."

• xdo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 16, 2022

Lorazepam for Panic Disorder "I have very severe anxiety and panic attacks 24/7. It never goes away, and I’m too scared to take antidepressants. I also have a phobia of vomiting, fainting, and having a panic attack, haha. I also have 24/7 dizziness. I’ve only ever taken 0.5 mg of Ativan (under tongue) a few times when I was having a panic attack or when I had to go to the dentist. It made me feel almost more anxious when I left my dentist appointment, and I thought I was going to have a panic attack. That was a little over an hour after taking it. The other times I took it, it worked and didn’t peak my panic attack, but made me feel groggy and more anxious when it wore off. For me, any benzo is a hit or miss, and I never know if it’s going to work this time or not."

• Anonymous
• May 7, 2010

For Sedation "I have (had) a severe needle phobia. I got really sick and was often given high doses of Ativan while in the hospital, that exposure to needles did help a little bit. Now I need to get my blood tested often. I used to take three or four 0.5 mg pills before getting my blood taken and, with family member support, was able to have blood taken with little drama. I would usually fall asleep for several hours afterward. I have been able to work my way down to one 0.5 mg pill when I get blood taken, and after a half-hour nap, I am fine. I would not take this day to day for anxiety because of the drowsiness, I also don't feel it is necessary for me. Ativan has been wonderful helping me get over my phobia."

• gri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2012

Lorazepam for Anxiety "I was prescribed the 0.5 mg tabs for anxiety and panic attacks. I have only been taking them for a few days now, but they definitely do calm me down. The only side effects I get are a little sleepiness and a slight headache. I don't think the 0.5 mg tab would be enough for a full-on panic attack, I think I would need to take 3 or 4 of them. My only problem with these pills is that sometimes it takes 2 or 3 hours for it to fully kick in."

• akh...
• February 21, 2018

For Anxiety "I have had a history of panic attacks for years. Been to the emergency room feeling like I was dying. Felt almost as if I was having seizures. Couldn't get deep breaths and would get dizzy and feelings of dread, nerves under my eyes would literally ripple. Went to the ER about three years ago and thought I was having a heart attack, and it was a panic attack. The doctor told me to get to a psychiatrist. He started me on a low dose of .5 mg three times a day. Within about 6 months, I was taking 5 mg a day. I was getting 75 2 mg tablets per month (so 2 1/2 pills a day). I know it is a lot, but it does keep my anxiety at bay. The problem is, if I don't take a dose at night thinking I don't need it, I wake up feeling terrible. This is not a medicine that will be easy to ever come off of, I know. At least my life is tolerable again, though. It makes me a little drowsy sometimes, but not too bad."

• Lan...
• January 8, 2012

Lorazepam for Anxiety "Ativan always helps calm me down 0.5 mg dose, but when it wears off, it makes me a little extra nervous. But all in all, a very effective medicine. Side effect is drowsiness and laziness, haha. But I function so much better when my mind doesn't have the anxiety."