Lorazepam and Drowsiness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• n81...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2013

Lorazepam for Anxiety "Most subtle of the benzos I have tried. It made me sleepy the first hour or two, but then stabilized my anxiety and mood for about six hours. Much longer lasting than it is given credit for. Good PRN medication. Other benzos cause some moodiness or depression even. Although I think Lorazepam can, it is much smoother than others. It is again too sedating for many people, though. I liked it about as much as Clonazepam, it is better than Valium, in my opinion."

• 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)."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• dud...
• January 10, 2010

For Anxiety "This drug works very well for anxiety, and I find it works better than Klonopin without causing the unbearable drowsiness from Xanax. I would give it a 10 because of how much it helped me control some irrational thinking and anger problems, along with frequent panic attacks. Yes, I am physically addicted to this drug, but it has made a great difference in my life for the better."

• Anonymous
• July 8, 2009

Lorazepam for Anxiety "Ativan at 0.5mg works for me. No side effects. I just feel calm. My doctor gave me a prescription for 1mg but that causes drowsiness, which finds me napping and losing part of the day. So I am not going to take that strength. He said I could take the 0.5mg 2 to 3 times a day if necessary. I find twice a day is working well."

• 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...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2021

For Anxiety "I take lorazepam as needed for general anxiety, and it was such an eye-opener because I have never felt not anxious before. The first time I took it was for a blood test because I'm terrified of blood tests, and for the first time in my life, I was able to get out the door without shaking and freaking out. I did find that this medication is really sedating and would last quite a while for me, and I'd end up getting light amnesia during the comedowns. Other than that, it's a lifesaver for panic attacks."

• 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."

• Kra...
• November 9, 2019

For Insomnia "I started taking lorazepam 15 years ago. I was having severe panic attacks, driving myself to the E.R. several times. Not sleeping for literally 3 days. Then, with great reluctance, one night in the E.R. for the hundredth time in full-blown panic. The RN gave me this tiny white pill. I held it in my hand for an hour, scared to take it. But man, am I glad I did. I have been taking 1 mg Lorazepam for 15 years. They work great. 30 pills last me 4 to 5 weeks. I have never increased dosage and they work great. A little groggy in the morning, but so what, better than not sleeping for days and in full-blown panic. I do go 48 hours sometimes without taking one or take one day off then another, because everyone says they are highly addictive. But I also take one every day for months. These things saved my life, and I will take one every day or every other on occasion for the rest of my life. My doctor said, “Do not let fear of addiction stop you from taking one.”"

• PN7...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2019

Lorazepam for Anxiety "This would be my 3rd time in 14 years of getting a week's worth prescription of Ativan (0.5 mg). I never seem to take them all. Does calm anxiety, and with the low dosage, I don’t get drowsy or have any other side effects. I would suggest taking a pill only when necessary. I could see how this could become habit forming. Sometimes, you just naturally need to fight through an anxiety episode."

• 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."

• 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."

• Xel...
• March 21, 2017

For Anxiety "This medication works at reducing anxiety, and the only negative effect is slight drowsiness. I just take 0.25 mg at a time, so I'm not too drowsy. I'm getting a little annoyed at how hard it can be to get it from doctors, seeing as it works for me."

• 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!!"

• 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!"

• Mad...
• June 10, 2015

For Insomnia "I've been prescribed lorazepam for six plus years. It started for what I found out was anxiety due to a very stressful work environment and caring for my aging mother. I couldn't manage life. I sometimes couldn't sleep either. I started taking lorazepam as needed, approximately 20 to 30 minutes before an exceptionally stressful situation, and it worked great. I was able to slow down, omit the anxiety so I wasn't reactive, and make my points in a clear and concise form. I started taking them for sleep, to stop the committee from meeting in my mind, 1 to 2 mg as needed. I never feel sedated in the morning, they work great. My physician thought it would be prudent to transfer me to Valium because I've been taking lorazepam too long... now."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Web...
• May 20, 2010

For Anxiety "I was prescribed this today and took it tonight as a 'trial' run, as the doctor advised. For years, but especially after my second psychiatric hospitalization, I started having panic attacks. First, I was prescribed Vistaril, which did nothing. So far, the generic lorazepam I'm taking has worked well. I'm not anxious at all, though slightly drowsy."

• 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."

• Mac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 10, 2025

Lorazepam "After retiring from the military, I received help I had been dealing with for years. If you are too honest with any mental health problems on active duty, you can lose promotion opportunities or be discharged, so I waited. This drug is a lifesaver for my debilitating anxiety and insomnia. I have taken it for 3 years, and yes, you build up a tolerance, but it’s better than nothing. There were times I didn’t take it for weeks to see if the withdrawal was that bad. Honestly, it was about the same anxiety as I had to begin with. A couple of days you don’t sleep, but it wasn’t as bad for me. I take 3 mg a day, and it keeps me functioning normally. Without it, I’d be a mess. If I have to take it for life, so be it. It is addictive, but the alternative life isn’t worth living, so I’m glad for this therapy. It doesn’t make you loopy or comatose. The first few weeks will be drowsy, but if you are high anxiety, you will feel normal."

• 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."