Ativan (lorazepam) question

[bladerunnerb]

My doctor has had me on Ativan (lorazepam) for the last week to help with the anxiety until the Lexapro dose kicks in.  He's sure the anxiety is due to quitting hydro (I'm on day 12).  Can I just stop the ativan now?  I've been taking .5mg three times a day.  But, it's only been a week.

[worried878]

I know this is a bit late and i am sure your ativan is gone now....i did read u r still having anxiety and foun theanine which is a wonderful amino...for anxiety as well...theanaine also helps with dopamine release as well....anyway...ativan can even be cut in quarters as it is not timed released...but u did a good job using them for a week and then letting them go...getting out for a brisk walk can calm anxiety as well....good luck

[bladerunnerb]

Thank you so much!  The doctor had only given me enough for a week, so I'm down to my last pill and wondered if I should just cut it up and do a mini taper.  He didn't seem to think that there would be any withdrawal after only a week...I was just taking them to take the edge off the withdrawal anxiety, and it was a low dose and only for a week.  I took just 1/2 a pill last night.  Think I'll take 1/2 this morning, 1/4 at mid afternoon and 1/4 at bed and then I'll be done with them.  Thank you all for your help!

[avisg]

I think worried is right I would just cut one out every day or two you have not been taking them very long so this you work out well.

[worried878]

after just a week at .5mg 3 x a day...u would be fine to jump off physically...mentally u may want to do .5 twice tomorrow then .5 once the next day just so u ease back a little more slowly ...then get rid of them or at least quit using on a regular basis...they served their purpose and time to let em go...meds can be great when not abused and used for what they are supposed to be used for...i guess they did not invent benzos for detox but they do help the anxiety that it can cause....good luck...sounds like u r doing well

[sadinmichigan]

I would think as well you should be fine...why not call your Dr. and ask..and until then maybe just start cutting your dose...and congrats on day 12,..

[confused456]

Great job on day 12, maybe ask worried878, she is a nurse!

[cathy5841]

hey bladerunnerb, i would think it would be okay.  nut since i am not an expert dont take my advice.  there are some nurses around that will know for sure.  just wanted to bump this up so they would see it.  glad you are doing good.