My DR. prescribed me Lorazapam due to anxiety I have been suffering over my son's medical issues and an up coming surgery he is having in a couple of weeks. I'm on 1mg of Lorazapam. I take it twice a day. I've been reading horror stories about people becoming addicted and having bad withdrawals. I'm only taking it for 2 weeks ( when my son's surgery is over.) What are the chances that I'll be telling horror stories of my own about this drug?
2007-03-25 10:51:24 · 8 answers · asked by karatoto74 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
I'm normally not a person who suffers with anxiety. So, I'm pretty sure that I won't need these after my sons surgery.
2007-03-25 10:52:08 · update #1
Alright, this is an excellent question and I'm so glad I am here to help answer it.
Ativan is in a class of medicines call benzodiazepenes, it is similar to valium. Much of the bad rap attributed to these medicines are not because they make you an 'addict', but because they are popularily used by 'addicts'.
Now, addiction isn't a dirty word, but it is a disease. Just like you can't become an alcoholic by drinking alcohol, you can't become an addict by taking this medicine. Where the confusion comes in is that benzos have a quality to them that may be confused with addiction. It is called 'dependency'. Dependency is different from addiction because addiction surrounds behaviors to aquire the drug. Dependency occurs in high doses for a long period of time. Doctors know this and most are very good at knowing how to prescribe these medicines without that effect.
Dependency can occur in two forms. Psychological dependency, where one feels as if they cannot survive without the medicine, and physical dependency, where the body suffers from usually mild symptoms if withdrawn. This would include stomach upset and other maladies. Now, in my whole career I have only seen this a few times, it is not that common without someone having the disease of chemical dependency first. Usually a person who has this disease will take excessive doses and not follow their doctors advice, then they will end up with these symptoms.
If you do not have chemical dependency, and you are taking 2 mg a day, I don't think there is any chance of you developing either physical or psychological dependency.
This is an excellent medication to use for anxiety. And please, don't feel badly for having anxiety. It is not a weakness, rather, a genetic trait! But that's another story. Take the medicine and see your doctor again. I would also advise a therapist so eventually you can learn calming techniques instead of, or with the medication.
2007-03-25 16:29:53 · answer #1 · answered by DanaZ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While Lorazepam (brand name Ativan) is a very addictive drug, its not as habit-forming as other drugs of its class, this is probably why your doctor chose this drug for you. You will almost definitely not have any problems coming off of the medication, in fact, you may be relieved to come off of it if the medicine affects your daily activities. Many people say that this medication puts you in a bit of haze where you experience drowsiness and a diminished sense of awareness. Be careful driving while you are on this medication. You do not have to take the medication if you aren't feeling anxious. This is a short-acting medication and is intended for prn or "as needed" use. It is also completely safe to half the tablet and just take 0.5mg, this would be especially good for your morning dose, to decrease the drowsy side effects. If you're just feeling slightly anxious, try 1/2 a tablet instead of a whole. You should be just fine! And I'll keep your son in my prayers! :)
2007-03-25 11:04:58 · answer #2 · answered by Jenn 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Older research tells us that Ativan (Lorazepam) is addicting. However, new research tells us that the real danger associated with Ativan is not physical addiciton per se. But, if you take it everyday for a long period of time, you'll need more of it to have the same effect. You are on a pretty low dose and only for a short period of time, so little chance of you developing a tolerance and needing more to have the same effect.
Sounds like the prescription is to enable you to get through this spot of stress with your son without the stress of the situation deleteriously affecting your ability to function or your physical well-being. This is likely your doc's thinking regarding the pills and your presenting anxiety issue.
2007-03-25 13:38:12 · answer #3 · answered by K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Taking it 2 times a day for 2 weeks should not make you addicted. You also do not have to take it twice a day unless you feel the anxiety starting. You may be able to get by with only one dose a day. I have had to take it before while going through a divorce, 2mg tablets, and I didn't tell horror stories afterward.
2007-03-25 10:55:28 · answer #4 · answered by Sparkles 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is possible to become addicted AFTER 4 weeks of continuous use. You will be fine if only taking it for two weeks!
God Bless you and your son!
2007-03-25 10:59:32 · answer #5 · answered by nicholettejohnson 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband took it for about two weeks as an anti-spasmodic following surgery. He had no problems stopping it at all. Besides - the dosage you describe is very low. I wouldn't worry about it. I am sure your doctor knows what he is doing. The best of luck with your son.
2007-03-25 10:56:38 · answer #6 · answered by arkiemom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had taken lorazepam (Ativan) for several years. No problem. You might need to continue after your son's surgery during his recovery. Speak to your doctor about this even your pharmacist could help you with your concerns.
Good luck to your son and to you.
2007-03-25 11:06:21 · answer #7 · answered by Proud Nana 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your not a hypocondriac also are you. take them with a cold beer and you will be fine!! enjoy!!!
2007-03-25 11:03:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋