Is Lorazepam Addictive

Updated

I have been having anxiety attacks for over a year. Mydoctor has prescribed both Buspar and Lorazepam. The Lorazepam seems to work better than the buspar. I am concerned that this drug may be addictive. Can you help?

12 Replies

Earliest Newest Votes
1

Yes, this is a Benzodiazepine, they are very addictive. That is why a lot of docs will no longer prescribe them except in extreme circumstances and many insurances will not longer cover them, either.

Lorazepam is the generic for Ativan.


Here is a page with some more information, and I will also copy in the relevant sections here for you, in case you do not have time to look it all over.

Lorazepam-Drugs.com

Lorazepam is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if lorazepam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

PsyWeb

The habit-forming potential is high. Do not stop taking this drug abruptly, this could cause psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms.


MedicineNet

Like all benzodiazepines, lorazepam can cause physical dependence. Suddenly stopping therapy after a few months of daily therapy may be associated with a feeling of loss of self-worth, agitation, and insomnia. If lorazepam is taken continuously longer than a few months, stopping therapy suddenly may produce seizures, tremors, muscle cramping, vomiting, and/or sweating.


THE SITE WE ARE CURRENTLY ON! (LOL)


Other Benzodiazepine drugs that you might have heard more about are Xanax and Clonopin.

Was this helpful? 2
2

like to order 100 pilles Zepose-10

Was this helpful? 0
3

Sorry, this site does not sell pills here, this is an information ONLY site.

If you need a prescription medication please see your doctor.

Was this helpful? 1
4

Saturn822 Says:
Thursday, 8/30/2007 7:17:59 PM

Pharmacology of Drug ATIPAM GENERIC-Lorazepam
Mechanism of Action Lorazepam mainly acts on Limbic system and ascending reticular formation in the CNS and it binds to the BZD receptor. The binding will facilitates GABA mediated chloride channel opening and produce hyperpolarisation. This will produce an increase in the concentration of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and chloride ions and decreases firing rate of neurons. These alter normal excitatory functions of the body. Lorazepam is used as adjuncts in anaesthesia for anxiolysis, amnesia and sedation prior to induction of anaesthesia

Pharmaco Kinetics Absorption: It is well absorbed after oral administration Distribution: It is distributed widely in the body. Metabolism: It is metabolised to inactive metabolite in the liver. Excretion: Most metabolites are excreted through urine

Onset Of Action 1 hour

Half Life 10 - 20 hour

Duration Of Action 12 - 24 hour

Adverse Effects 1.Ataxia 2.Drowsiness 3.Lethargy 4.Hallucination 5.Nausea 6.Constipation or diarrhoea 7.Amnesia 8.Dependence 9.Pain at the site of injection 10.Confusion 11.Light headedness 12.Mood changes 13.Muscle cramp 14.Tremor

ContraIndications 1.Hypersensitivity to Benzodiazepines 2.Acute narrow angle glaucoma

Special Precautions 1.Renal impairment 2.Hepatic impairment 3.Myasthenia gravis 4.Pulmonary insufficiency 5.Jaundice

Pregnancy Contraindicated.

Breast Feeding Contraindicated

Old Age Used with caution

Children Below 12 years contraindicated NEONATES- contraindicated

Interactions Alcohol & Other CNS depressants: Enhanced CNS effects. Digoxin: Increase in serum concentration of digoxin. Imipramine & Desipramine: Enhanced activity of these drugs. Levodopa: Decrease in antiparkinsonism efficacy. Oral contraceptives: Decrease efficacy of lorazepam. Theophylline: Antagonises the sedative effect.

Indications 1.Anxiety 2.Preanaesthetic medication 3.Insomnia 4.Anxiety neuroses

Dosage Adult: 2 - 6 mg/day in divided dose Anxiety: 1 - 2 mg 2 - 3 times a day Maximum dose: 10 mg / day Insomnia: 1 - 4 mg at bed time As Antiemetic before chemotherapy: 2.5 mg in the evening ( the day before chemotherapy) and repeat after beginning of the therapy . Anaesthetic-PAM (IM): 0.05 mg / kg body weight given 2 hours before surgery. Children: 0.05mg/kg orally/ parenterally every 4 - 8 hours in a day.

Schedule H

Storage The drug should be kept at room temperature (25 degree C) in a tightly closed container. Keep out of the reach of children

Over Dose Give support and symptomatic treatment. Flumazenil can be given as antagonist. Hypotension can be treated with vasopressors.If the patient is conscious induce emesis followed by charcoal administration.



Was this helpful? 0
5

I find lorazapam to be extremely addicting. I use lorazapam but it does not use me. Per advice I received from a junkie at UC Berkeley - when you start to worry if you are running out of a drug, switch drugs. 35 years of severe mental problems and I have been addicted twice, both respected doctors both highly regarded. The only way to keep an eye on these drugs is to get on the net and look them up. Also, look up every single other pill you are taking that might interact. Worst sunburn I ever got in my life was in 15 minutes on two psychotropics that should never have been combined. Hope this helps.

Was this helpful? 1
6

Buspar works well but this drug takes about two - three weeks before any effects are noticed. This often discourages thos ewho take Buspar because they do not the drug long enough to get the desired effects. Lorazepam (Ativan) is a benzodiapine that is very addictive. Many health care providers are often cautious when prescribing this drug and many will not prescribe lorazepam as an outpatient medication.

Was this helpful? 0
7

The trouble with seeing your doctor is that many of us don't have insurance! Nor the money to see a doctor. And it's expensive to go and see a doctor and tell them what you were prescribed to before and would like to get a prescription for it. Sometimes they will prescribe and sometimes not. I lost my insurance and paid the $75.00 to see a new doctor, and he wouldn't fill my old prescription. I have had it with doctors playing God, so I order it now. I know how much to take, and what strength, because my doctor that I had before had put me on it and told me that was the best medication for what I have.

Was this helpful? 0
8

To those who say they "order" their ativan, I want to advise you that it is surely not actually ativan or even lorazepam you are receiving! These meds you order are made in poor countries and made of various poisonous chemicals that only resemble the actual thing. If you are so addicted that you wish to play with your lives this way then go ahead! Bezo's are nasty and highy addictive very quickly which is why doctors are reluctant to prescribe them just because you ask for them. maybe a responsible doctor is just what you need and not one that will just prescribe whatever you demand. Anyone who considers "ordering" your meds online think again, i am a nurse and I assure you this is not safe or intelligent!

Was this helpful? 0
9

Ativan should only be prescribed for no more than a week to two weeks if taking daily. This benzo will make your panic attacks or anxiety worse! It's like taking something for cancer and having the cancer increase in size! It helps while on it, but if you take it for a couple of months, the smallest dose 25mg. once or twice a day I promise if you stop you'll wish your doctor never gave it to you! Never stop at once! If anybody takes benzos long termn, be sure to quit with a qualified doctor. It takes more than 3 weeks to go thru the worst of it!! Then it takes another 4-6 months to feel normal. This is stored in your fat. It doesn't mean three to 4 weeks in your urine. It stays in urine about three days after your last dose. Try chamomile tea to relax and help you go to sleep and CoQ-10 for your heart palpitations. I promise they are better and work. Ativan is an amnesiac. It also means as you take it, it builds up in your system because it's stored in your fat cells. Even if you take the lowest dose you can forget and take extra (amnesiac). They give this (1 mg.) for a breast biopsy. Ativan is very dangerous and doctors are doctors, not pharmacist. Example- look at all the millions on anti-depressants. (buspar is one). They hand it out to anyone! Sorry to go on, but I know what I'm talking about. If you have anxiety your symptoms will be amplified. Let me know how you are!!

Was this helpful? 1
10

Is a 1mg round, white pill of Lorazepam taken once a day addictive? I have panic attacks and that other day I had once that was the worse I've ever had. I am afraid of medicine so I do not take it the way my doctor has ordered it. He wants me to take 1 pill 3 times a day and 2 at night before I go to bed. I had stopped taking the medicine and that is when I had this very severe acute attack. Don't know what to do. Any suggestions.

Was this helpful? 0
11

A few years ago, I was in a state where I just couldn't sleep and felt I had to have Ambien or else everything else would suffer. My Dr. quit giving me the prescription so I went on line. I did this for several months not really knowing where the "ambient" was coming from but suspected India. I received several calls from people with an Indian accent to renew. The on line "Ambien" was fake of course, who knows what was in it ... I ended up with physical problems that resulted in a retina tear that almost left me blind. If I had not reacted as fast as I did and got in to the right specialist, I would be blind today in one eye. Never - Never order a drug on line. If your Dr. is cautious, you should be too!

Was this helpful? 0
12

My doc told me to take 1 mg in the morning and one at night. Since the meds doses not last long it might not work all day. The best thing (that I do) is to take one as soon as I feel the panic attack come. Any medication if taken as instructed is safe but Zanax should be taken in moderation. the alternative is Zen and meditation in the morning..try it, it might work

Was this helpful? 0

More Discussions:

Is Lorazepam Also Generic For Xanax

I just wanted to know if alprazolam is generic for xanax,is lorazepam generic for xanax too,since it seems they are both...

2 REPLIES
is this addictive

have been given this med. today and have not taken it yet .., Have been on anit biotics lately.Worry about meds. that co...

2 REPLIES
Is Mylan Lorazepam Discontinued?

My pharmacy told me that they can't buy mylan any more and they do not know if it is discontinued or not. Since Qual...

228 REPLIES
Is sandoz lorazepam the same as watson or actavis?

Is sandoz lorazepam the same as watson or actavis? I mean, the same brand? I heard that they are same company or same ma...

9 REPLIES
Is Lyrica Addictive?

I've been prescribed Lyrica by my doctor. I pinched a nerve in my back 5 months ago and am still in pain. I have tol...

2 REPLIES
Is Actavis Lorazepam the same as Watson?

Most pharmacies sell watson or actavis lorazepam in my area (LA), but I had serious side effects with no calming effect ...

28 REPLIES
Is Seroquel Addictive?

How addictive is this medication? ## I know it is highky addictive, if you have any kind of chemically dependent issues....

3 REPLIES
is tramacet addictive

I am currently taking tramacet while I'm waiting for surgery for my broken jaw. Having taken narcotic drugs recreati...

2 REPLIES
Is Hydrocod Addictive

Is hydrocod /apap 5/325 a drug that is addictive? I'm taking it for pain associated with MS. ## Yes, Hydrocodone is ...

1 REPLY
actavis lorazepam 0.5

had nothing but bad news with the new sandoz lorazapm which is suppose to be the activus lorazapam, don't know what ...

8 REPLIES