Ativan Withdrawal: Symptoms and Timeline

Like all benzodiazepines, Ativan (generic: lorazepam) can cause both physical and psychological dependence. Stopping it suddenly often results in severe withdrawal symptoms, and even tapering it gradually will still cause withdrawal symptoms in some people.

Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal are similar to those resulting from alcohol or barbiturate withdrawal and can be very unpleasant. Those who have taken large doses of Ativan over a prolonged period of time are most at risk for withdrawal symptoms, although they can occur after as little as one week of regular use.

Because Ativan can be habit-forming, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions. It should not be taken in larger doses or more frequently than prescribed, and should not be taken for longer than 4 months.

In addition to potential dependence and withdrawal, taking Ativan inappropriately can lead to forming a tolerance to the medication, making it less effective in treating anxiety. Stopping Ativan should always be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider, to minimize discomfort and complications.

Symptoms of Ativan withdrawal may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, confusion, irritability, sweating, dizziness, numbness or tingling of extremities depersonalization, rapid heartbeat, heart palpitations, headaches, depression, memory loss, hallucinations, and seizures.

Photo: Pxhere

More Articles

A couple dozen people are waiting to board a plane, and at the last minute the flight is delayed...

One person immediately runs up to the...

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for healthy growth and development. There is significant...

Calming your anxiety and nerves is easier said than done. “Just relax” doesn’t work, and “it’s okay” doesn’t help! So what do you do?

First...

The terms panic attack and anxiety attack are used interchangeably by most people, but are panic and anxiety really the same thing?

Panic...

Around 40 million American adults suffer from some kind of anxiety disorder. While there are effective therapies and medications that make it...

SITEMAP