Nowadays youngsters are struggling with various problems in their careers, job, money, love life, etc. It all costs them underlying health issues such as anxiety issues, stress, panic attacks, etc. It’s not that, only youngsters suffer from these issues, a wide range of the population is struggling with anxiety issues these days. Lorazepam is an antianxiety medication that is widely used to treat anxiety disorders, anxiety related to depression, and insomnia symptoms caused by anxiety. Lorazepam is the generic name of the medication and the brand names of this are Ativan, Ativan injection, and Loreev XR. Same as lorazepam generic names of most benzodiazepines are different from their brand names.
Lorazepam and other benzodiazepines work by attaching to GABA and boosting its activity which is a brain chemical. GABA slows down brain activity and blocks certain signals to provide a calming effect on the central nervous system. Many doctors prescribe lorazepam for anxiety issues and lorazepam dosage for anxiety treatment is decided by them based on various factors, to know, continue reading.
Lorazepam dosage for anxiety treatment
The dosage of lorazepam is based on your medical history, age, weight, the severity of the disease, and the patient’s body’s tolerance to the medication. Lorazepam is available in various forms such as a tablet, oral solution, and injection. Lorazepam is an intermediate drug which means it starts its action within consumption and the highest effect of its takes place after two hours of intake.
It is usually used to treat anxiety disorders. Lorazepam tablets come in three different strengths. They are 0.5 mg, 1 mg,2 mg. The usual lorazepam dosage for anxiety treatment is 2-4 mg per day which can vary to 1-10 mg per day as per the tolerance. Up to 6-8 hours, its effect can be seen. Generally, the dosage of lorazepam 1mg tablet uses or prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety in elder patients. The dosage later maybe is altered as per the tolerance.
Does lorazepam make you sleepy?
Yes! there are chances that lorazepam can make you feel drowsy even the next day of its use. Drowsiness is one of the most common side effects of lorazepam. It is also used as a sedative to treat sleep problems as it relaxes the mind and gives a feeling of calmness to you. That’s how it makes you feel sleepy and dozier sometimes. Use of any other benzodiazepine along with lorazepam can make you feel sleepy or it can be fatal as well.
You shouldn’t use lorazepam without consulting a doctor or more than the prescription as it can even make you addicted over some time.
Causes and symptoms of lorazepam withdrawal
If you are been using lorazepam for a long time and then stop it abruptly, at that point there is a greater chance of it causing withdrawal symptoms. So, it is very crucial to consult your doctor if you are about to cease its use. They may advise you how to stop it slowly and reduce the chances of its withdrawal.
Lorazepam (Ativan) is mostly recommended by doctors to use for a maximum of four months only, not more than that.
If you feel like you need to take more than the prescription then must consult your doctor before altering your dosage. The reason that the higher doses of lorazepam or any other benzodiazepines place you at great risk of substance abuse and fatal symptoms of withdrawal and removal of it from the body will be a more prolonged process.
Symptoms of lorazepam withdrawal
There can be the following withdrawal symptoms that you may experience when you are initially coming out of lorazepam (Ativan)
Tremor
Muscle contractions
Sweating
Breathing problems
Vomiting
Seizure
Increased heart rate
The above-mentioned are acute symptoms and they may reduce or vanish with time. But there are chances that you may be experiencing post-acute withdrawal symptoms for a longer period of time. They include:
Rebound insomnia
Restlessness
Anxiousness
Mood swifts
To prevent yourself from addiction and other consequences always follow the prescription. Don’t ever misuse or overuse lorazepam dosage for anxiety treatment. Because as discussed before that if you use lorazepam for more than six months or you use it in higher dosages then it will be more difficult to detox you from the medicinal substance.
As a result, you may experience more withdrawal symptoms than usual. So, always use medicines cautiously as per the prescription, for reducing their fatal effects.
Treatments for withdrawal from Ativan(lorazepam)
A number of medicines are also given by doctors during the withdrawal process as per the requirement to treat the signs of withdrawal.
Additionally, your doctor may recommend therapy sessions for some patients. Such as Behavioral therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy) and Individual therapies. This treatment can be a combination of medication and therapy or therapy alone.
Yoga and mindfulness are also good options if you do not want to have medications (a non-pharmacological remedy). It can be used to treat moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms.
Some massage therapies can also be a good alternative to the use of medications. Your doctor may advise you better on this.
Moreover, for further information, you are advised to consult a doctor. Only a doctor or specialist can provide you with the right solution by considering your current medical situation.
