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Hi, My Primary Care Doctor Left My Clinic And I

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Posted on Mon, 13 May 2019
Question: Hi, My Primary Care doctor left my clinic and I was assigned a new doctor who immediately refused a prescription for Ativan. I have used Ativan for about 15 years for a Inner Ear balance problem. He insists Ativan is dangerous but offers no substitute. I'm 76, strong and alert with memory equal to my 76 year old friends.
No prescription, no substitute, and I'm running out of Ativan. Catch 22. Any suggestions.
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Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Lower dosage gradually while stopping it.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

You should not use ativan anymore if your doctor think it is not necessary anymore.. It is a drug part of benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety disorders. It has fair amount of addiction potential.
It doesn't have any effect on inner ear problems besides sedation.

In this case I would consider lowering dosage of lorazepam gradually (because it is a habit forming drug and may cause bad withdrawal symptoms). You can discuss with the doctor about withdrawing ativan. I would suggest half the dosage for next two weeks and then a quarter of dosage for subsequent two weeks.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Olgeta Xhufka

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 10125 Questions

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Hi, My Primary Care Doctor Left My Clinic And I

Brief Answer: Lower dosage gradually while stopping it. Detailed Answer: Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service. I read your query and here is my advice. You should not use ativan anymore if your doctor think it is not necessary anymore.. It is a drug part of benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety disorders. It has fair amount of addiction potential. It doesn't have any effect on inner ear problems besides sedation. In this case I would consider lowering dosage of lorazepam gradually (because it is a habit forming drug and may cause bad withdrawal symptoms). You can discuss with the doctor about withdrawing ativan. I would suggest half the dosage for next two weeks and then a quarter of dosage for subsequent two weeks. Hope I have answered the question. Let me know if I can assist you further.