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How Long Should Ativan Be Taken For Treatment Of Anxiety?

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Posted on Mon, 7 Jul 2014
Question: I have been taking .25mg of Ativan twice daily for anxiety. How long is it okay to take in this dosage and how is it best to taper off? Will there be any side affects when I quit taking this dosage?
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Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
See the detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.
I am Dr Aslam here to help you.
You are started with a very low dose of lorazepam for anxiety disorder.
The duration of treatment depends on whether you have a short term anxiety or a chronic anxiety disorder(which need long term treatment).The action is slow,and it will take about 1-2 weeks for full clinical effect to achieve.Depending on the clinical situation,usually we give this for about 2 weeks,and review after that to assess any need for continued treatment or dose escalation.

Abrupt stoppage can cause adverse effects like tremors,nausea,vomiting,abdominal and muscle cramps etc.But these can be prevented by gradual tapering.

You can discuss these issues in detail with your doctor.
Hope I have answered your query.If you have further questions,I will be happy to help.Thank you.
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. Muhammed Aslam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 987 Questions

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How Long Should Ativan Be Taken For Treatment Of Anxiety?

Brief Answer: See the detailed answer below Detailed Answer: Hello dear,welcome to HealthcareMagic forum. I am Dr Aslam here to help you. You are started with a very low dose of lorazepam for anxiety disorder. The duration of treatment depends on whether you have a short term anxiety or a chronic anxiety disorder(which need long term treatment).The action is slow,and it will take about 1-2 weeks for full clinical effect to achieve.Depending on the clinical situation,usually we give this for about 2 weeks,and review after that to assess any need for continued treatment or dose escalation. Abrupt stoppage can cause adverse effects like tremors,nausea,vomiting,abdominal and muscle cramps etc.But these can be prevented by gradual tapering. You can discuss these issues in detail with your doctor. Hope I have answered your query.If you have further questions,I will be happy to help.Thank you.