
Is Ativan Safe And Effective For Treatment Of Anxiety?

Okay only for short term use
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.
Ativan (Lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine sedative / anti-anxiety medication. It can be quite useful in the short term management of anxiety, but has to be used with caution. The reason is that prolonged use of benzodiazepines carries a risk of habituation or dependence.
So, in my opinion, it is not advisable to continue Ativan for a long period. If you need medication for the longer term, then SSRIs would be a better choice. Since SSRIs can take about 2 weeks to become effective, the usual practice is to add on a benzodiazepine during this initial period for quicker relief. Once the SSRI's effect kicks in, the benzodiazepine can be tapered and stopped.
Best wishes,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS, DPM, MRCPsych (UK)
Consultant Psychiatrist


More than 3-4 weeks
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Continuous use for more than 3 to 4 weeks carries a risk of habituation or dependence. If your anxiety symptoms are persistent and you need medication for a longer period, then, I suggest that you ask your doctor about an SSRI.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS, DPM, MRCPsych (UK)
Consultant Psychiatrist

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