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Is It Safe To Stop Ativan Cold Turkey?

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Posted on Tue, 8 Nov 2016
Question: Is it safe to suddenly withdraw from Ativan? I take it 4 times a day. I have been taking this regimen for over ten years. How long will the withdrawal last and is there any dangers or life-threatening problems that could occur? My doctor took me off due to new regulations on the drug by the federal government. Are you aware of any changes in the law?
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Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Can cause withdrawal seizures.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome here.
In my opinion, ativan should never be stopped suddenly. It can cause withdrawal seizures.
Other, than this, it can cause insomnia, anxiety, headache, agitation, dizziness. The withdrawals may last for any time between 1 week to 1 month.
The serious one is withdrawal seizure as you are taking it from a long time.
Kindly talk to your doctor about this.
As this is a prescription drug, there should not be any legal problem if you have a valid prescription.

Hope this helps.
Thanks.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Shubham Mehta

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2144 Questions

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Is It Safe To Stop Ativan Cold Turkey?

Brief Answer: Can cause withdrawal seizures. Detailed Answer: Hello Welcome here. In my opinion, ativan should never be stopped suddenly. It can cause withdrawal seizures. Other, than this, it can cause insomnia, anxiety, headache, agitation, dizziness. The withdrawals may last for any time between 1 week to 1 month. The serious one is withdrawal seizure as you are taking it from a long time. Kindly talk to your doctor about this. As this is a prescription drug, there should not be any legal problem if you have a valid prescription. Hope this helps. Thanks.