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Suggest Safe Dosage Of Ativan For Insomnia And Chronic Pain

Posted on Tue, 11 Aug 2015

Question: I have been taking lorazepam for 20 years. I have also been taking the same dosage 2 mg twice a day. It treats my insomnia, panic and also chronic pain. Over the past two years the brand keeps changing and I feel like my tolerance is increasing and I need more ativan to achieve the same effects. What is a safe dosage?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The drug is a safe drug even doses as high as 8-10 mg per day are safe.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Lorazepam belongs to benzodiazepines group of drugs. The drug is a very safe drug and even doses 20 times the therapeutic doses doesn't cause much harm to body. But the drug is a high tolerance producing drug and with passage of time increased dosing is needed to get proper effects. You have mentioned that tolerance is increasing. So I would advise you to try to wean off the doses because abrupt stoppage at any time might result in withdrawal effects which can even complicate into seizures. The drug makes brain dependent to it. Other than this the drug is safe to use. I have prescribed the drug in doses as high as 8-10 mg per day without any complication. The drug is a wonder drug if used on SOS basis.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

I have tried weaning off twice in the past year and after 5 or 6 days of no sleep, terrible pain, hyperactive, hypersensitive to noise, paranoia, checking the alarms and locks all night long. My family starts insisting I get back on my medication and I end up right back on it. I also tried reducing the dose to 1mg 2 times a day. I also regularly use acupuncture, exercise, and massage. So I guess my question is should I increase the dosage and if I have taken 2 mg two times a day for 20 years. How much should I increase it or should I add another medication. At higher dosages does this increase any risk for kidney, heart or other major organs? I also take 2 Tylenol PM with it at night. I have also recently developed high blood pressure and I am taking blood pressure medication and following low sodium diet.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes the doses can be increased.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up

Yes you can increase the dose without any fear. You can start with 3 mg dose instead of 2 mg dose. Don't add one more drug to your prescription because this would not be a good step.

The drug will not affect your kidneys as the drug is relatively safe drug. But please take the drugs after getting a proper prescription only.

Thanks. Still have more doubt please ask again. Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (20 minutes later)

I would be happy to pay again but I want to help my adult son quit smoking. Do you prescribe medication like Chantex? He does not currently have health insurance but I am willing to pay for whatever he needs to stop smoking.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Online prescriptions are not accepted at pharmacists.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Yes you can discuss about his smoking cessation program if needed, but as this is an online forum so prescription provided by us wouldn't be accepted by pharmacists due to legal hassles. But the details of smoking cessation treatment can be discussed here. I hope you will understand this.

If you need to ask more doubts regarding the health conditions you can use the link here-

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=65151

Thanks. Take care. Wish you a good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (25 minutes later)

Thank you so much.You have been very helpful.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks and take care

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation. Take care

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar