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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Ativan

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Posted on Fri, 11 Dec 2015
Question: My husband has been on ativan for about 25years at least. starting on 1mg and graduating to 2.5 daily at night. I am wondering what is so bad about them that the doctors here keep telling him to get off them, which is impossible as he is hooked.
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Answered by Dr. Divakara (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Long duration intake increases the risk of side effects.

Detailed Answer:
HI

Thanks for choosing Healthcaremagic.

Every medicine has got adverse effects especially when taken over long period. The very fact that his dosage has increased from 1mg to 2.5 mg indicates that his body is developing tolerance to Ativan. Some of the side effects I will mention it below :

Weakness, Fatigue, Memory impairment, Irritability, Low Blood pressure, Suicidal tendency, blurred vision, Constipation, Jaundice, Liver dysfunction, Urinary retention, withdrawal symptoms including convulsions can happen if he stops Ativan for even a single day.

Hope these are good enough reason to advise him to reduce taking Ativan.

Any further clarifications feel free to ask .

Regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Divakara

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2358 Questions

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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Ativan

Brief Answer: Long duration intake increases the risk of side effects. Detailed Answer: HI Thanks for choosing Healthcaremagic. Every medicine has got adverse effects especially when taken over long period. The very fact that his dosage has increased from 1mg to 2.5 mg indicates that his body is developing tolerance to Ativan. Some of the side effects I will mention it below : Weakness, Fatigue, Memory impairment, Irritability, Low Blood pressure, Suicidal tendency, blurred vision, Constipation, Jaundice, Liver dysfunction, Urinary retention, withdrawal symptoms including convulsions can happen if he stops Ativan for even a single day. Hope these are good enough reason to advise him to reduce taking Ativan. Any further clarifications feel free to ask . Regards.