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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Taken Ativan For Panic Attacks. Need To Call Hospital?

I am 27 year old man with Generalized Anxiety Disorder . I had a series of panic attacks last night and tonight was afraid to go to sleep. I took four ativan (1mg) this morning and took 6 this evening (10 total in 24 hours) Should i call the hospital or will I be okay? I ve taken the drug for 7 years and seem to have a high tolerance for it, which is why my doctor trying to cut it with something else. Andrew
Mon, 30 Sep 2013
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Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi Andrew,

Such high doses of Ativan are not safe as when the lorazepam level falls from the blood, there may be a seizure. The other risk is of becoming dependent on it, since you have already developed tolerance to it. I would also like you to know that Ativan is not the first line treatment for anxiety. It only helps in reducing anxiety once it has already started. Rather than preventing the occurrence of further episodes of anxiety, Ativan causes rebound anxiety when it leaves the blood. I suggest that you start a medicine of the SSRI class after discussing with your doctor, so that you do not need to use such high doses of Ativan in future.

Best wishes.
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Have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Taken Ativan For Panic Attacks. Need To Call Hospital?

Hi Andrew, Such high doses of Ativan are not safe as when the lorazepam level falls from the blood, there may be a seizure. The other risk is of becoming dependent on it, since you have already developed tolerance to it. I would also like you to know that Ativan is not the first line treatment for anxiety. It only helps in reducing anxiety once it has already started. Rather than preventing the occurrence of further episodes of anxiety, Ativan causes rebound anxiety when it leaves the blood. I suggest that you start a medicine of the SSRI class after discussing with your doctor, so that you do not need to use such high doses of Ativan in future. Best wishes.