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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Low Blood Pressure With Sleeplessness?

I am getting off Lorazepam after taking it for 5 years since my husband died. I took 1 mg. per nite, then last week cut it down to 1/2 mg. per nite. Last nite I took 1/4 mg. and today my blood pressure is very, very low. I usually take atenolol for blood pressure, but since I took it this a.m. and it was 95/ 60 I decided not to take the atenolol as it would lower it even more. I don t feel bad just didn t sleep well last nite. I have been taking an herbal supplement called Dreaminol to help me sleep for about 2-1/2 weeks. It has melatonin in it but not very much. Also taking a multivitamin. What do you think?
Wed, 21 Jan 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

You are taking Lorazepam since last 5 years, 1 mg daily. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine drug and the drug is known to cause dependence if used for prolonged periods of time. So after reducing the dose rapidly after prolonged intake individuals may suffer withdrawal syndrome in form of restlessness, insomnia, tremors, panic attacks, and in some patients also seizures. You have reduce the doses to half in a week and then to one forth in next week. This has probably resulted in withdrawal syndrome and is the cause of insomnia, hypotension. As per my opinion you should consult a psychiatrist for proper tapering of the dose of drug. Doses should be reduced by 20-25% every two weeks and in about 6-8 weeks should be completely stopped. Tapering in this manner will not precipitate withdrawal. Visit a psychiatrist for help. Take plenty of fluids, and keep yourself in cool and calm room.

Thanks, hope this helps you. Take Care
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What Causes Low Blood Pressure With Sleeplessness?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM You are taking Lorazepam since last 5 years, 1 mg daily. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine drug and the drug is known to cause dependence if used for prolonged periods of time. So after reducing the dose rapidly after prolonged intake individuals may suffer withdrawal syndrome in form of restlessness, insomnia, tremors, panic attacks, and in some patients also seizures. You have reduce the doses to half in a week and then to one forth in next week. This has probably resulted in withdrawal syndrome and is the cause of insomnia, hypotension. As per my opinion you should consult a psychiatrist for proper tapering of the dose of drug. Doses should be reduced by 20-25% every two weeks and in about 6-8 weeks should be completely stopped. Tapering in this manner will not precipitate withdrawal. Visit a psychiatrist for help. Take plenty of fluids, and keep yourself in cool and calm room. Thanks, hope this helps you. Take Care