Can Ativan Dosage Be Increased Without Doctor's Advice?

Posted on Tue, 10 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 Answered on

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I can take Ativan up to three times a day but have been taking it four times daily for a week. I have a strong urge to take more, what should I do?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You should not increase dosage without consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
Ativan should not be taken without doctors consultation. Dosage should be kept as low as possible since addiction and resistance may occur quickly. Try to be on constant dosage as long as you can. 8mg should be highest daily dosage and if you reach this in short time,then this medicine wont be effective anymore. So I suggest to combine medical therapy with psychotherapy and you wont need dosage increase for some time. Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (15 minutes later)

But I have this strong urge to take additional pills. I called my therapist and she said to try deep breathing. I still want to take more pills!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
hi

Detailed Answer:
Ok, if you need to you can take 5 pills per day. Try to take 3 per day and when you have extreme urge to take additional,then take another one or two. But dont take more than this. it will affect your liver,it will cause addiction and resistance. Try to relax, find some activity,take long walk. See your therapist if you cant control pill intake

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T