I Have Been On 2 Mg Of Ativan For Sleep

Posted on Tue, 3 Sep 2019

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

Tue, 3 Sep 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I have been on 2 mg of Ativan for sleep and extreme anxiety taken at bedtime. I am 63 and have taken it for 11 years. Would like to take it for a lifetime, but my dr thinks the dosage is to high. What are your thoughts on this?

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Dosage reduction is required

Detailed Answer:
Hello Ma'am

I can certainly understand your concern

I have worked through your attached query in detail.

Ativan 2 MG is not advisable for long-term usage in elderly people.

It's advisable to lower the dosage to minimize side effects.

Tapering the dosage will be very helpful to around 0.5 MG.

Please check with your physician if s/he shares my view and if can prescribe these medications to you.

Post your further questions if any
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (55 minutes later)

Thank-you for your answer. What would be a good tapering schedule ?

Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (24 minutes later)

Thankyou for your answer. What would be a good tapering schedule to get down to 0.5?

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
To be tapered over 2 week

Detailed Answer:
Hello

1 mg from today for 1 week followed by 0.5 mg to be taken preferably at bedtime.

It's advisable to quit the medication as far as possible.

Quit schedule is 0.5 mg for a week followed by taking it every alternative day for another 1 week, then to stop the drug once for all by the end of 2nd week.

Post your further questions if any.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj