Im Concerned With The Lorazepam Im Taking

Posted on Sat, 6 Mar 2021

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

Sat, 6 Mar 2021 Answered on

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, Im concerned with the Lorazepam Im taking. Because of things going on in my life this last 8 days Ive been taking up to 8 Ativan per day and now I only have 2.5 mgs per day until my prescription can be filled. I'm prescribed 4 mgs per day but usually take 3 a day. Am i in any danger coming down from 8 to 2.5 per day?

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It should not be decreased more than 25 % at a time after long term use

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

First of all I like to inform you that to avoid various form of withdrawal symptoms associated with use of lorazepam the dose should be decreased by 25 at a time after long term use.

However in your case it seems that you are using higher dose only for a week so going back to 2.5 mg may not cause any problem or just may cause mild withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, insomnia, irritability among others.

So it can be said that you may experience some withdrawal symptoms but not in any serious danger.

I hope this answers you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks.

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