Suggest Dosage Of Ativan For Anxiety

Posted on Tue, 16 Sep 2014

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

Tue, 16 Sep 2014 Answered on

Sat, 4 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I went to the er and was prescribed 1/2 to 1 mg ativan every 8 hours for anxiety. Can I take 1/4 tabs more often than every 8 hours, like a 1/4 tab every 5-6 hours? Also my regular doc wants me to switch to paxil. Since this seems to have a delayed kick in, can I continue the ativan at night for sleep only until the paxil kicks in?

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it can be done

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concern. I think what you are planning is quite possible to be done without any significant damage to your health. It is never essential that prescribed dose will be sufficient for any body as we commonly encounter patients who do not have desired effect with prescribed dosage.
This is because of different priority for patient and doctor. As a doctor we try to manage the condition at lowest possible dose but patient want to get rid of symptoms at any cost and that leads to under prescription of mediction. This holds especially true with medicines which has addictive properties. What you are thinking to do is just avoiding any anxiety symptoms and that can be done.

Having said this I like to tell you that the prescribed dose is quite good and I hope you will be having control of anxiety symptoms. In case you do not get proper relief with prescribed dosage it is recommended to use higher dosage of Ativan. Please note that Ativan is addictive drug and once you get control of your symptoms (including sleep )with paxil reduce dose of ativan slowly to stop it completely. Since Ativan is a prescription drug it is advisable to use it under medical supervision.

'Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help".
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (41 minutes later)

Thanks Dr. XXXXXXX That answers my question perfectly. Thanks again,XXXX

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your feedback.

If you have more questions feel free to write back to me at any time. I will be glad to answer you.
If you do not have more clarification, you can close the answer with feedback.
Thanks and regards
Dr XXXXXXX Kumar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj