Suggest Treatment For Withdrawal Symptoms Of Ativan

Posted on Tue, 20 Sep 2016

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

Tue, 20 Sep 2016 Answered on

Wed, 12 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband was placed on .05 mgs of Ativan by his cardiologist after he had a heart attack 2 years ago. The medication gave out and the drug store cannot refill it because the prescription has expired. The pharmacist said they would call the doctor and get a new prescription. Apparently they have not. He has been off the med for over a week and is experiencing severe depression, diarrhea and painful stomach cramps. Do I need to take him to the ER? He is 76 years old and has been taking 2 pills per day for at least 2years.Also, we live in a different town than the cardiologist.

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Past medical history and symptoms deserve medical attention,

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

It is true that withdrawal from Ativan, in this case not gradual could lead to mood changes.

However, diarrhea and painful stomach cramps need to be carefully evaluated.

Considering his past medical history, I agree with you that he needs an urgent medical attention for us to be safe there is nothing else serious that adds to this scene.

See the ER room. Thanks and kind regards as I wish him the best of health.

Dr Bain

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