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Can This Be Related To Medication?
I have a friend who has been taking Ativan (lorazepam) as prescribed, for about 6 years. In that time her conversations with me reveal an increasing paranoia--about people watching or overhearing her (for example, although she owns her own home, she will whisper in conversation with me on the telephone, even though she lives alone). This problem has gotten worse over time (and her short-term memory and ability to pull her thoughts together, as well).
Can this be related to the lorazepam?
Can this be related to the lorazepam?
posted on
Sat, 15 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 9 Apr 2014
Answered on
Wed, 9 Apr 2014
Last reviewed on
Hello
This seem to be a psychotic disorder in evolution. She should be taken to a psychiatrist as soon as possible as these patients may be come voilent towards self or others due to baseless suspicions.
It is likey that lorazepam has some role in its begining but it should not be taken to be the main reason. Her sleep would most probably be disturbed now.
She will show good response to resperidone 0.5-2mg at night. Along with this a sleeping medicine like- zolpidem 12.5mg might be needed for initial few days.
Please ask her family not to leave her alone for some time and superwise her treatment
Such patients donot take treatment easily but with support and help from friends and family one can.persuade them.
Hope the reply is useful
Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Psychiatry
This seem to be a psychotic disorder in evolution. She should be taken to a psychiatrist as soon as possible as these patients may be come voilent towards self or others due to baseless suspicions.
It is likey that lorazepam has some role in its begining but it should not be taken to be the main reason. Her sleep would most probably be disturbed now.
She will show good response to resperidone 0.5-2mg at night. Along with this a sleeping medicine like- zolpidem 12.5mg might be needed for initial few days.
Please ask her family not to leave her alone for some time and superwise her treatment
Such patients donot take treatment easily but with support and help from friends and family one can.persuade them.
Hope the reply is useful
Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Psychiatry
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