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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Ativan For Anxiety?

I have an upcoming situation tomorrow morning in which I must be alert (embarrassingly, it is a written driver's license renewal test!) but not anxious. My doctor gave me a few 0.05 mg. Ativan several months ago in case I needed it for a different anticipated situation (I did not feel I needed it and didn't take it). I tend to be highly sensitive to medication and avoid drugs as much as possible; however, I feel certain that I will experience anxiety tomorrow (as I already have a sense of the beginnings). To the point, I want to know if I can break the 0.05 mg. in half and take it tomorrow morning, in anticipation of the "test" at 10:30 a.m., without any possibility of adverse effect. Thank you so very much.
posted on Sat, 6 Dec 2014
Twitter Fri, 12 Dec 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 15 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

Ativan is Lorazepam and it is a benzodizepine drug. The drug is commonly used in anxiety disorders. Over all the drug is safe to use and is free of serious side effects. You have been advised to take the drug on SOS basis so there is no risk of dependence also. The drug may cause slight dizziness, sedation, drowsiness, impaired judgement etc side effects but at low doses it is free of serious side effects. So if you have been prescribed the drug on SOS basis you can take the drug without any risk.

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What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Ativan For Anxiety?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM Ativan is Lorazepam and it is a benzodizepine drug. The drug is commonly used in anxiety disorders. Over all the drug is safe to use and is free of serious side effects. You have been advised to take the drug on SOS basis so there is no risk of dependence also. The drug may cause slight dizziness, sedation, drowsiness, impaired judgement etc side effects but at low doses it is free of serious side effects. So if you have been prescribed the drug on SOS basis you can take the drug without any risk. Thanks, hope this helps you