What are the long-term effects of Lorazepam when taken daily?

Question

Hello doctor,

I cannot get in touch with my current psychiatrist until next month, and I have a concern that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. I was prescribed Ativan 0.5 mg four months ago. At the time, I was dealing with severe anxiety and panic attacks. Hence, I have prescribed that medication.

My prescription instructions started off to take once daily as needed. As my anxiety increased in the following weeks, my doctor kept my dosage the same but changed the instructions to take one tablet by mouth twice a day. Currently, I am taking one in the morning, and if I need to, I take one at night.

Since that horrible time in my life, I have been doing a lot better; however, I would like to slowly taper off the medication and only use it when I need it. I believe I have been taking it as part of a routine and not when I am experiencing anxiety symptoms, which scares me because I heard that the prolonged use of anti-anxiety medications could lead to medical complications.

Will I be able to stop taking this medication cold turkey, considering I have been taking it every single day for the past three months? Or would that be considered dangerous? Also, is it true that prolonged use of anti-anxiety medications is bad for my health?

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your reply.

I can understand your situation.

You have an anxiety disorder. It is fine to take medication because you have anxiety. You can stop your Ativan (Lorazepam) in the future. You can taper off gradually, and it will not lead you to any withdrawal or relapse. But you should add any SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) group of medication, like tablet Escitalopram 10 mg daily, for anxiety.

Ativan (Lorazepam) 0.5 mg will help you subside acute anxiety attacks, but Escitalopram will help you prevent stress. If you need to take medication for a long time, you can take it; it will not harm you. It would help if you took it under the supervision of your psychiatrist.

You should also follow the lifestyle below to deal with your anxiety. It will help you with the non-pharmacological management of anxiety disorders.

You should do exercises daily for 30 to 45 minutes, such as going for a walk.
You should do meditation for 20 minutes daily, sit in one place in a comfortable position, and try to concentrate on your normal breathing; do not stop or force yourself to control your thoughts; just let it be. It will help you to reduce your anxiety.
You should eat healthy home-cooked foods and avoid junk foods.
You must drink enough water.
You should spend quality time with friends and family daily, or do video calls if you live away from your family.
It would help if you spent time on creative hobbies like reading good books, writing journals, painting, drawing, learning new skills, or playing musical instruments.
You should take seven to eight hours of sleep daily.
It would help if you avoided tobacco, alcohol, or any substance abuse.

Live your life; do not just spend it. Be bold and confident.

I hope that you got your answer. Please let me know if you want some help.

Thank you.