I've been taking Lorazepam (Ativan) in a low dose once a day - Do I need to taper

[Kabees]

I was prescibed lorazepam in a 0.5mg dose and I've been taking it once a day in the morning (when my anxiety is bad), and I've been on it for about 2 weeks now. I'm scared to keep taking it in fear of withdrawals. Do I need to taper now or is the dose I've been taking for this time still safe to stop immediately?

If I need to taper it how do I do that?

[Kabees]

Thanks so much for your quick reply! My doc suggested if my anxiety and panic attacks are very frequent I should try a medication such as paxil. Honestly I don't want to take anything at all. I'm making myself anxious just thinking about the Ativan and what if I have a hard time coming off it, etc etc.

I've had a history of anxiety all my life (I'm 30). I recently had such a bad series of daily attacks that I missed nearly 2 weeks work and was so weak and jittery I couldn't get out of bed or drive some days. I'm feeling a bit more under control now and I just want to be off this Ativan before it causes me more trouble.

[nursegirl6572]

You should really be okay on that low of a dose for such a short period of time to just stop taking it..however, you need to first discuss this with your doctor (as is the case with stopping ANY medication).

What is your plan after stopping the Ativan to manage your anxiety?  Are you on any other meds?  In therapy?  How long have you been suffering with anxiety?

Maybe we can help you out a bit...let us know how we can do that!