reducing doseage of Lorazepam

I have been on 0.5mg of Lorazepam 3 times a day.  My doctor said I shouldn't be taking that much and should try cutting back to 1 1/2 pills a day instead of 3.  I know it has to be done gradually so I cut one pill in half and have been taking 2 1/2 pills a day for about  a week.  I have been very anxious and wonder if I am doing the reduction correctly.  My doctor keeps changing his story about how often I should take this.  About how long does it take when you cut back on the medicine to feel good and then you can reduce it some more?

[velvetvenus]

i think it is safe to reduce some once a week, that is what i've been told by doctors. ativan is one of the weakest benzodiaepines and i don't know why your doctor has a problem with .5mg 3 times a day. my mom has been taking them everyday for years. i take xanax which is much stronger and i can take 2mg per day, which i don't take that often. i don't take them everyday but the ativan is usually prescribed for everyday use so i don't understand. you might confront your doctor about changing his story, it's hard to control your illness when you are confused with inconsistant feedback. hang in there and if you need to decrese your meds just do it a week at a time until you're down to where you're comfortable. good luck

[ryno23]

I too have heard conflicting reports about being on benzodiazepines for extended time.  One doctor told me that he has had a patient on lorezapam for almost 15 years with no problems.  But most docs dont want to perscribe them long term because you can build up a tolerance and need more and more. On a side note, there is no such thing as a "stronger" benzo.  It all depends on the dosage amount.  But there are differences in the time they take to work and for how long they are effective.  Xanax is one of the fastest working, but the effects also last the shortest.  Ativan or Lorezepam takes a little longer to take effect but last longer.  Klonopin and Valium take even longer to have an effect but stay in your system and have effects for the longest period.  the quicker acting the medication the more addictive it is (i.e. cigarettes and crack have immediate effects, that wear off quickly).  For long term treatment that you need everyday, it is best to go with one of the longer acting meds that wont be as addictive or wont build a tolerance.  Tell your doctor that if he doesnt want you taking so much ativan, then you want to change to a different med such as klonopin.  If that doesnt work then find a new doctor.  Like my doctor said, if you have severe anxiety and the only thing that works is a benzodiazepine then who cares if there is a risk for tolerance.