Why is this happening to me?

[smileyface822]

I have been on Ativan reguarly for about three months.  Taking about 5-6mg a day.  My family Dr. and I have dscussed getting me off the ativan for my aniexety.  So started decresing the dose to 21mg a week then 14mg which I am at right now.  About a month and a half ago I had a seizure at work and again last night.  Now both of these times I had stopped taking the ativan for three days because I was drinking on the weekend.  Are the seizures from tha?. (I have had a CT scan done -waiting for results, also my DR. booked me for a ECG)  Also should I go see a specialist?

[ggreg]

I just have a little to add to the good doctor, which his evaluation is exactly right.  I don't drink, but I had to also withdraw from Ativan.  Incredibly powerful drug, far more than any of the other benzodiazepines and many other drugs.  Slowly going off, consistently keeping to a specific reduction schedule, and also taking your medicine every day, is absolutely essential.  

It took me two months to fully get off Ativan, and the whole process was a nightmare.  But unlike some drugs, fortunately you can get off it, in the slow reduced process your doctor recommended.  I know, it's hard not to drink during this time.  But as long as you keep in mind that if you drink and stop your meds, you will have seizures, or worse yet, if you drink while taking your meds, you will go into a coma, then with those consequences in the front of your mind, you will make it without drinking.  

Find something else you like to do, enlist a friend or relative to keep your car keys and pocketbook when you're at home, and right this minute get rid of any alcohol you have in the house, all of it.  You haven't got far to go now, since your dose has been reduced quite a bit so far.  You do not need to see a specialist unless the seizures continue beyond a month after you finish with Ativan.  But make no mistke, Ativan is nothing to fool around with, this a serious matter, and the frightening physical manifestations can be deadly.

Ativan is a very good drug, but as far as I'm concerned, nobody should take it unless they're in the hospital.  But that's just my opinion.  Hang in, you'll make it, and soon you can go back to your drinking.

[dr_simran]

Hello smileyface822
The following information would help you to a great extent.
A clinically relevant lorazepam dose will normally be effective for 6 to 12 hours, making it unsuitable for regular once-daily administration; it is therefore usually prescribed as two to four daily doses when taken regularly. After four to six months of regular benzodiazepine use, there is little evidence of continued efficacy. If regular treatment is continued for longer than this, dose increases may be necessary to maintain effects, but treatment resistant symptoms may in fact be benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.
On abrupt, or overly rapid discontinuation of lorazepam, anxiety and signs of physical withdrawal have been observed, similar to those seen on withdrawal from alcohol and barbiturates. Lorazepam as with other benzodiazepine drugs can cause physical dependence, addiction and what is known as the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. The higher the dose and the longer the drug is taken for the greater the risk of experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can however occur from standard dosages and also after short term use. Benzodiazepine treatment should be discontinued as soon as possible via a slow and gradual dose reduction regime.
Refer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorazepam
Avoid taking alcohol and fix to the regular medication schedule in consultation with your physician.

Take Care.
Best