i was on lorazepam (ativan) for 5 years....over those 5 years, knew NOTHING about this drug other than it was what my doctor prescribed for me for my sleep issues after trying every other single thing out there on the market, both prescription and OTC and natural....began at .5 mg....because your body gradually builds up a tolerance to this med, it takes more and more to achieve the same goal....so after five years, i was taking 3 mg and even that wasn't helping as much anymore.....knew it was time to get off of them....had to wean/taper under a doctor's supervision....wasn't easy....benzos are HORRID....if you haven't already started on them, i would steer clear....although i'd give my eye teeth for a good night's sleep again (and occasionally get one using natural products), i'd NEVER go back to taking ativan again....just speaking from personal experience....
i only took 3 mg. once every night, and it was HARD to wean off of....would never have been able to do it by myself, without the help of a doctor and another medication to help me in the meantime
hope that helps....
kim
course as needed is usually 2- 3 x a day and no more than that! I didnt mean every hour LOL
It is ativan...usually prescribed at 0.5-1 mg as needed...it is one of the strongest benzos along with xanax and is very habit forming....it is not intended for sleep but has that side effect..it is for anxiety...it is much safer to use something designed for sleep that to use ativan