Lorazepam

Lorazepam also known as Ativan remains an extraordinarily popular anti-anxiety drug. Lorazepam belongs to the benzodiazepam family of sedative/hypnotics along with Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, Halcion and Restoril. Even though it was FDA approved in 1977, this 40+ year old drug will be prescribed over 14 million times this year as a tranquilizer and sleeping pill.
Unfortunately while lorazepam may comfort the nerves, it does not calm gastrointestinal or cardiovascular manifestations of anxiety. Lorazepam does not treat depression and should be avoided in those with obstructive sleep apnea and COPD associated with incipient respiratory failure.
Increasingly doctors are switching people with anxiety from lorazepam to SSRI or related drugs including Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, Zoloft, Effexor or Cymbalta in the false belief that these alternative drugs necessarily represent a safer class of medicines. Even more worrisome, some people with insomnia receive prescriptions for Seroquel or its generic equivalent in the atypical antipsychotic class of drugs.
By itself lorazepam seems very safe. Combining lorazepam with alcohol or opioids readily results in overdose, profound sedation, respiratory depression and death.

[@naterussell2374]

Ativan saved my life when I was going through alcohol withdrawl.

[@BalkanDeputy]

He passed away at age 73, on March 11, 2022.

[@CaniHaveTheRedPill]

I use lorazepam probably 4 times a week, .5 mg. I’ve been on it for years now. Sometimes I don’t take it for a few weeks to a month without side effects. It helps me so much whenever I do need it. I am blessed My body takes it so well.

[@mamas-jeep1984]

I've been on it for yrs. It's saved my life. Its a constant battle as my Dr keeps trying to switch. I don't do well on other drugs. They make me feel sick. But yet they wonder why you're stressed about the constant wanting to take me off it. Ridiculous. I've never had one bad side effect. Yall are paid by us to treat us. Not constantly be fighting us to go off meds that help us

[@danyb8078]

Are any of you familiar with Jordan Peterson's story? Scary...

[@katiec3768]

I wish I understood why Docs are so afraid to give people this med nowadays. It helps so much but nobody wants to prescribe it now. 🥺

[@witneyskye5556]

Thank you for your very thorough explanation. I have Bipolar 1 (rapid cycling). Lorazepam is one of the meds I take on a daily basis. I want to break free. My brain has depended on it for the past 20 years. Psychologically speaking, I want and need to kick my dependence. Originally, I was prescribed 4mg daily, took it for 13 years. Then, I began to taper, with the permission of my psychiatrist. He said I was the only patient he ever had who wanted to take this step. It was a struggle to endure the physical side effects of each decrease. Nine months later I made it down to 1mg and I thought I was in Hell. Won't go in to details there. My psychiatrist was there for me when I needed him. I went back to 2.5 mg and my tortured state of mind improved. Life resumed. Several years later I tried again, but could not make it past 2 mg. I am determined to try again, under the supervision of my psychiatrist. Any decrease I achieve will be a victory. As I turn 60, I give myself a second chance, to live this decade my life with less medication. I have been building a tool box of new skills, including CBT and counselling.

[@nedargiordano7018]

This guy was voted most popular in his high school 😂😂😂

[@jessicatintori2978]

Ativan saved my life many times when I was having terrible seizures when I was trying to quit drinking

[@alphacentauri8083]

If you suffer from transient insomnia, stress, or anxiety, this is an excellent drug to have as a back up. I've been taking it for years on an as need basis, but I can do without it as well. It gives me an extra two hours of sleep during stressful times, something that can make or break how you function the next day at work. Treat it with respect and you'll be fine. If Lorazepam still causes sedation after taking it intermittently for years you most likely have not developed tolerance or dependence. Sedation is a Lorazepam side effect that wears off when taken often.

[@damoncus8124]

This is the best doctor I’ve ever listened to.

[@captainhindsight8779]

Uk Paramedic here, great little gem of a video you have put together 👍

[@vegangrepresent4140]

Thank you. You explain it so well

[@iminsideyourwalls9432]

I took 2 mg and had a very nice sleep yesterday.

[@chrisg8995]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@gondwanalon]

Very good. Thank you.

[@antonchristian873]

I have been on and off this drug for many years since 1978 ( more off than on ) used sparingly it works wonders when I get anxious which is not that often, I have the greatest respect for this drug as I know just how addictive it can be,

[@john.the.beloved]

Thank you for such an informative video. I hope to be a great doctor one day too. 01.02.21

[@mikenike8281]

Given the recent change of views in the pharmacology research community I think a segment on Ketamine would be very insightful

[@Srose2131]

I only use lorazepam for extreme medical procedures. It definitely makes me a better patient.