Question 1

is lorazepam most similar to xanax (alprazolam)? i know duration is longer but is it the closest one in this class of drugs? klonopin doesn't work

Accepted Answer

Xanax (alprazolam): Lorazepam is similar to Xanax (alprazolam) in that it has a short half life  which means it seems to work faster but doesn't last as long,   This makes these more addictive.  Klonopin and Tranxene have a longer half life which takes longer to work but lasts much longer and is still addictive but less so.

Question 2

i know it starts working quickly, but how long does .5 lorazepam generally work for?

Accepted Answer

6-8 hours: Ativan (lorazepam) peaks at about 2 hours if taken orally. The drug will last about 6 to 8 hours but the drug will be in your system for longer period if time. If you have kidney dysfunction then it can last longer. Make sure not to drink alcohol with this medication.

Question 3

hi. i have a work presentation to make in 3 days & m 2 anxious. i have lorazepam in .05 mg. how much to take before & how long before? thank u.

Accepted Answer

Try before!: Make sure you try the medicine before. Lorazepam is sedating and you will want to be focused and not groggy. You may want to ask for a beta blocker which is also good, but does not make you groggy. Try them before the presentation. If you HAVE to take the lorazepam since it is only three days away, then only 0.25 mg please.

Question 4

can i take ativan (lorazepam) before work?

Accepted Answer

Carefully: Ativan (lorazepam) is a valium derivative that is used for anxiety, tension, and for seizures.  The side effect is sleepiness.  Low doses are usually well tolerated and will relax you and allow usual function.  Higher doses will put you to sleep.  Understand why you are using it.  Balance the benefit to the side effects.

Question 5

my dr gave me lorazepam for a flight next wkend. he told me to do a test run before to see what amt works best. what noticeable effects can i expect?

Accepted Answer

Please repost: and include the answer given to your question by the doctor who prescribed the lorazepam for you; or, if you did not ask your doctor this question, please state why not.

Question 6

my dr prescribed ativan (lorazepam) for situational anxiety around work and other events. should i try a dose before i take it for work to see how it affects me?

Accepted Answer

Yes!: Ativan (lorazepam) can cause sedation as it is used as a sleep agent too, among other things. You should try it during the day while at home or a few hours before sleep so you can assess how it works for you. It may be you will need to adjust the dose your doctor gave you but consult her or him first before doing so.

Question 7

i take ativan (lorazepam) but lately i have come quite addicted to it and now i am taking 4 everyday just for it to work . is this bad ? and what can i take inste

Accepted Answer

No pills: I appreciate your honesty. Perhaps a whole different approach is indicated. But first stopping safely under medical observation is indicated. Learning of the disease of addiction in treatment and them treating that disease effectively may bring you health and serenity.

Question 8

i have weened off ativan (lorazepam). i took .5 mg two days ago. can i drink tonight responsibly? ativan (lorazepam) no longer affects me which is why i've weened off.

Accepted Answer

Depends: Depends more on the length of time you've been on the Ativan (lorazepam).  If you are on a standing dose of 1 or more doses daily then, it may take a bit longer for the medication to get out of your system entirely, say 5-7 days.  If you only take doses PRN for anxiety then, you should be OK after 2 days.

Question 9

i have been on 0.5 mg ativan (lorazepam) since june on an as needed basis..it's for my anxiety...may be i have taken 25 pills since the summer. however, i find it as less effective nowadays.. does it work less since my body is now used to it? should i ask

Accepted Answer

Although you have: not been taking significant amounts - it may be related to decreased effectiveness. Would encourage other ways to address anxiety. Have you tried cognitive behavioral therapy? Behavior modification? Individual psychotherapy? Group psychotherapy? Qi Gong? Tai Chi? Acupuncture? Acupressure? Homeopathy? Meditation? Yoga? Exercise program? Breathing exercises? Progressive muscle relaxation?

Question 10

how effectively does lorazepam work for agoraphobia w/o panic?

Accepted Answer

It helps but...: For short periods, it can help, but for agoraphobia, if your outside, you may find yourself needing more and more and becoming addicted and dependent. Ssris and other antidepressants can be helpful for agoraphobia, and are not habit forming. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful as well for a psychotherapeutic treatment of agoraphobia.

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Doctor answers about:

How long till lorazepam starts to work

A member asked:

Is lorazepam most similar to xanax (alprazolam)? i know duration is longer but is it the closest one in this class of drugs? klonopin doesn't work

A member asked:

I know it starts working quickly, but how long does .5 lorazepam generally work for?

A member asked:

Hi. i have a work presentation to make in 3 days & m 2 anxious. i have lorazepam in .05 mg. how much to take before & how long before? thank u.

A member asked:

Can i take ativan (lorazepam) before work?

A member asked:

My dr gave me lorazepam for a flight next wkend. he told me to do a test run before to see what amt works best. what noticeable effects can i expect?

A member asked:

My dr prescribed ativan (lorazepam) for situational anxiety around work and other events. should i try a dose before i take it for work to see how it affects me?

A member asked:

I take ativan (lorazepam) but lately i have come quite addicted to it and now i am taking 4 everyday just for it to work . is this bad ? and what can i take inste

A member asked:

I have weened off ativan (lorazepam). i took .5 mg two days ago. can i drink tonight responsibly? ativan (lorazepam) no longer affects me which is why i've weened off.

A member asked:

I have been on 0.5 mg ativan (lorazepam) since june on an as needed basis..it's for my anxiety...may be i have taken 25 pills since the summer. however, i find it as less effective nowadays.. does it work less since my body is now used to it? should i ask

A member asked:

How effectively does lorazepam work for agoraphobia w/o panic?

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