Is Ativan An Addictive Drug?

Updated

My mother is 93 and suffering from dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Does this drug make it worse?

7 Replies

Earliest Newest Votes
1

Yes, the FDA does warn that Ativan, which contains the active ingredient Lorazepam, can be habit forming. Other side effects may include nausea, dizziness, irritability, and headache.

Is she on any other medications?

Was this helpful? 0
2

Parkinson's can cause anxiety and stress and the ativan can help to alleviate that. At 93, I think the benefits of taking Ativan outweigh any risks. Just my opinion. I am not a medical doctor or a pharmacist.

Was this helpful? 1
3

Are you kidding? She is 93 years old! Let her have the Ativan if she is anxious.

Was this helpful? 2
4

Re: Kat (# 3) Expand Referenced Message

Agreed. It's mildly habit-forming, but any very slim risks of addiction are outweighed by the benefits she's getting from it's positive effects on her anxiety.

Was this helpful? 2
5

It's more than mildly addictive. Ativan is stronger than Valium and Xanax, mg per mg. It's very addictive and care needs to be taken when weaning off.

Was this helpful? 0
6

Re: Led (# 5) Expand Referenced Message

Ativan is not stronger than xanax per mg. It just has a longer half-life. That's likely the very reason the doctor's are giving this lady lorazepam instead of alprazolam. The alprazolam is often contraindicated in the elderly because it's TOO strong.

Suffice to say at 93 with Parkinson's a person is near end of life stage. Who cares if she becomes dependent upon it. She can take it for the rest of her life so it can help make what time she has left more comfortable.

Was this helpful? 1
7

Re: Mason (# 6) Expand Referenced Message

Again, I agree 100%. Plus. If someone has made it 93 years without developing any addition problems, the chances are pretty slim that suddenly she's going to become a nonagenarian drug addict. I mean... Come on people...

Was this helpful? 1

More Discussions:

How long does the addictive aspects of stopping ativan take to pass

I have been on ativan for little over a year now they had me on 1 mg 2 times a day ive been told they shouldnt have kept...

1 REPLY
Why wouldn t Dr s who prescribe Phendimetrazine also have a follow up medication to help to ween off of this highly addictive drug

It seems Dr.'s know all to well about the addiction of the magical weight loss medication PHENDIMETRAZINE. Why in th...

2 REPLIES
is xanax and ativan the same drug

I had the Prolia shot in May and caused many, many problems. I had never been so, so sick. It did not agree with my immu...

2 REPLIES
is there a drug in counter when taking ativan and switch to natural product 303 formula relaxant

I took Ativan .5 mg this morning @1:30 and than Friday evening the emergency room doctor gave me 1mg to calm my nerves d...

1 REPLY
Opana - Is it really Non-Addictive?

If Opana was designed to be non-addictive, how did my granddaughter become addicted to it; or did she? She is now in jai...

20 REPLIES
addictive drugs oxycottin

diet pill oxcycontin ## found 2 white oval pills with a circle in the middle and a jagged line(lightening bolt?) thru th...

2 REPLIES
Ativan Drug Information

What is considered a normal dose of Ativan? Which dose works best for what? Does it have a high risk for abuse? Are side...

2 REPLIES
ativan 1mg wanting to withdraw from drug

How to withdraw from 1 mg of ativan. I take 05 in am and 05 in pm. I started on 1.5 how long should I stay on the 05 and...

1 REPLY
Tramadol with Ativan Drug Interactions & Side Effects

My doctor prescribed tramadol hcl 50 mg for pain in my joints, muscle and back. I also take 1mg Ativan twice a day. Shou...

1 REPLY
is this addictive

have been given this med. today and have not taken it yet .., Have been on anit biotics lately.Worry about meds. that co...

2 REPLIES