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Being Weaned Off Ativan, Feeling Lightheaded, Sick, Low BP. Should I Follow Doctor's Suggestion?

Posted on Sat, 9 Jun 2012

Question: I am being weaned off of 1 mg. per day of Ativan (taken for 10 years) with 10 mg of citalopram. This is the second day and I am light headed sick and blood pressure is 116/61. My doctor is on vacation. She said take 10 mg of this citalopram for a week With the current Ativan dose then take 20 mg of citaloram on second week with current ativan. Then begin to reduce ativan by .5 per day. I think my blood pressure will plummet as blood pressure is low NOW. What do you t hink?

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (24 minutes later)

Hello and thanks for the query.

The citalopram will have this effect on your body for the first few days. This is a very normal response. I would suggest that you cut the 10 mg tablets in half and take just 5 mg per day for 4 days, then increase to the full 10 mg per day for 4 days and then increase to the 20 mg target dose.

It may in fact be the case that you need only 10 mg of the citalopram. everyone is a bit different and 20 mg is the most commonly prescribed dose of this medication.

Blood pressure of 116/61 is fine and not XXXXXXX Please make sure at the same time that you are maintaining good fluid hydration and adequate nutrition. Your body has been accustomed to the ativan for a long long time and this adjustment will be a bit rough for the first week or two but I am confident that your body will adjust and you will continue to feel better and better as the days go on.

Thanks again for the query. I hope you found my response to be helpful and informative. Should you have any additional concerns I would be happy to address them.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (1 hour later)

Thank you, I like that suggestion and will take 1/2 the 10 mg, as you said. I'm worried when I'm on full, let's say 10mg, AND taking the whole dose of the Ativan I will faint. I take .5 ativan at night and .5 in the a.m. now. When I'm on full 10 mg of the new drug, I'm scared to be on a full doze of the ativan. Would it be a good idea to take 1/2 the dosage at night of the ativan (if I can, it's a tiny pill). Thanks, I'm anxious about being anxious. That will be my last question. I really appreciate hearing from you. Thanks, Mary

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (2 hours later)

Hello and thank you for the follow up question.

Regarding the Ativan I do not think you need to change the dose of this right now. I do not think there will be any significant risk of you suffering any type of fainting spell while you are on the Celexa. I think it is a good idea for us to start with just 5 mg a day for a few days. As you increase the dose of the citalopram I would not change the dose of the Ativan.

The dosage of Ativan which you are taking right now is very low. I am really not very concerned at all that this will have any type of interactive affect with the Celexa that will be disabling. I realize you have a significant degree of anxiety about this but again over a long period of time I think this is going to make a significant difference in improving your overall mental and physical health.

Take each day wanted a time and I am sure you will gradually make steps towards improvement.

I thank you again for sharing your health concerns with me. I hope you found my responses to be helpful and informative. I would be happy to address any follow up concerns you might have.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (9 hours later)

Thank you so much. I took 1/2 the Celexa (5 mg) last night and I am alert and not woozy as before. I'll take it slow. You're great. Mary

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (9 hours later)

XXXXXXX

thanks for the followup and the kind words. I am very confident that you will do well.

Take good care and I wish you continued excellent health.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T