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Can Lorazepam Be Taken For A Long Duration?

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Posted on Thu, 16 Feb 2017
Question: How long can a body safely take Lorazepam 1mg every night?

Also, after taking it thus for several weeks, how quickly can a person safely taper off?

Note: her brother suffered from epillepsy as a child and as a young man.

Thank You!!
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Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
The drug is safe to use if taken as per prescription

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine drug. In normal cases its advised to not to take benzodiazepines regularly for more than 4 weeks. The drug is known to cause dependence and tolerance and has high abuse potential. If we consider side effects of 1 mg dose then then drug is almost totally safe. No need to worry.

Even a lot of patients of mine are taking this drug for years without any significant adverse effects. So if she is on this drug and is taking as per prescription then no need to worry. Even after taking for several weeks tapering can be done safely. History of epilepsy in brother too doesn't increase the risk.

Thanks. Take care
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

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Can Lorazepam Be Taken For A Long Duration?

Brief Answer: The drug is safe to use if taken as per prescription Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for asking from HCM I can understand your concern. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine drug. In normal cases its advised to not to take benzodiazepines regularly for more than 4 weeks. The drug is known to cause dependence and tolerance and has high abuse potential. If we consider side effects of 1 mg dose then then drug is almost totally safe. No need to worry. Even a lot of patients of mine are taking this drug for years without any significant adverse effects. So if she is on this drug and is taking as per prescription then no need to worry. Even after taking for several weeks tapering can be done safely. History of epilepsy in brother too doesn't increase the risk. Thanks. Take care