We lay out the pros and cons of this (potentially addictive) anti-anxiety medication.
But many people dont know about its dangerous side effects.
Occasional use for anxiety-inducing events is one thing, but long-term, consistent use of lorazepam is risky.
Many people dont even realize [lorazepam pills] are addictive and that you could bephysically dependenton them.
(Cue: “Tim?
Where’s my lorazepam?!”
professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences atStanford Health Care
in a southern drawl.)
And how can you use it safely if you’ve been prescribed the medication for anxiety relief?
Read on to learn more.
What is lorazepam?
It helps slow brain activity by increasing the calming chemicalGABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)levels in your system.
Dr. Lembke says it’s helpful to think of lorazepam like alcohol in a pill form.
Heres Exactly How It Can Affect Your Poop
Most healthcare providers only prescribe lorazepam for up to two weeks.
Its really not an evidence-based treatment for anything beyond a couple of weeks, Dr. Lembke says.
Yet she says some providers still prescribe it long-term, which runs the risk of dependenceboth mentally and physically.
professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences atStanford Health Care
But providers may prescribe even smaller doses for certain groups of people, including adults over 65.
But this can set you up for dependency or withdrawal.
“It’s so effective, and it does help patients,” Dr. Anand adds.
If you start the medicine, check in with your providers regularly to double-check it’s right for you.
If you have developed a dependency, you have options.
Theres a lot of support groups online.
There is a community thats helping each other.
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