Does anyone have experiences to share regarding the use of Ativan/lorazepam for Advanced Alzheimer's or anxiety disorders? My mother has been on lorazepam for over three years and I am of the view that it has increased her rate of decline. However, it is not a medication that can easily be stopped as it is very addictive and causes withdrawal symptoms. I am wondering if there is anyone who has successfully come off lorazepam and what improvements were achieved.
Justice will dwell in the wilderness and righteousness abide in the fruitful field.
I have taken ativan for several years on an as-needed basis. It's basically been since my mom began having symptoms of dementia. I've never taken it enough to feel withdrawal symptoms, but I would think your mother could use something else instead if you are determined to get her off it. You should talk with her doctor about it. As far as it increasing her rate of decline, I don't know. This disease causes decline in so many different ways, it's hard to pin it on a medication, especially one that's been tolerated for a long time.
You didn't mention if you mom is taking other medications. Sometimes ativan can intensify the side effects of other medications, like drowsiness and dizziness.
This is such a complex topic, you really should have a discussion with her doctor, without her present if at all possible.
"dj" daughter of mother with AD "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
My Mother has Ativan on an "as needed" basis only. I know that sometimes she or her roomate may need it for a couple to a few evenings in a row,,,and then not need it for a couple of months,,it just depends.
But Dj has given you excellent advice,,by suggesting that you contact your Mom's Dr and share your concerns and ask questions. Best of luck to you. Peace
Posts: 5490 | Location?: USA | Registered: September 19, 2005
My partner took 1 mg of lorazepam for several years at bedtime, to help her get to sleep. I was able to taper her off it over a period of about a month, using a pill splitter. So first I got it down to 3/4 of a pill, then half, then a quarter -- but very, very gradually.
Lots of studies do show that lorazepam and many related medications do contribute to cognitive decline, so IMO it's a shame that doctors prescribe it so routinely. However, I have to say that on very rainy, dark days or before ultra-scary events like the first trip to a dentist in years, I'll give my partner a dose. It's infrequent enough that she stays unhooked, and it's a great blessing for these occasions.
Ativan is strongly anticholinergic, and works the opposite way as Aricept. It increases levels of confusion. Anticholinergic meds do increase the rate of decline.
Bless you for your responses, especially Norbert's very helpful links. I am on a quest to see if it is possible to withdraw the lorazepam from my Mom. My belief is that she might regain some of what she has lost. The key is to find a doctor willing to do the necessary monitoring during the process.
Justice will dwell in the wilderness and righteousness abide in the fruitful field.
A psychiatrist, particularly a psychiatrist who specializes in addiction should have the knowledge necessary to help wean your LO from this medicine. I know your LO is not a drug addict, but this type of doctor has experience in helping people withdraw from all types of drugs.
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