Does Short Term Lorazepam Use Cause Withdrawal?

Tim asked

I was prescribed 0.5 mg of lorazepam. I took 9 pills randomly over 6 weeks. Would I suffer any withdrawal from stopping at that point? I have never taken any medications for anxiety before so I wasn't sure.

Answer

Taking lorazepam as you have described is not likely to cause any withdrawal symptoms.

However, since everyone's medical situation is different, it is difficult to predict whether or not they will happen.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Benzodiazepines as a class of medications (of which lorazepam belongs) are quite well known for causing withdrawal symptoms, which can be difficult to deal with.

Potential withdrawal symptoms include:^[1]

• Sweating
• Increased heart rate
• Trouble sleeping
• Anxiety
• Agitation

Additionally, if you stop a benzodiazepine too quickly, there is a risk that the condition you were treating can relapse.

In most situations, your doctor will prescribe a tapering protocol for you to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms occurring.

Will It Happen?

While there really isn't a set period of time that one has to take the medication and stop it to get withdrawal effects, it would be uncommon for you to notice anything taking it as sporadically as you have. Typically, the risk factors for withdrawal symptoms are:^[2]

• Taking high doses (a high dose of lorazepam being 2mg or more daily)
• Consistent use over 3-6 weeks
• Intermittent use over 6-12 months.

So again, based on your description, I wouldn't think you are at much of a risk at all.

Nevertheless, you and your doctor should have a discussion regarding whether or not you should come up with a tapering protocol to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms occurring.