15 years ago I was prescribed Ativan 1.0mg just 6 months ago I asked my doctor to cut the amount in half but I tried but could not and started taking the .5 twice a day and then 24 days ago I stopped cold turkey, my blood pressure spiked at the doctor's office. 4 days ago on June 11, 2012, I had a blood pressure of 165/92 and I had had fluctuating blood pressures from 138/80 to 142/80 with accassional spikes in blood pressure to 155 to 165 over 90. Because of my most recent blood pressure reading my doctor put me on Amlodipine 5mg once a day and wants to do a 3 week follow up. I realize my blood pressure is high but realize I read many cases where Cold Turkey of a Benzodiazepine like Lorazepam, aka Ativan, and it's been 24 days since I had one of these Ativan pills, that blood pressure can and in deed does often become elevated. My main concern is, since this is the case with me, Can I expect my blood pressure, to go down to a level once I have gone off Ativan for a long enough time make it possible for me to stop taking the Calcium Channel Blocker Amlodipine or do I have to take this for the rest of my life even after Ativan withdrawal symptoms go away in time and I start a more healthy regimen of exercise and proper diet and weight loss? I am 203 pounds and 54 years male.
Can Ativan withdrawal elevate blood pressure 165/92? I stopped cold turkey 24 days ago Ativan1mg day
Question posted by lookat on 14 June 2012
Last updated on 15 June 2012 by Dumpster Diver
5 Answers
Hey Lookat, I think it is very dangerous to go cold turkey on Benzos.
Although I take BP medicine daily, if I get caught in a situation where I
have to abstain from them for a while, my BP hits the roof and my pain
level also increases. Personaly me, I would taper down, if you have that
option. Good Luck and hope you will feel better soon.
Blood pressure can elevate during withdrawals, & then can go back to normal. What was your blood pressure before while you were stil lon ativan? that would be a better clue than to wonder if it will always be high, as it will go up during the withdrawal period. Hopefully it will settle back down on it's own, but don't stop the blood presuure med without your physicans consent. You can check your BP at most pharmacies, & it a good to keep track of it anyway. How is your general health too is an important question. You say upi weogh 203lbs. I would bet a good diet & exercise program is going to help you get badk to normal in no time. there are no guarantees with bolld pressure altho', & your doctor should be your best advisor as to whether the changes you make & you keeping a record of your blood pressure. whether you can eventually sotp the BP med. I should also mention that a lot of times, our Bp spikes at the doctors offic .
It's called white coat symdrome, & many doctors know this so don't get super excited if it's a wee bit high. Make sure they check both arms when they check your bolld pressure too. There is usually a difference in each arm. Just my thoughts... Mary
Sorry for all the typos!
Hello lookat. Cold turkey in regards to benzodiazepine withdrawls can be very serious. Tapering is often always implemented. Hopefully your withdrawls will ease up and you'll be feeling somewhat better than you are now. Best of wishes pledge
Is it possible that your bp was going up and the ativan masked it? Are you noticing more stress without the ativan? If the bp med is no longer needed your bp will go low from it and the dr will change it. It would be interesting to see what your bp is in 3 weeks.
Yes it can, but not for that long. Stopping abruptly can cause complications and depending on how much and how long they can be severe and long lasting. Did you pain level for up again? That will raise it for sure. Hope this helps.
Related topics
ativan, anxiety, panic disorder, withdrawal, doctor, blood pressure
Further information
- Ativan uses and safety info
- Ativan prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Ativan (detailed)
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