Experiencing Hallucinations on Lorazepam
I'm a 16-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 5 inches and weighing 115 pounds. Daily, I take methylphenidate for managing ADHD and Zoloft for my anxiety and depression, though I am currently in the process of tapering off the latter. In the past, I tried using hydroxyzine, but it didn’t provide any relief for my symptoms. To help combat panic attacks, my doctor prescribed me 1mg of Lorazepam, alongside some Valium. Given that my panic episodes stem from a fear of needles, I have only used these medications a handful of times. Today, I had an appointment that involved needles (which, for the record, are not typically what trigger my panic response), prompting me to test the Lorazepam to see if it might be beneficial for more triggering medical situations in the future. I took a 1mg dose of Lorazepam roughly one and a half hours before my appointment. Initially, I only experienced slight drowsiness, so I decided to take an additional milligram about 40 minutes before my appointment. My prescription allows for a total of 1 to 2mg, so I felt comfortable with this decision. During the appointment itself, I felt no significant alterations. However, as I was finishing up and stood to leave, I began to experience hallucinations. Interestingly, I didn’t feel dizzy at all; instead, it felt as if the room was subtly shifting. The walls seemed to be misaligned, and when I reached out to steady myself, my hands encountered nothing but air, suggesting a possible issue with my depth perception. The room transformed into a gradient of purple, uniformly saturating the space, while the surrounding people appeared to be viewed through a VHS tape, complete with static noise. This odd occurrence lasted about five minutes. Overall, it wasn't an unpleasant experience—just quite strange. I’m curious to know if this reaction is typical and whether I might have inadvertently taken an excessive dose. This was my first encounter with benzodiazepines, and my previous medications had never caused hallucinations. Additionally, would it be more prudent to use Valium at my next appointment instead?
Answers (1)
6/16/2025, 10:50:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a challenging experience with Lorazepam, and it's commendable that you're seeking to understand your reaction better. Hallucinations are not a common side effect of Lorazepam, especially at lower dosages, but they can occur under certain circumstances, particularly if you have taken more than your body is accustomed to or if it interacts unexpectedly with other medications.
Explanation:
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. While it can help manage anxiety symptoms, it's important to be aware that using it, especially in conjunction with other medications like methylphenidate and Zoloft, can lead to unexpected side effects. Drowsiness is common, but visual disturbances like hallucinations, even if brief and not distressing, can indicate that your body is reacting strongly to the medication.
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Dosage Consideration: Although your prescription allows between 1-2 mg, since this was your first time using Lorazepam, taking 2 mg, especially close together, may have contributed to the hallucinations. Everyone's reaction to medications can vary greatly.
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Individual Response: Given that you have ADHD and are in the process of tapering off Zoloft, your body might be especially sensitive. The combination of all these medications could also play a role in your unusual experience.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your experiences with each medication, noting any side effects you experience. This will help you recognize patterns and communicate with your healthcare provider more effectively.
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Avoid Mixing Medications: Until you consult with your doctor, avoid taking Lorazepam again or mixing it with other benzodiazepines like Valium without guidance.
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Consult Your Doctor: Reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss your experience. It’s important to talk about the hallucinations and clarify your medication plan going forward. Also, express your concerns and ask if a different medication might be more suitable for your panic attacks.
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Consider a Lower Dosage or Alternative: If your doctor agrees, they might suggest using a lower dose of Lorazepam or possibly switching to Valium if deemed appropriate. However, any changes in medication should always be under their guidance.
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Identify Triggers: Continue to work on strategies to manage your fear of needles and stress in medical situations. Cognitive-behavioral techniques or exposure therapy can also be helpful in reducing anxiety around triggers.
It’s important to feel comfortable and safe with your treatment plan. If you experience any severe symptoms or further reactions, don't hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.
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