Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 10/18/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi- I was sent to a hematologist after lab blood work showed low white/red count.CBC was done-the only other suspicious thing were blasts.I asked if the ativan i take(.5 mg at bedtime)could affect the low white cell count.He said no-it wasnt enough .Ive never read anywhere how much you would have to take for this to happen--but ive been on and off it for years.It improves my life--i feel much more relaxed(hopefully it's not doing bad stuff too)

ANSWER: Dear Sandy

There is no evidence that Ativan or any other benzodiazepine causes any blood problems so rest easy there. However, I will point out that long term frequent use can cause memory problems and even some brain damage. This would mainly apply with continuous rather than intermittent usage.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm confused- this is what Ive found on many sites:
Essential Laboratory Tests
Some patients on Ativan (lorazepam) have developed leukopenia, and some have had elevations of LDH. As with other benzodiazepines, periodic blood counts and liver-function tests are recommended for patients on long-term therapy.

Answer
Dear Sandy

I only go on what the Australian drug monograph says for Ativan and it does not mention leucopenia, LDH not the necessity for any periodic pathology tests. It could be that in Australia it is not used for long-term therapy. I have just now checked with Martindale The Complete Drug Reference aka the pharmacologist's bible. It mentions only one recorded case of liver problems and nothing about any haematological adverse effects. I tend to use references I trust as there is so much rubbish on the net that even official looking and sounding sites are not always that reliable. I will say also that many sites are reliable too and I do use the Net when I am stuck otherwise I stick to trusted references.

Regards

Alan Galbraith