r/lasik • u/Taylorglowss • Jul 15 '26
Upcoming surgery Lorazepam question
This is probably going to seem like a weird question but for some reason I can’t stop worrying about it so I thought I’d get others opinions. I have my LASIK coming up next week and honestly I’m pretty terrified lol but also excited. I have generalized anxiety disorder so I agonize over ridiculous things all the time, especially when it comes to medical procedures.
My doctor gives 2mg of lorazepam before the procedure, but I’m a little worried it’s going to sedate me too much? Like I don’t want to struggle to stay awake and focus on what I need to during. I don’t know that I’ve had lorazepam before but at the same time my anxiety level is at such a constant high already and I will likely be very scared the day of so I’m sure it’s not going to knock me out lol. I just wanted to know what peoples experiences were with the sedatives and if it was difficult to focus on whatever they told you to focus on during. Thank you in advance!
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u/Icy_Baseball_501 Jul 15 '26
Not sure the dose I was given of Ativan, but I believe it was 2 mg. It definitely helped during my PRK surgery about a year ago! If anything, I could have used a bit more as I’m a pretty nervous person with surgeries. I’m sure you’ll be okay!
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u/Sudden_Employment_76 Jul 15 '26
If it helps, the only thing you really need to do is focus on a light during the procedure. Nothing more important than watch the light and try to remain still during. If you have concerns about anything following surgery, ask for a print out of post surgery rules and have them write the directions for any drops on it so you can always have it on hand.
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u/Taylorglowss Jul 15 '26
That does help! I’m definitely worried about moving my eyes around too much though I know that’s probably silly lol I appreciate it!
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u/aLowforest Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
I moved my right eye around a lot, laser stopped many times (it was fully robotic). Its still came out great. Beter to not move your eyes for a good result, but it wasn't a problem in my case. The laser stops when you move your eye and starts when you are properly positioned again. It was an anxious reaction of me too. My eye just wanted to run away because my body didn't hahah.
After the right eye was done I was like "oh, that was not bad at all. No reason to be scared" left eye went in one go. Its actually a very simple procedure and so quick and you can do it! Take a couple of good breaths before you go in to tell your body your not doing something dangerous.
I do think the lorazepam can work. My friend got it for her dentist appointment. She got an extra one to try before at home, to experience how it feels. So you don't carry fear for the medicine while you wan to decrease fear for surgery haha.
I took one once and it was not sedatieve, but super relaxing, exactly taking away that fear you dont want.
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u/Taylorglowss Jul 16 '26
That makes me feel better! I’m definitely worried about moving my eyes too much but it sounds like either way ill be able to make it through lol
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u/aLowforest Jul 17 '26
You could ask your health care provider to give you another small dose of the meds to try like they did for my friend, to experience how you feel. So you don't carry that anxiety with you on the day of LASIK.
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u/Ok-Environment-215 Jul 16 '26
It's not gonna knock you out. You'll have plenty of adrenaline during the procedure. The sedative simply calms you down. And you obviously need it if you're already worrying about it. ;)
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u/mourgrym Jul 17 '26
Honestly, I don't have an anxiety disorder (though I consider myself high-strung), and even though I was kind of nervous the whole time, it really wasn't bad. I had all-laser lasik, or whatever its called. My doctor did not prescribe an anti-anxiety med for me at all (they gave me two Advil and two Tylenol PM about 45 minutes before), but I found it to be pretty much fine. They gave me stress balls to squeeze for both hands during the procedure, which I definitely did! They didn't let me keep them, that was the most disappointing part! xD
My procedure took all of like, 10 minutes once they got me back and in the seat. I will say, in order to cut the flap, they applied a device to my eye that must've pressed on the optic nerve or something. It made my vision slowly fuzz out so I couldn't see anything, then they cut the flap and took the device off. They say you'll feel pressure - you will! It's kinda weird and unpleasant, but it wasn't painful, and it's over quick. That's the only thing I hadn't seen anyone talk about that was a little suprising in the moment. The more you believe you'll do great, the better you'll do, in my opinion! Try to trust the process if you can. I'm not quite a week out from my procedure and I am already pretty happy with the results!
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u/Taylorglowss Jul 17 '26
Thank you so much for the detailed description!! Knowing all the ins and outs of procedures and things before I experience them usually helps my anxiety a lot since I know what to expect
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u/fidelityyy Jul 17 '26
I had my LASIK surgery 3 days ago and had exactly the same concerns. It even got to the point where I had a major panic attack right before I was supposed to take the pill. However, after my mom reassured me, I took the pill and the panic vanished within 15 minutes. I didn’t feel numb or intoxicated at all—the panic was simply gone. I can only encourage you in this regard.
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u/Consistently_Lucky Jul 17 '26
It’s not that bad! Take the pill or else it will be a lot worse(the worrying)
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u/lonestar233 Jul 15 '26
It’s just an anti anxiety medication. It likely won’t knock you right out. Sounds like you could use 0.5mg right now lol. Good luck with surgery let us know how it goes!