Talk Cancer » Cancer Symptoms » Lorazepam
Lorazepam
Question:
No, I’m not big, 5′8" ,136 lbs at full weight around 140 and, in fact, when I was diagnosed and first started on it, I was down to 119 lbs (looked like walking death) but was so incredibly stressed and paniced out that, in fact, for a while was doing 6 or so 2mg pills/day just so I could think straight. Now, like I said, I’m down to a single 1 mg/day before bed, finally got some sleep last night (only woke up once), so I’m doing it. It’s a rough ride, but in a few days, if I continue to sleep, will go down to 1/2 per day then get off the crap. I know it’ll be worth it. Oh, now I’m back up to about 132 or so, so hangin’ in there, ya’ll. Jeff
Response:
Probably the best info on withdrawal tables ( guidelines ) are in this new manual by Prof Ashton who ran a benzo detox clinic in England for 12 years. This will explain why it is best to first slowly and stepwise switch to a longer acting benzo such as Valium and then taper off of that. Ativan is difficult to taper from as it is a very short half life benzo. This manual just came out a few months ago. http://members.dencity.com/ashtonpapers/index.html Some withdrawal is difficult to avoid and whatever you do don’t stop suddenly as there is a risk of seizures if you do. Yes you are correct, better to be safe and go slowly. Hope this helps you. Rand – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I have taken Lorazepam for 6 mos (3-4 mg spread out over the day), 3 x 0.5 in day and 2 mg at bedtime. (I am 32, 6.3, 204 lbs) I would like to get off it and was told I should taper off to avoid withdrawal. How long should my taper off periond last. Any comments appreciated. fred.
Response:
Gordon, There is much interesting info on that page and remarkable similar to the Ashton method but I am quite sure he is wrong on one point. Most other experts believe that until a person has the drug out of their system completely for about a year or so, it really is not possible to accurately determine if ones original baseline anxiety is returning or whether it is rebound anxiety. Differences in diet, stress and many other factors can disrupt the blood level so even when you think you are tapering smoothly, one cannot predict the ups and downs in the short term. This is probably the main reason that doctors think that the patient needs to not get off the drugs, as they are prematurely taking wild guesses without a really clear picture. The other thing I don’t appreciate about the site is no e-mail contacts on it. Yes I recognize some of the names, but it seems to me that when a website has no e-mail contact, it means that the authors think they have just had the last word and are not open to assisting people nor open to debate. It leaves me with an uncomfortable feeling. Also he puts "addictive nature of Xanax" in quotations as if someone else is saying it but not him. Xanax is addictive period ! His explanation of why some have a harder time coming off is probably mostly valid. I enjoyed the article otherwise. Rand – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I have taken Lorazepam for 6 mos (3-4 mg spread out over the day), 3 x 0.5 in day and 2 mg at bedtime. (I am 32, 6.3, 204 lbs) I would like to get off it and was told I should taper off to avoid withdrawal. How long should my taper off periond last. Any comments appreciated. fred. If you’re really ready to try to get off of it, here’s one shrink’s method on how to do it. Good luck. http://lexington-on-line.com/naf_xanax.html Gordon Held
Response:
Yes, he did, we have dealt w/the triggers and I am ready to cut down. Doc beleives I can do it in a couple of weeks. I am goingto take it slowly, take .25 mg less each week, so it will take me 6-8 weeks. Does that sound reasonable, or can I do it faster. Of course, I will see how I feel as I go along.
Exactly. You will feel what pace is comfortable for you, it’s very much YMMV. As an average .25 mg less each week is rather fast but who knows you can do it… if not, try .35 mg less every two weeks and if that doesn’t work try .125 mg every two weeks and take it from there. Although Ativan is not the benzo associated with the roughest withdrawal problems there is also the possibility to switch to Valium which will then be easier to taper off. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – . Did your doctor advise you to get off the Ativan??? Are you in control of your anxiety and panic? Have you been in therapy to deal with reacurring anxiety and panic attacks??? You seem to be on a high dose of Ativan in a short period of time which tells me you have many panic and anxiety episodes. If you are getting off just to get off, your doctor better know about it. Your doctor can re-evaluate you as you taper off. I am on Ativan for about 2 years now, and I have gone from .5-4 times a day to .25 as needed. But I am seeing a therapist and learning coping skills and techniques so that when I do panic I don’t have to rely on the medications all the time. You better start by calling your doctor first and making sure you have dealt with the triggers of you anxiety first before cutting back. all my best,Julie Hi, I have taken Lorazepam for 6 mos (3-4 mg spread out over the day), 3 x 0.5 in day and 2 mg at bedtime. (I am 32, 6.3, 204 lbs) I would like to get off it and was told I should taper off to avoid withdrawal. How long should my taper off periond last. Any comments appreciated. fred. Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com
Response:
I, also, have been on Loraz. since Jan. when I was prescribed it for anxiety in dealing w/ my Lymphoma. I was doing 4-5 2mg pills/day for a long time (a lot). I started tapering myself off recently because I’m sick of taking it - it was beginning to have a hangover-type effect. For the past week, I’ve only been doing 1 1mg/day just before bedtime. Finally, I slept about 4 hrs without waking up as opposed to waking up 7-8 times/night before that. I’m getting rid of that crap and I’m not having any more refills of the prescrip, then it’s off the cigs after that. It’s real tough but I have to be addiction-free incase I have to fight this cancer again (it has a rather high rate of recurrence), then I’ll be as strong as possible. But yea, the Loraz gets a good grip on you, alright, I think because it works so well for anxiety. Best of luck. Just do it gradually. Jeff Drake
Response:
thanks to all of you. I am gonna fight my way off that stuff. But I will take it sloooooooooooooowly, and let you know how I feel if it’s of any value to you. Fred Good luck to all of you.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I, also, have been on Loraz. since Jan. when I was prescribed it for anxiety in dealing w/ my Lymphoma. I was doing 4-5 2mg pills/day for a long time (a lot). I started tapering myself off recently because I’m sick of taking it - it was beginning to have a hangover-type effect. For the past week, I’ve only been doing 1 1mg/day just before bedtime. Finally, I slept about 4 hrs without waking up as opposed to waking up 7-8 times/night before that. I’m getting rid of that crap and I’m not having any more refills of the prescrip, then it’s off the cigs after that. It’s real tough but I have to be addiction-free incase I have to fight this cancer again (it has a rather high rate of recurrence), then I’ll be as strong as possible. But yea, the Loraz gets a good grip on you, alright, I think because it works so well for anxiety. Best of luck. Just do it gradually. Jeff Drake
Response:
Jeff, SO, you would take 10 mg a day sometimes? Are you a big guy or something, – I don’t know how important that is for your recommended dose. I am 6.3, 200+, lean. I was just thinking for a small little woman she would need Fred
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I, also, have been on Loraz. since Jan. when I was prescribed it for anxiety in dealing w/ my Lymphoma. I was doing 4-5 2mg pills/day for a long time (a lot). I started tapering myself off recently because I’m sick of taking it - it was beginning to have a hangover-type effect. For the past week, I’ve only been doing 1 1mg/day just before bedtime. Finally, I slept about 4 hrs without waking up as opposed to waking up 7-8 times/night before that. I’m getting rid of that crap and I’m not having any more refills of the prescrip, then it’s off the cigs after that. It’s real tough but I have to be addiction-free incase I have to fight this cancer again (it has a rather high rate of recurrence), then I’ll be as strong as possible. But yea, the Loraz gets a good grip on you, alright, I think because it works so well for anxiety. Best of luck. Just do it gradually. Jeff Drake
Response:
For how long did you taper off. What withdrawal symptoms did you get? I really appreciate any response. thanks Fred. (means peace in Norwegian)
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I, also, have been on Loraz. since Jan. when I was prescribed it for anxiety in dealing w/ my Lymphoma. I was doing 4-5 2mg pills/day for a long time (a lot). I started tapering myself off recently because I’m sick of taking it - it was beginning to have a hangover-type effect. For the past week, I’ve only been doing 1 1mg/day just before bedtime. Finally, I slept about 4 hrs without waking up as opposed to waking up 7-8 times/night before that. I’m getting rid of that crap and I’m not having any more refills of the prescrip, then it’s off the cigs after that. It’s real tough but I have to be addiction-free incase I have to fight this cancer again (it has a rather high rate of recurrence), then I’ll be as strong as possible. But yea, the Loraz gets a good grip on you, alright, I think because it works so well for anxiety. Best of luck. Just do it gradually. Jeff Drake
Response:
Hi Jeff, Just a suggestion, but I’ve heard that Ativan can help with Anxiety that comes with dumping cigarettes. If you are already hooked on both, it would be a good idea to dump the cigs first – then dump the ativan. Good luck and we all hope you get better. Dennis. I’m getting rid of that crap and I’m not having any more refills of the prescrip, then it’s off the cigs after that. It’s real tough but I have to be addiction-free incase I have to fight this cancer again (it has a rather high rate of recurrence), then I’ll be as strong as possible.
Dennis Hawkins (Remove "dont.spam.me." from address before replying) Do you want to know who has been calling you and hanging up when you answer the phone? Visit http://www.antitelemarketer.com to find out.
Response:
Yes, he did, we have dealt w/the triggers and I am ready to cut down. Doc beleives I can do it in a couple of weeks. I am goingto take it slowly, take .25 mg less each week, so it will take me 6-8 weeks. Does that sound reasonable, or can I do it faster. Of course, I will see how I feel as I go along. thanks, Fred.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Did your doctor advise you to get off the Ativan??? Are you in control of your anxiety and panic? Have you been in therapy to deal with reacurring anxiety and panic attacks??? You seem to be on a high dose of Ativan in a short period of time which tells me you have many panic and anxiety episodes. If you are getting off just to get off, your doctor better know about it. Your doctor can re-evaluate you as you taper off. I am on Ativan for about 2 years now, and I have gone from .5-4 times a day to .25 as needed. But I am seeing a therapist and learning coping skills and techniques so that when I do panic I don’t have to rely on the medications all the time. You better start by calling your doctor first and making sure you have dealt with the triggers of you anxiety first before cutting back. all my best,Julie Hi, I have taken Lorazepam for 6 mos (3-4 mg spread out over the day), 3 x 0.5 in day and 2 mg at bedtime. (I am 32, 6.3, 204 lbs) I would like to get off it and was told I should taper off to avoid withdrawal. How long should my taper off periond last. Any comments appreciated. fred. Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com
Response:
Hi, I have taken Lorazepam for 6 mos (3-4 mg spread out over the day), 3 x 0.5 in day and 2 mg at bedtime. (I am 32, 6.3, 204 lbs) I would like to get off it and was told I should taper off to avoid withdrawal. How long should my taper off periond last. Any comments appreciated. fred.
If you’re really ready to try to get off of it, here’s one shrink’s method on how to do it. Good luck. http://lexington-on-line.com/naf_xanax.html Gordon Held
Response:
Hi, I have taken Lorazepam for 6 mos (3-4 mg spread out over the day), 3 x 0.5 in day and 2 mg at bedtime. (I am 32, 6.3, 204 lbs) I would like to get off it and was told I should taper off to avoid withdrawal. How long should my taper off periond last. Any comments appreciated. fred.
Response:
Did your doctor advise you to get off the Ativan??? Are you in control of your anxiety and panic? Have you been in therapy to deal with reacurring anxiety and panic attacks??? You seem to be on a high dose of Ativan in a short period of time which tells me you have many panic and anxiety episodes. If you are getting off just to get off, your doctor better know about it. Your doctor can re-evaluate you as you taper off. I am on Ativan for about 2 years now, and I have gone from .5-4 times a day to .25 as needed. But I am seeing a therapist and learning coping skills and techniques so that when I do panic I don’t have to rely on the medications all the time. You better start by calling your doctor first and making sure you have dealt with the triggers of you anxiety first before cutting back. all my best,Julie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I have taken Lorazepam for 6 mos (3-4 mg spread out over the day), 3 x 0.5 in day and 2 mg at bedtime. (I am 32, 6.3, 204 lbs) I would like to get off it and was told I should taper off to avoid withdrawal. How long should my taper off periond last. Any comments appreciated. fred.
Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com
Response:
Im on .5mg Lorazepam and kind new to it,, and im not getting the response from it that I was hoping for… I just feel slightly better when I take it for my anxiety.. Is it the same thing as Xanax??… That is what I was hoping to get on for my anxiety
Like Xanax, lorazepam (Ativan is the most common brand name) is a fast and short acting benzo. If you are taking it as needed you are most likely being undermedicated. Xanaxc is about twice as potent as Ativan and you may well need 1-2 mg of Ativan to prevent a PA from becoming full blown or prevent one. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
Response:
Im on .5mg Lorazepam and kind new to it,, and im not getting the response from it that I was hoping for… I just feel slightly better when I take it for my anxiety.. Is it the same thing as Xanax??… That is what I was hoping to get on for my anxiety
Response:
Dear TD, Both Xanax and Lorazepam are benzodiazipines, and they are quite similar in effect and duration of action. Some people have stated that Xanax worked a bit better for panic/anxiety than Lorazepam but as stated above both are quite similar. I have heard reports that Xanax is harder to withdraw from than Lorazepam althought that may just be a popular statement. You may try upping the dose a bit for anxiety to 1mg at a time. 0.5mg may be enough when you first start taking it, but may not be strong enough to control the anxiety over the longer term. You may look into one of the SSRI medications as well, as the combination often is very effective, but the SSRIs do have some side effects. Good luck, Russ, M.D.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Im on .5mg Lorazepam and kind new to it,, and im not getting the response from it that I was hoping for… I just feel slightly better when I take it for my anxiety.. Is it the same thing as Xanax??… That is what I was hoping to get on for my anxiety
Response:
How is anyone doing on Lorazepam for PD?
I was on it for a while and it worked fine, but my PD evolved into GAD and I got addicted (dosage kept creeping up and I couldn’t go without it) It had some draw backs such as making me dizzy and affecting my memory (short term).The doc switched my script to Luvox which made me sick as hell. I decided to go cold turkey which I DO NOT advise to do without talking to your doc. It was tough at first but now I’m med free and doing good. ONCE in a blue moon I still use Lorazepam but only on "special" occasions. For instance before big events which may cause anxiety. However that first dose in a long while really kicks me so I just take 1/2 or more often 1/4 a dose. I know they are hard to slpit but it can be done. Hit the web and put Lorazepam in a search engine for so good info. Good Luck.
Response:
How is anyone doing on Lorazepam for PD? I was on it for a while and it worked fine, but my PD evolved into GAD and I got addicted (dosage kept creeping up and I couldn’t go without it)
Hi Dave — just to clarify…it sounds like you meant ‘physically dependent’ when you used ‘addicted’. Look up some of Elliott’s posts on the difference between dependence vs. addiction in Dejanews — there is such a big difference. Anne.