Lou Says:
I have been having anxiety attacks for over a year. Mydoctor has prescribed both Buspar and Lorazepam. The Lorazepam seems to work better than the buspar. I am concerned that this drug may be addictive. Can you help?
1
Verwon Says:
[Moderator]
Monday, 2/27/2006 8:51:06 AM
Yes, this is a Benzodiazepine, they are very addictive. That is why a lot of docs will no longer prescribe them except in extreme circumstances and many insurances will not longer cover them, either.
Lorazepam is the generic for Ativan. Here is a page with some more information, and I will also copy in the relevant sections here for you, in case you do not have time to look it all over.
Lorazepam is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if lorazepam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose. PsyWeb
The habit-forming potential is high. Do not stop taking this drug abruptly, this could cause psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms.
Like all benzodiazepines, lorazepam can cause physical dependence. Suddenly stopping therapy after a few months of daily therapy may be associated with a feeling of loss of self-worth, agitation, and insomnia. If lorazepam is taken continuously longer than a few months, stopping therapy suddenly may produce seizures, tremors, muscle cramping, vomiting, and/or sweating.
Pharmacology of Drug ATIPAM GENERIC-Lorazepam Mechanism of Action Lorazepam mainly acts on Limbic system and ascending reticular formation in the CNS and it binds to the BZD receptor. The binding will facilitates GABA mediated chloride channel opening and produce hyperpolarisation. This will produce an increase in the concentration of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and chloride ions and decreases firing rate of neurons. These alter normal excitatory functions of the body. Lorazepam is used as adjuncts in anaesthesia for anxiolysis, amnesia and sedation prior to induction of anaesthesia
Pharmaco Kinetics Absorption: It is well absorbed after oral administration Distribution: It is distributed widely in the body. Metabolism: It is metabolised to inactive metabolite in the liver. Excretion: Most metabolites are excreted through urine
Onset Of Action 1 hour
Half Life 10 - 20 hour
Duration Of Action 12 - 24 hour
Adverse Effects 1.Ataxia 2.Drowsiness 3.Lethargy 4.Hallucination 5.Nausea 6.Constipation or diarrhoea 7.Amnesia 8.Dependence 9.Pain at the site of injection 10.Confusion 11.Light headedness 12.Mood changes 13.Muscle cramp 14.Tremor
ContraIndications 1.Hypersensitivity to Benzodiazepines 2.Acute narrow angle glaucoma
Children Below 12 years contraindicated NEONATES- contraindicated
Interactions Alcohol & Other CNS depressants: Enhanced CNS effects. Digoxin: Increase in serum concentration of digoxin.Imipramine & Desipramine: Enhanced activity of these drugs. Levodopa: Decrease in antiparkinsonism efficacy. Oral contraceptives: Decrease efficacy of lorazepam.Theophylline: Antagonises the sedative effect.
Dosage Adult: 2 - 6 mg/day in divided dose Anxiety: 1 - 2 mg 2 - 3 times a day Maximum dose: 10 mg / day Insomnia: 1 - 4 mg at bed time As Antiemetic before chemotherapy: 2.5 mg in the evening ( the day before chemotherapy) and repeat after beginning of the therapy . Anaesthetic-PAM (IM): 0.05 mg / kg body weight given 2 hours before surgery. Children: 0.05mg/kg orally/ parenterally every 4 - 8 hours in a day.
Schedule H
Storage The drug should be kept at room temperature (25 degree C) in a tightly closed container. Keep out of the reach of children
Over Dose Give support and symptomatic treatment. Flumazenil can be given as antagonist. Hypotension can be treated with vasopressors.If the patient is conscious induce emesis followed by charcoal administration.
I find lorazapam to be extremely addicting. I use lorazapam but it does not use me. Per advice I received from a junkie at UC Berkeley - when you start to worry if you are running out of a drug, switch drugs. 35 years of severe mental problems and I have been addicted twice, both respected doctors both highly regarded. The only way to keep an eye on these drugs is to get on the net and look them up. Also, look up every single other pill you are taking that might interact. Worst sunburn I ever got in my life was in 15 minutes on two psychotropics that should never have been combined. Hope this helps.
Buspar works well but this drug takes about two - three weeks before any effects are noticed. This often discourages thos ewho take Buspar because they do not the drug long enough to get the desired effects. Lorazepam(Ativan) is a benzodiapine that is very addictive. Many health care providers are often cautious when prescribing this drug and many will not prescribe lorazepam as an outpatient medication.
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