Lorazepam addiction
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hello
I was wondering if someone could ease my concerns over using Lorazepam whilst working through the side effects of Sertraline.
I've been using 0.5mg Lorazepam once daily for 4 nearly 5 weeks. I know it's a low dose, but I'm worried about dependency. I try to last through the day, but my anxiety grows and I end up taking it. I take it when I take my 50mg Sertraline in the morning, and I'm ok for the rest of the day and night.
Thank you
Jen
0 likes, 9 replies
lauren_21564 jennifer36538
Posted
Hi Jen...I took 0.5mg of Lorazepam for about 2 months almost every day. Sometimes twice a day. My doctor wasn't concerned about me abusing it since she knew I was only using it when I absolutely had to. If it gets you through the day, then take it. It's such a low dose I don't think you have to worry. You should get to a point soon where you aren't needing it every single day. Love to you...xo
jennifer36538 lauren_21564
Posted
sarah93637 jennifer36538
Posted
Jennifer,
I have had periods in my life where it has been necessary to take Xanax on a daily basis. I was taking the same about .5 mg or less. You will not get addicted to it-- however you may develop a physical dependence if that makes sense.
I have to say-- these side effects are no joke- if you need to take the benzo, take it. Right now you need to do what works.
I will say, I don't think benzos are the answer long term... you'll need to develop your "tool box" and learn to deal with the anxiety (if possible). CBT has been great for me-- along with meditation.
Good luck and try not to worry.
sarah30799 jennifer36538
Posted
I had similar worries about taking diazepam with my sertraline, but this is only to help you get through this stage. These are drugs than can lead to dependancy, but don't let that worry you too much as your dose is quite low, even if you use it frequently. I had a couple of days after stopping the diazepam where i did feel i needed to take it, but this went after about 4 days as I learnt to adjust to coping without it.
I now think of it as a safety net as such, its good to know its there if things become too much again but not using it gives me a mental win, like I CAN cope without it. Your doctor wouldn't have given you this unless you really needed it, try not to worry yourself over the what-might-happen and focus on getting better first, then the rest will fall into place xx
jennifer36538 sarah30799
Posted
sarah93637 jennifer36538
Posted
I had 2-3 days last week that felt like a set back too-- but then the last two have been really good! Just remember- anxiety is part of life and we will have good days and bad days! The sooner we stop checking on ourselves constantly and learn to roll with the anxiety-- the sooner we heal!
Think of the bad days as a chance to practice-- you'll realize you can handle more than you think!
jennifer36538 sarah93637
Posted
You're absolutely right. It's all about perspective and it will take time to get it right xx
lauren_21564 jennifer36538
Posted
It's the hardest journey I have been on that's for sure. But you will get there. I was always told to accept the anxiety and it won't last as long. Hard to do I know
sa57528 jennifer36538
Posted
I am 2 weeks into taking setraline & I need to take lorazepam most days to cope with anxiety & panic If I take it at night, I wake up feeling human. If I don't take it, I wake up super anxious and the day seems far too much to deal with. I'm hoping that when the sertraline fully kicks in I won't even notice I'm not taking lorazepam any more. I do think lorazepam is fantastic. I'm also afraid of it though, knowing it is addictive. I only take 1mg a day.