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Is Long Term Usage Of Lorazepam Safe?

Posted on Fri, 16 Sep 2016

Question: I HAVE BEEN ON LORAZAPAM 2M FOR 4X A DAY FOR 11 YEARS AND LAST YEAR MY DOCTOR PUT ME ON 2M LORAZAPAM 3X A DAY. I AM TRYING NOT TO TAKE THEM BECAUSE MY SON SAID THEY ARE SIMILAR TO HEROINE, SO WHEN I DO CUT BACK TO 1 PILL I START TO SHAKE. IS MY SON RIGHT, THAT I HAVE TO TAKE THESE PILLS THE REST OF MY LIFE?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Lorazepam is indeed addictive, but you do NOT need to be on these for life. You will need to very slowly and very carefully weaned off of them under the direct supervision of your doctor. Over a period of several months, your dose will be increased slowly to avoid shakes/withdrawal as much as possible. Eventually you will be off of them completely. This is an excellent goal and the safest thing for you in the long run.

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In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (9 hours later)

You say to wean myself off, well what do I do if I forget to hide my pills from my daughter who steals them from me when she comes to visit from CT. I currently take trazadone when I get the shakes.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
You should absolutely not wean YOURSELF off. You should work with your doctor to have your doctor slowly prescribe lower doses as they see fit. As for your daughter stealing them, buy a lockbox or safe where only you know the combination.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar