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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Loratab

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Posted on Fri, 6 Jan 2017
Question: I have been taking 40 mg of Loratab for 5 years....Of course I started on 5mg and as the years passed the dosage increased. I take it for terrible lower back pain.(osteoporosis of my spine) I refuse to take a higher dose and want to discontinue it all together. (on my own) I think the more you take the more your body wants it.It makes me feel really run down...I am 61 and this has got to stop.I welcome your suggestions.
Thank You
XXXXXXX
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Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Loratab is indeed an addictive substance that will require higher and higher doses, and can lead to worsened pain over time. I would work with your doctor to slowly wean off this medication, probably by decreasing by roughly 5mg every month until you are off of it. At the same time, you can try different medications to address back pain:

Lyrica
Neurontin
Effexor
Cymbalta

All of the above are effective nonaddictive medications for pain. Ask your doctor about starting one.

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: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Loratab

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. Loratab is indeed an addictive substance that will require higher and higher doses, and can lead to worsened pain over time. I would work with your doctor to slowly wean off this medication, probably by decreasing by roughly 5mg every month until you are off of it. At the same time, you can try different medications to address back pain: Lyrica Neurontin Effexor Cymbalta All of the above are effective nonaddictive medications for pain. Ask your doctor about starting one. 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