Suggest Ways To Wean Off Loratab

Posted on Tue, 20 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 Answered on

Fri, 6 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

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

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.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee