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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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On Etanercept, Cymbalta For Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Disc Disease. Depression, Given Ativan. Right Dosage ?

I am petite female, 112 lbs. on etanercept, lyrica, cymbalta, methotrexate, vicodin & sometimes oxycontin for severe rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. I have had some depression (but I bounce back due to Faith!) and was recently given (by a dr other than my long-term physcian who was out of the country but whose office was never contacted) 4mg of Ativan when I went to a local clinic to ask about how to refill my r.a. meds. I was crying--but due to having an $800 bill for this med. that needed to be paid prior to my being able to order my next shipment. I've had several dr's/nurses tell me this much of this drug w/o contacting my personal physcian was too much for my body size? Is that correct? What amt would be correct for future knowledge?
Thu, 25 Jul 2013
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Greetings !

Welcome to the site.

Well yes the dose of 4 mg of Ativan is a high dose for any adult especially you keeping in mind your weight. In fact such a high dose is never used initially when the patient has never ever had such a drug before, so for future you shall ask your doctor to prescribe you 0.5 mg dose/day to start with which can be increased to as much as 2 mg/day , so this 0.5-2 mg/day dose range will suit your body type and weight more and you will be able to tolerate this drug safely and will also be able to reap benefits from it.

I hope this helps.

Wish you all the best.

Regards.
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On Etanercept, Cymbalta For Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Disc Disease. Depression, Given Ativan. Right Dosage ?

Greetings ! Welcome to the site. Well yes the dose of 4 mg of Ativan is a high dose for any adult especially you keeping in mind your weight. In fact such a high dose is never used initially when the patient has never ever had such a drug before, so for future you shall ask your doctor to prescribe you 0.5 mg dose/day to start with which can be increased to as much as 2 mg/day , so this 0.5-2 mg/day dose range will suit your body type and weight more and you will be able to tolerate this drug safely and will also be able to reap benefits from it. I hope this helps. Wish you all the best. Regards.