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Wednesday, October, 15, 2008

Question
clohr
05/24/08
clohr
Category:Anxiety

what can i take that is not addictave for anxiety? I curently take lorazapam,

I have been taking lorazapam for a year for panic and anxiety and would like something that is not so addictive and hard to get off of!

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Answers (1)
Grace
Friday, June 06, 2008

I don't have the answer for what medication you can take that is not so addictive, but I would suggest you seriously consider asking your doctor or get referrals for professionals in your area. The longer you are on benzos, the harder it will be to get off. I speak from some personal experience, as well as numerous other accounts I have heard. I took Lorazepam for 4 1/2 months, and not until I was already on a "cycle of need" (call it dependency or addiction) did I realize how hard it was going to be to stop it. But I did stop -  many say do not stop cold turkey, and the drug warnings say the same .... so use extreme care and get professional advice about that. But I did stop cold turkey and I don't regret it. It's been 5 months since I stopped and for the most part, I am fine now; however, I still am experiencing levels of anxiety (either due to take the lorazepam, or to the other issues that warranted taking it in the beginning). So, I am with you ... what is available, at a low level, that will not be addictive??

 

Many dr's like to prescribe SSRI's. There are mixed reviews about those. You can ask your dr. Perhaps switching to an SSRI will help you wean off the lorazepam.

 

I definitely would not switch one benzo for another (i.e., don't take xanax or clonazepam). You'll still be in the same boat.

 

Side note: I believe lorazepam actually increased my anxiety response, thus the need to keep taking more and at higher doses. My current dr. believes this is likely, while my previous dr. discounted that idea.

 

It's good that you are seeking answers. I truly hope and pray you find the right answers for you! I will pray for you!

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