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Suggest Treatment For Withdrawal Symptoms Of Lorazepam

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Posted on Thu, 5 Jan 2017
Question: for about 3 months I have been taking Ativan and Melatonin to help with effexor-related (and possibly from my lamictal) sleep problems. I take 1mg ativan at night just for sleep but have been taking klonopin .5mgs, and SSRI, and lamictal in some combination for at least five years.

I ran out of ativan one night this week, but I didn't think it would be a big deal as my sleep has been better lately and I think I may be getting used to the effexor. That night my sleep was terrible. The next day I was very agitated and confused. I am surprised because Ativan has a short half life and I am still taking my klonopin which I thought would shield me from any Benzo withdrawl feeling.

Is this a common reaction? I've never had anything like with the klonopin.
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Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (54 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes this is a common reaction.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. Lorazepam is a short acting benzodiazepine and you were taking it continuously for 3 months. The sleep issues following sudden stoppage are normal and are expected in most of individuals. So no need to worry. In about 5-7 days even without medicines these will go. No need to worry.

Clonazepam is longer acting and is even given to ease of withdrawal of shorter acting benzos. The withdrawal with Clonazepam occurs in relatively less severity.

Thanks. Take care
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Withdrawal Symptoms Of Lorazepam

Brief Answer: Yes this is a common reaction. Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for asking from HCM I can understand your concern. Lorazepam is a short acting benzodiazepine and you were taking it continuously for 3 months. The sleep issues following sudden stoppage are normal and are expected in most of individuals. So no need to worry. In about 5-7 days even without medicines these will go. No need to worry. Clonazepam is longer acting and is even given to ease of withdrawal of shorter acting benzos. The withdrawal with Clonazepam occurs in relatively less severity. Thanks. Take care