HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Heavy Chest And Breathlessness After Switching From Lorazepam To Alprazolam. Guide

I just switched from lorazepam 1mg 3 times a day to alprazolam .5 ER 2 pills twice a day along with 1/2 pill of lexapro.
I just started yesterday morning and I woke up this morning with my chest feeling very heavy and a hard time catching my breath. I feel as though I need to cough to get air. Not sure if its just anxiety and I need to take a morning dose or if this is a problem and I should not take any more pills.
Mon, 22 Apr 2013
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi there ~

It is likely that you were having an anxiety attack as a result of halving the dose of your lorazepam and starting to take alprazolam which is a replacement. However alprazoloam has a very short half life. So you might need to go up higher on the dose of lorazepam, maybe not to the dose on which you were before. I hope this helps. I also think you should consult your psychiatrist when you initiate these medications.

Take care and have a lovely day!
I find this answer helpful
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Beta-lactam


Loading Online Doctors....
Heavy Chest And Breathlessness After Switching From Lorazepam To Alprazolam. Guide

Hi there ~ It is likely that you were having an anxiety attack as a result of halving the dose of your lorazepam and starting to take alprazolam which is a replacement. However alprazoloam has a very short half life. So you might need to go up higher on the dose of lorazepam, maybe not to the dose on which you were before. I hope this helps. I also think you should consult your psychiatrist when you initiate these medications. Take care and have a lovely day!