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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Advisable To Wean Off Xanax Before Starting Ativan?

Hi, I'm a 62 y/o male, in good shape; I have been taking xanax for 18 years, I was up to 4 mg a day, and wanted off the drug for years; last week, my PCP told me to stop taking xanax, and introduced my system to .05mg's of Ativan 4x a day... I feel allright on it during the day, but at night, I have muscle spasms, and "jumpy" arms ect...I'm wondering if this is from going directly from xanax to ativan, and if so, should I wean off the xanax while introducing ativan to my system, and is it safe to take lower doses of both drugs, as I wean myself off xanax and onto ativan...I'm really confused about it, as the Dictor thought I could just go from xanax to ativan.. I'm also disabled, on a fixed income, and can't pay for this answer....TY so much...Steve D....
Mon, 20 Jul 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Xanax is Alprazolam and the drug is a rapidly acting benzodiazepine drug. Ativan is Lorazepam and the drug has actions similar to Xanax. You have been taking the drug in 4 mg doses since years and abrupt stoppage and starting on Ativan has resulted in mild withdrawal in form of muscle spasms or jumpy arm like acts. These symptoms will reduce in some days no need to worry. Continue to take Lorazepam as per your prescribed doses and you will be fine. It is easier to taper the Lorazepam than Xanax. Consult your doctor if symptoms worsen.

Hope this helps you. Thanks. Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
Psychiatrist.
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Is It Advisable To Wean Off Xanax Before Starting Ativan?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Xanax is Alprazolam and the drug is a rapidly acting benzodiazepine drug. Ativan is Lorazepam and the drug has actions similar to Xanax. You have been taking the drug in 4 mg doses since years and abrupt stoppage and starting on Ativan has resulted in mild withdrawal in form of muscle spasms or jumpy arm like acts. These symptoms will reduce in some days no need to worry. Continue to take Lorazepam as per your prescribed doses and you will be fine. It is easier to taper the Lorazepam than Xanax. Consult your doctor if symptoms worsen. Hope this helps you. Thanks. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi Psychiatrist.