Posted by Amy II on September 14, 1999, at 13:03:25
In reply to Re: Lorazapam-inviting all comments about benzos, posted by GS on August 16, 1999, at 10:43:11
> > > > > > How can I find out what a lethal dosage of Lorazapam is?
> > > > >
> > > > > Why do you ask?
> > > > >
> > > > > Bob
> > > >
> > > > James here....
> > > >
> > > > There is an ez answer to this, but I would like you to answer Dr. Bobs question first !
> > > > I just started taking lorazapam for anxiety and am wondering how much I could take before I need to worry about phycological addition or overdose. I notice in some articles doeses of up to 10mg, while my persecription is for 1mg tablets, and I sometime take tables. but, I've noticed the effect continues to diminish.
> > > > james
> > ________________________________________________
> > The dosage needed depends on how bad the anxiety is that you are experiencing. First, there seems to be 2 schools of thought in the psychiatric profession about benzodiazapines. To generalize, 1) Benzodiazapines are not good for long term treatment of any anxiety disorder - cognitave therapy in combo with a sedating anti-depressant(such as Serzone)should be all that is about necessary. 2)Benzos are good for long term treatment of anxiety disorders because that is what they are....anti-anxiety agents made specifically for that purpose. Just keep it well managed...especially with a short half-life benzo like Xanax or Ativan. Supplement with cognitive therapy.
> > THE PROBLEM IS:
> >
> > The 1st group are in my opinion overrating the tolerance and dependence issues surrounding this class of drugs because of lack of understanding in prescribing and managing them. Also, misinterpretation of the PDR as well as listening to other psychiatrists with similar prejudice telling of THEIR OWN prejudice and ignorance concerning the side effects of benzos.
> >
> > It is a semantic argument actually. What is dependence? That if you stop taking benzos you'll become anxious again? Yes there is withdrawl involved in abruptly stopping benzos rather than tapering but does that constitute dependence? No. Yes, one can build up a tolerance to dosage but not something that can't be managed (unless they are being abused or not being taken as instructed).
> >
> > For instance, it doesn't take alot of imagination to know that Ativan can be managed with an augmentation of a small amount of the low or no side effect mood stabilizer Neurontin (900 - 1200mg)to help with Ativan going in and out of
> > the system therefore aleviating the drug induced anxiety.
> > Also, keep the Ativan at a constant level whether it is 2 or 6 or I've read up to 10 mgs. daily...whatever allows you to function the way you need to without the affliction of an anxiety disorder! That is the whole point! So what if you take 3 -4 mgs or 5 -6 mgs. a day! Does it in conjunction with cognative therapy techniques alleviate your anxiety disorder?
> > Don't be scared off by the argument that you are addicted to benzos when benzos are what stops the disease that you're afflicted with! A non -prejudicial psychopharmacologist will help manage your suffering and allay your unfounded fears of addiction that are imposed upon you by the first group of psychiatrists mentioned above. The point is, get the ball in the hole. Until these prejudiced doctors stop heaping these needlessly anxiety - provoking "facts" there will continue to be your type of sad questions worried about by many, many patients in need of relief.
> >
> > If you have an anxiety disorder, you take inti-anxiety drugs (until the purists come up with something THAT WORKS for you with less side effects).
> >
> > Am I pretty much on target Dr. Bob? (assuming that she has a properly diagnosed anxiety disorder).
> >
> > GS
> *******************************************************
> Any comments, similar experiences with this issue surrounding benzos.....Dr.s , patients??
>
> GS
Hey there. I can tell you that I have had 3 psychiatrists and not a one of them agrees with ativan. they say it is addicting and it is only good for short term.. I mean come on if it helps you what the hell is the problem.. I had three medical doctors that i have seen go ahead and prescribe it but only a small subscription and said go see your psychiatrist. Well everytime i go to see him he won't even listen to me about the ativan. That is the only thing htat has really helped me with my SEVERE anxiety disorder but he would rather have me suffering every night and every day until the "normal" medicine he has put me on, celexa kicks in.. I don't understand why i can't take 2 mgs a day for a couple of months unti the effects of celexa kicks in this is torture. I have state funded insurance so i have no choice about what psych i go see. I hate this my life is nightnare. I find something that f---ing works for me and the guy looks at me like i am stupid for asking him to please put me on it.. I swear they sometimes don't even understand the pain and horror this disease is. Do they really care. He gets frusterated with m e when i try to give him info thati find on the web.. I feel like i will never get any relieve imean this is bad.. what do i do. ?? Help? AmyII
poster:Amy II
thread:9160
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990914/msgs/11562.html