Posted by Brainbeard on October 3, 2009, at 13:21:52
In reply to Ativan-how much is too much?, posted by Rauter on October 3, 2009, at 8:16:20
How long have you been taking benzo's?
After about eight months of chronic use, physical dependence will be firmly established. The higher the dose and the longer you take it, the more dependent you become.
Ativan has a relatively short half-life, which can make withdrawal worse.
If you think it helps you in an essential way, you might consider taking it for the rest of your life.
If you don't want lifelong dependence, on the other hand, you may consider switching to a longer acting benzo like diazepam (Valium) or clonazepam (Klonopin), and then slowly taper off.
Lyrica, for all I know, is less problematic in the dependence area. You can't stop taking it at once, since that may result in rebound convulsions, but when you taper it down slowly there shouldn't be any serious problems.
Wouldn't the Lyrica be taking care of your anxiety well enough on its own? From what I've heard Lyrica is the bomb for anxiety.
poster:Brainbeard
thread:919517
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20091001/msgs/919549.html