Hoosier_Student Posted June 13, 2014 Share Posted June 13, 2014 The other day I had an appointment with my psydoc about my anxiety issue. He ended up upping my seroquel and giving me 30 0.5mg lorazepam tablets to use PRN. I have occasionally have had trouble sleeping, and have used lorazepam to help me fall asleep. However, I'm thinking that using it every night (especially in conjunction with seroquel) could lead to dependency. How long is it safe to take lorazepam before addiction dependency starts to set in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooster Posted June 13, 2014 Share Posted June 13, 2014 First, please go read the pinned thread at the top of this forum about the difference between tolerance, dependence, and addiction. I think that might help you clarify some things. Second, there's no way to answer that question because it is completely based on your unique body chemistry, how you use your meds (as prescribed or not), and what other tools you are able to use to help with the anxiety aside from lorazepam. I know that's kind of a non-answer. But it's really as good as we're going to get on a peer support site. It's a GREAT question to ask your pdoc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dianthus Posted June 13, 2014 Share Posted June 13, 2014 I've been taking benzos at various doses, on and off, for years. It's not a perfect solution, but for me, it's what works for my anxiety best. Using lorazepam in conjunction with Seroquel won't change anything with regards to tolerance or dependency. As Woo said, there is no easy answer to your question, and you're going to have to figure out with your doctor what's effective and what gives you the smallest amount of risk for addiction issues. With that said, .5mg taken PRN a few times a week will, most likely, only make your sleep problems come back if you stop taking it. You're not going to start robbing grocery stores and beating hookers to get a fix of Ativan, you know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacelizard Posted June 13, 2014 Share Posted June 13, 2014 I'd be honest with your pdoc the next time you see him/her and tell them you've used the Ativan in conjunction with Seroquel. That way, if using the Ativan for sleep stresses you out, your pdoc might be able to increase the Seroquel or give you something else for sleep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcjimjam Posted June 13, 2014 Share Posted June 13, 2014 It is generally okay to take benzos daily for one or two months without developing a physical dependence and needing to taper. This is what my pdoc said recently anyway. If your pdoc has prescribed the lorazepam PRN for anxiety I'm not sure using it every night to help you sleep is following his instructions. Maybe call and ask if the way you are using it is okay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KillBytes Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 It is different for everyone, but I must say benzo's are generally safe as long as taken as prescribed and not abused. I also have chronic insomonia and the best solution for me, is benzo's (or ambien) plus seriquel. The benzos help me fall asleep faster, usually in 2 hours, and the seriquel helps me stay asleep longer, tho I still get up every 2 hours. This is why it's important to keep in mind as previously mentioned, we all react different. What works kind of ok for me, could put another person in a deep sleep for 12 hours. Benzo's remain the most effective for anxiety though is rarely persued as a perment or long term option, generally it's short term, tho for some people may be required over longer periods. I was on klonopins for about a year. You really don't have too much to worry about as most pdocs only prescribe benzo's sparringly, also your gonna know if it's too much or not. And at .5 mg, would take a while to develope a tolerance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Equivilency Posted June 17, 2014 Share Posted June 17, 2014 (edited) I've been on them for a few years 3x a day with no problems. I recently came off of them because the anxiety went away. It really depends on your doctor. Some only like to prescribe short term or not at all. Edited June 17, 2014 by dnautics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mellifluous Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 i take ativan for catatonia/preventative and have for years at not a low dose. i don't overtake or take outside indicated times, TID, but i have discontinued and it's super unwise to take or not take without professional input. i am super fortunate not to have screwed myself over royally, even if in a different direction of sorts, for not consistently taking as prescribed and when. i think the key, as others have said, is that it's taken as prescribed and taken for what it's prescribed, and speak to your doctor if that's not happening. since it sounds like you're not, i do think talking to your doctor is really important so nothing develops is the only solution. you could always get a second professional opinion if you have concerns about long term consequences that speak to your situation. best wishes on navigating this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 I am not on lorazepam but am on 2 benzos, and have been since about 2000/2001, with no problems. The doses have changed over time, but have evened out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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