Can I stop taking Lorazepam and replace it with Rozeram?

Question

I have been taking 1 mg of Lorazepam at night to calm down and go to sleep. I suffer from health anxiety. My doctor suggested that I take Rozeram instead and try to get off Lorazepam. I'm not sure what effect this will have on my body and since I'll probably fall asleep with the Rozeram, I won't be able to tell. I think that by quitting Lorazepam suddenly, I might get some bad withdrawal symptoms. I've been taking this med for 4 years non-stop. When I tried .5 mg, I felt horrible. Would it be dangerous to quit cold turkey and replace it with Rozeram or should I not take Rozeram and keep taking Lorazepam? Serious answers only please. I also suffer from squeezing and chocking sensations during the day - usually around my throat and chest and sometimes my stomach. I've done cardio and digestive test and none were serious. Does anyone else suffer from these symptoms and, if so, how do you deal with them. Thanks!

Answer 1

If you want to switch to Rozeram for sleeping you need to taper off the lorazepam first....slowly. You should cut your dose in half for about 4 weeks then keep cutting it in half every month or 2, go off slowly. I think you might need a drug to control your anxiety during the day also since the lorazepam has been helping with this so talk to your dr. If you are stable and every thing is ok on your one bedtime dose of lorazepam I would not change what you are doing unless you have addicition concerns or other health concerns.

Answer 2

if you like lorazepam, then keep taking it. i used to take it, but now i dont :( is there a serious health risk if you continue to take it, or does your doctor just like rozeram better? definitely do not go cold turkey. you will feel terrible (believe me, I KNOW!) your digestive and cardiac problems are probably only from the anxiety. i also have random nausea and diarrhea attacks when i get nervous, but when the anxious situation is over, i am fine. try using a stress ball, or use a happy spot. mine is the toilet. since almost every place has a toilet, i can almost always be happy:) i hope this helps!

Answer 3

I do not recommend stopping cold turkey, it could cause benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. The symptoms you are describing sounds like you may generalized anxiety disorder. You may actually need to stay on Lorazepam.

I think it would be best to see a psychiatrist he/she has experienced knowledge to help you with both problems you are experiencing.

THIS ANSWER IS GENERAL IN NATURE, AND IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE CONTENT IS NOT INTENDED IN ANY WAY TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH PROVIDER WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING A MEDICAL CONDITION. THIS ANSWER IS INTENDED TO BE RELIED ON FOR MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT.

Answer 4

No, I don't suffer from these symptoms, but If you have been on a medication this long there definitely could be withdrawal. I would absolutely get a second opinion!!

Answer 5

why are you not bringing these concerns to your doctor. sounds like you want to stay with Lorazepam and want someone to validate that for you. Tell your doc what your thoughts are and do what he/she tells you.

Answer 6

do not quit the adivan severe withdrawals........rozeram is sleeping med, not anxiety like adivan...........i take both adivan, trazadone, and amitryptiline to sleep..........i'd go to a mental health prof and get a change of meds.........you will most likely have to go to rehab for the addiction......i am anticipating this myself, i am on heavy and highly addictive meds for my tmj, and ptsd/gad....................email me if you'd like to talk further