Posted by ed_uk2010 on March 12, 2010, at 13:32:14
In reply to Benzodiazipine maintenance treatment?, posted by Bob on March 12, 2010, at 11:43:58
I think it's fair to say that withdrawal from benzos can be exceptionally difficult and unpleasant, especially if done too rapidly. Benzos are mainly appropriate for the short/medium term treatment of severe anxiety or panic. I do not think that reducing the side effects of antidepressants is a good reason to take a benzo on a long-term basis. Benzos can be useful when first starting an antidepressant but should be tapered after a week or two.
If your antidepressant is making you feel very tense and restless, it would be more sensible to consider a substantial dosage reduction or a different antidepressant. Adding drugs to treat the side effects of other drugs can be problematic to say the least.
Given that you found clonazepam withdrawal difficult, lorazepam withdrawal is certainly likely to be very difficult if you have taken it for a long period. By all means take lorazepam briefly, but long-term treatment should only be considered if there is no alternative. It is not a decision which should be taken lightly.
Best regards
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:939261
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100305/msgs/939271.html