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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ayuda on March 25, 2003, at 16:03:34
Has anyone had any experience with taking Ativan (or its generic, lorazepam) or a similar benzo, and narcotic painkillers?
I have been taking lorazepam for sleeping. My pain specialist put me on hydrocodone/apap (prescribed as Norco, but also known as Lorcet or Vicodin), which makes me dizzy and sometimes sleepy. Even though I checked on the internet for drug interactions between the two (and the pain doctor knows what other meds I'm on), and there are none listed, I am wary of taking the lorazepam now that I am on the hydrocodone (I have to take it 3 times a day for ongoing pain, so I don't have the option of not taking the hydrocodone). However, I'm still having problems sleeping at night.
Does anyone have any personal experience with "mixing" a benzo and a narcotic painkiller and lived to tell about it? I would rather hear from people's personal experience (even if it would end up being different from mine), because sometimes the doctor and the pharmacist tell you something is okay but in reality it may not be tolerable. Thanks in advance!
Posted by Boba Fat on March 25, 2003, at 16:09:53
In reply to benzos and painkillers -- advice needed, posted by ayuda on March 25, 2003, at 16:03:34
I have taken clonazepam for anxiety at the same time as taking codeine phosphate for pain and experienced no negative side effects. I'm not sure how similar the codeine is to the hydrocone and if this is of any help to you though.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on March 25, 2003, at 17:34:38
In reply to benzos and painkillers -- advice needed, posted by ayuda on March 25, 2003, at 16:03:34
There shouldn't be any problem mixing the two beyond some excess sedation. I've taken Valium, Xanax, Klonopin and Ativan along with several different narcotic painkillers with no problem. And at higher doses of benzos and more powerful narcotics than hydrocodone to boot. Not a problem at all.
Posted by ayuda on March 25, 2003, at 18:17:36
In reply to Re: benzos and painkillers -- advice needed » ayuda, posted by Ame Sans Vie on March 25, 2003, at 17:34:38
> There shouldn't be any problem mixing the two beyond some excess sedation. I've taken Valium, Xanax, Klonopin and Ativan along with several different narcotic painkillers with no problem. And at higher doses of benzos and more powerful narcotics than hydrocodone to boot. Not a problem at all.
Thank you both very much for the responses. I greatly appreciate knowing that I should be safe. I am a worrier where some of these meds are concerned.
Posted by djmmm on March 25, 2003, at 18:37:50
In reply to benzos and painkillers -- advice needed, posted by ayuda on March 25, 2003, at 16:03:34
There are often problems associated with combining benzos and pain killers, particularly with short acting, fast onset, potent benzos (like ativan) and pain killers like hydrocodone.
Watch your dose carefully, or, if possible, switch to a pyrazolopyrimidine non-benzo like Sonata or the imidazopyridine, Ambien. You could even try the AD trazadone (Desyrel)
On a personal note, the combo of hydrocodone and xanax killed my best friend, and one of my brother's friends father accidently overdosed on hydrocodone alone.
However, both drugs (ativan and Hydrocodone) are typically very safe and effective medications. Combining both meds is not uncommon, and both are safe as long as the dosages are limited. I would liken it to combining a MAOI to a TCA.
Posted by ayuda on March 25, 2003, at 18:55:25
In reply to Re: benzos and painkillers -- advice needed, posted by djmmm on March 25, 2003, at 18:37:50
> There are often problems associated with combining benzos and pain killers, particularly with short acting, fast onset, potent benzos (like ativan) and pain killers like hydrocodone.
>
> Watch your dose carefully, or, if possible, switch to a pyrazolopyrimidine non-benzo like Sonata or the imidazopyridine, Ambien. You could even try the AD trazadone (Desyrel)
>
> On a personal note, the combo of hydrocodone and xanax killed my best friend, and one of my brother's friends father accidently overdosed on hydrocodone alone.
>
> However, both drugs (ativan and Hydrocodone) are typically very safe and effective medications. Combining both meds is not uncommon, and both are safe as long as the dosages are limited. I would liken it to combining a MAOI to a TCA.Thanks!!! I've already tried Trazodone and it doesn't help with the sleep, but thanks for the heads-up! I know that hydrocodone is not the safest drug in the world (my mom's a nurse and she does not like my being on it at all, but I am in a lot of pain), which is why I'm worried.
Sorry to hear about your best friend, and about your brother's friend's dad -- another reason why I asked for advice here, to learn if this is something I should be worried about.
I am taking .5 or 1 mg of the Ativan (depends on how much I need, but never more than 1 mg), and I was prescribed 10 mg of the hydrocodone 3x a day, but I can't tolerate 10 mg so I take 1/2 of one (approx 5 mg) 4 times a day. But I take one near bedtime, because I can't fall asleep if I'm in pain, which is why I don't want to take the Ativan at bedtime.
Perhaps I'll just not take the Ativan and bite the bullet where the sleep is concerned. I just don't want to not wake up. Defeats the purpose of trying to get my mind and body healthy again.
Posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 21:54:38
In reply to benzos and painkillers -- advice needed, posted by ayuda on March 25, 2003, at 16:03:34
Hi ayuda,
Just today I took a Tylenol 3, with my benzo Klonopin (same as Ativan-a benzo)-and slept-I'm alive to tell about it lol
I have also taken Vicodin in the past with my psych meds for my surgery I had and the only thing I noticed is that my ears were ringing-I couldn't wait to get of the Vicodin!
It's different strokes for different folks, but if amything, taking a narc with a benzo will most likely make a person sleepy-It did me-my personal experience..............
all the best, Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> Has anyone had any experience with taking Ativan (or its generic, lorazepam) or a similar benzo, and narcotic painkillers?
>
> I have been taking lorazepam for sleeping. My pain specialist put me on hydrocodone/apap (prescribed as Norco, but also known as Lorcet or Vicodin), which makes me dizzy and sometimes sleepy. Even though I checked on the internet for drug interactions between the two (and the pain doctor knows what other meds I'm on), and there are none listed, I am wary of taking the lorazepam now that I am on the hydrocodone (I have to take it 3 times a day for ongoing pain, so I don't have the option of not taking the hydrocodone). However, I'm still having problems sleeping at night.
>
> Does anyone have any personal experience with "mixing" a benzo and a narcotic painkiller and lived to tell about it? I would rather hear from people's personal experience (even if it would end up being different from mine), because sometimes the doctor and the pharmacist tell you something is okay but in reality it may not be tolerable. Thanks in advance!
Posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 22:30:39
In reply to benzos and painkillers -- advice needed, posted by ayuda on March 25, 2003, at 16:03:34
Personally, I have felt that narcotics are better than any psych drug-I don't get it, nor, at times, do I need to get it. I feel good and all is well. It's a weird concept though, I'll have to find some info on why sometimes narcotics workk better for people than all these psych meds mixed togethher etc.
????????
hmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Posted by Caleb462 on March 25, 2003, at 22:48:56
In reply to Sometimes I wonder..............., posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 22:30:39
> Personally, I have felt that narcotics are better than any psych drug-I don't get it, nor, at times, do I need to get it. I feel good and all is well. It's a weird concept though, I'll have to find some info on why sometimes narcotics workk better for people than all these psych meds mixed togethher etc.
> ????????
> hmmmmmmmmmmmmmIndeed.... the opiates and opiods are by far my favorite drugs. I gobble up hydrocodone, oxycodone, etc. whenever I can get my hands on them. Nothing like em. Anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, anti-obsessional wonderdrugs... if it only wasn't for that damn addiction thing.
Posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 23:27:32
In reply to Re: Sometimes I wonder..............., posted by Caleb462 on March 25, 2003, at 22:48:56
LOL I know:-( that damn addiction thing!
Take care, kristen
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Indeed.... the opiates and opiods are by far my favorite drugs. I gobble up hydrocodone, oxycodone, etc. whenever I can get my hands on them. Nothing like em. Anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, anti-obsessional wonderdrugs... if it only wasn't for that damn addiction thing.
Posted by Viridis on March 25, 2003, at 23:51:27
In reply to benzos and painkillers -- advice needed, posted by ayuda on March 25, 2003, at 16:03:34
I had no problem taking Vicoprofen (ibuprofen plus hydrocodone) together with Klonopin and sometimes Xanax too, when I had a tooth problem a few months ago. I asked the dentist in advance about the combo, and she said it should be fine; just advised me to watch out for drowsiness, especially when driving.
I was on a low dose of each, though, and some prescribing info sites suggest that benzos and opioids can potentiate each other re: sedation and central nervous system depression. I'd start with a low dose of painkillers first if possible (when you don't have to drive or do anything sensitive) and see how you react. And, of course, ask your doctor if you haven't already.
I did sleep well on the combo, although (sadly?) had no euphoria.
Posted by Twiggn on March 26, 2003, at 0:00:42
In reply to Re: benzos and painkillers -- advice needed » djmmm, posted by ayuda on March 25, 2003, at 18:55:25
Benzodiazepines and hydrocodone are quite often prescribed together, for both short and long term therapy. As long as both meds are being taken as prescribed and of course not being mixed with even the smallest amount of alcohol, which is the cause of most deaths, then you should be perfectly safe.
Posted by ayuda on March 26, 2003, at 0:15:31
In reply to Re: benzos and painkillers -- advice needed, posted by Twiggn on March 26, 2003, at 0:00:42
> Benzodiazepines and hydrocodone are quite often prescribed together, for both short and long term therapy. As long as both meds are being taken as prescribed and of course not being mixed with even the smallest amount of alcohol, which is the cause of most deaths, then you should be perfectly safe.
Thanks for the advice -- Since I'm on the Lexapro and Ativan, I stay away from alcohol -- and with the hydrocodone, who needs it !?
Posted by ayuda on March 26, 2003, at 0:20:13
In reply to Re: Sometimes I wonder..............., posted by Caleb462 on March 25, 2003, at 22:48:56
> > Personally, I have felt that narcotics are better than any psych drug-I don't get it, nor, at times, do I need to get it. I feel good and all is well. It's a weird concept though, I'll have to find some info on why sometimes narcotics workk better for people than all these psych meds mixed togethher etc.
> > ????????
> > hmmmmmmmmmmmmm
>
>
>
> Indeed.... the opiates and opiods are by far my favorite drugs. I gobble up hydrocodone, oxycodone, etc. whenever I can get my hands on them. Nothing like em. Anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, anti-obsessional wonderdrugs... if it only wasn't for that damn addiction thing.
>Except that I am having anxiety while taking the hydrocodone, plus I'm on Lexapro, so I don't know why the anxiety. The pain doctor gave me a one month supply of hydrocodone of 100 10mg tabs, and I'm cutting them in 2 because the 10mg is too strong, so I have more than enough of it, I'll tell you that. I've never been so over-stocked on a narcotic painkiller before in my life. Awesome responsibility. And I thought the monthly refills of the Ativan were God's gift to me.
Posted by ayuda on March 26, 2003, at 0:24:35
In reply to Re: benzos and painkillers -- advice needed, posted by Viridis on March 25, 2003, at 23:51:27
> I had no problem taking Vicoprofen (ibuprofen plus hydrocodone) together with Klonopin and sometimes Xanax too, when I had a tooth problem a few months ago. I asked the dentist in advance about the combo, and she said it should be fine; just advised me to watch out for drowsiness, especially when driving.
>
> I was on a low dose of each, though, and some prescribing info sites suggest that benzos and opioids can potentiate each other re: sedation and central nervous system depression. I'd start with a low dose of painkillers first if possible (when you don't have to drive or do anything sensitive) and see how you react. And, of course, ask your doctor if you haven't already.
>
> I did sleep well on the combo, although (sadly?) had no euphoria.Yeah, my doctor said I should be fine, but I'm a worrier. And my mom (a nurse) has me terrified of the hydrocodone, though I've taken it before. I guess I'm just getting freaked out about how many prescriptions I'm on these days, and I still feel like crap sometimes. But I greatly appreciate all the advice and comments I've been getting, and I might just start believing it soon! (No offense -- just my anxiety talking!)
Posted by ayuda on March 26, 2003, at 0:30:05
In reply to Re: benzos and painkillers -- advice needed » ayuda, posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 21:54:38
Thanks, Krissy! It's 1:30 in the morning and I am still debating whether or not to take the Ativan. I'm such a worrier! But you all make me feel better knowing that I'm not overmedicating (yet) and I should trust the doctor. I guess if the painkillers had not been prescribed by a pain specialist, I may trust him more, because they come across as pill-pushers -- that's not right of me to characterize them that way in my mind, either. I don't know why I'm being paranoid -- it's not one of my diagnoses!
Posted by Krissy P on March 26, 2003, at 0:35:20
In reply to Re: Sometimes I wonder............... » Caleb462, posted by ayuda on March 26, 2003, at 0:20:13
Hi, please,please be careful with the Vicodin. I had to detox off that stuff because I got addicted-my mistake. I was getting severe ringing in my ears from it.
But,,, I am glad to hear that you are cutting them in half though. I study addiction and it is a beast.
You sound good!
All the best:-)
kristen
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
> Except that I am having anxiety while taking the hydrocodone, plus I'm on Lexapro, so I don't know why the anxiety. The pain doctor gave me a one month supply of hydrocodone of 100 10mg tabs, and I'm cutting them in 2 because the 10mg is too strong, so I have more than enough of it, I'll tell you that. I've never been so over-stocked on a narcotic painkiller before in my life. Awesome responsibility. And I thought the monthly refills of the Ativan were God's gift to me.
>
>
Posted by ayuda on March 26, 2003, at 0:52:13
In reply to Re: Sometimes I wonder............... » ayuda, posted by Krissy P on March 26, 2003, at 0:35:20
Thanks!!!
I think the mental confusion will do a lot towards keeping me from wanting to stay on it too long. I'm seeing a physical doctor for the source of the pain, it's just taking too long for them to decide on a course of action and in the meantime, I have a life that needs my participation!
Posted by Krissy P on March 26, 2003, at 0:54:13
In reply to Re: Sometimes I wonder............... » Krissy P, posted by ayuda on March 26, 2003, at 0:52:13
Posted by Krissy P on March 26, 2003, at 0:57:01
In reply to Re: benzos and painkillers -- advice needed » Krissy P, posted by ayuda on March 26, 2003, at 0:30:05
Posted by Festus on March 27, 2003, at 22:10:58
In reply to yes your doc knows more-I'm not a doc lol (nm) » ayuda, posted by Krissy P on March 26, 2003, at 0:57:01
An interesting and debatable topic.There are many factors to consider:What kind of narcotic and at what dose,same with the benzo,what kind and what dose.Is the person taking the meds opiate naive or benzo naive or both?What else are they currently taking as well as the narc and the benzo?What condition do they suffer from?Any drug allergies?As is always the case,anyone who asks "advice" on what a med or combo of meds is going to do,has to expect to get a ton of responses based on all the variables.Festus
Posted by Krissy P on March 27, 2003, at 22:19:59
In reply to Re: yes your doc knows more-I'm not a doc lol, posted by Festus on March 27, 2003, at 22:10:58
Hi, may I answer these personally for me? I would love to hear your feedback??
Thanks, Kristen
> An interesting and debatable topic.There are many factors to consider:What kind of narcotic and at what dose,same with the benzo,what kind and what dose.Is the person taking the meds opiate naive or benzo naive or both?What else are they currently taking as well as the narc and the benzo?What condition do they suffer from?Any drug allergies?As is always the case,anyone who asks "advice" on what a med or combo of meds is going to do,has to expect to get a ton of responses based on all the variables.Festus
Posted by ayuda on March 28, 2003, at 19:46:28
In reply to Re: yes your doc knows more-I'm not a doc lol, posted by Festus on March 27, 2003, at 22:10:58
> An interesting and debatable topic.There are many factors to consider:What kind of narcotic and at what dose,same with the benzo,what kind and what dose.Is the person taking the meds opiate naive or benzo naive or both?What else are they currently taking as well as the narc and the benzo?What condition do they suffer from?Any drug allergies?As is always the case,anyone who asks "advice" on what a med or combo of meds is going to do,has to expect to get a ton of responses based on all the variables.Festus
Festus -- I'm guessing that you are referring to my original request for advice.
I'm not on much else -- I am on Lexapro, and use the Ativan to put me to sleep (either .5mg or 1mg, depending on how much works). The dosage of the hydrocodone is supposed to be 10mg 3x a day, but I can't tolerate that, so I cut them in half, and I take them 4-5x times a day. I actually have a lot of experience taking both medicines, just not at the same time. I usually don't need the Ativan when I am on narcotic painkillers because I don't tend to have sleep problems while on them, but this time I do.
I am just worried about mixing two meds that make me sleepy -- I've done things like that in the past, but as I get older (I'm approaching 40 now), I don't want to push my luck! And I am just looking for some experience from others here -- I know from my doctor and pharmacist that I should be fine, but I like to know how people respond to these meds, since I have this board to bounce med information off others. My mom is a nurse, but I am her child, so she freaks out concerning my medications, so she's no good for info! And has me scared.
This is the end of the thread.
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