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Is this med addicting

I have a question? My doctor gave me a prescribition for lorazepam 1mg to take  3 x aday. I'm on the suboxone program and started to have anixety attacks. So he gave me a pres. for the 90 of them. I just wanted to know how habit forming are they?



Tammer
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Avatar universal
Look I agree with the fact that it is addicting. But I know first hand, as many others do I'm sure, how debilitating anxiety and panic attacks can be. They suck and sometimes all the breathing and walks in the world can't get ya through it. I wish they did. You either know you can trust yout doctor or not. I don't believe they are all out to get people on an addictive med. I've had too many doc's to count for surgeries and stuff and I know who's cautious and who's really looking out for your best interest. I hope you have that with your doctor. And if in doubt, go back and talk to him/her and express your concerns. Thats what they are there for.YOU!
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225156 tn?1198893504
Lorazepam has a relatively high addiction potential with the standard, 'higher the dose and the longer the drug is taken - the greater risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms' (albeit withdrawal symptoms can occur from standard dosages after short term use).  

My best advice would be to talk very directly to your doctor about the withdrawal process of this drug.  Inquire whether he knows of another medication that is 'not so addictive' that can be used for the anxiety.  I'm not a physician - but a prescription for 90 seems excessive.  He might have better reasons for prescribing 90 - not sure.  Just remember that this, like any other medication, you will eventually have to withdrawal from.  Personally, I'd question your doctor - and if he continues to give you medications that you have withdrawal from, I'd move on.  Although I work in the healthcare industry and know a LOT of qualified doctors, etc., hardly ANY have gone through the addiction and/or withdrawal process.  At their best, they 'guess' as to what the patient is feeling and what the patient can 'do' or cannot 'do'.  
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279300 tn?1326746678
just be careful. they are a benzo, like xanax. ibkleen, doctors do not care. they treat all problems the same, throwing pills at it unless it looks like they will tarnish the reputation they have. to look at a person as an entire being, not just a diagnosis is rare. i would encourage anyone to have a patient advocate at all appointments. i have seen and heard too much in my career.
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Avatar universal
Yes - it is highly addicting and the withdrawal MUST be tapered or you are at risk for seizures.  They are fine to take short term while you're getting off of other drugs but just know that they are a benzo and highly addicting.  If you only take them when absolutely necessary for a short period of time, you should be okay.
Have you ever tried an antidepressant for anxiety like paxil?  That might be better for you.
How's the sub going other than the anxiety attacks?  How much are you on?  It's possible your dose is too high or too low and that is why you're having anxiety?
Just wanting to help you my friend - please don't take my post as trying to scare you.  Feel free to email me privately if you'd like.
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271792 tn?1334979657
Yes they are. Please be careful.

Why would your doctor give you a prescription for something addictive when he/she knows your history??? These doctors confuse me. I swear they don't get it!!
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