Can Reducing Lorazepam Dosage Cause Anxiety?

Posted on Wed, 25 Jul 2018

Question: Hi. I've been on a very low dose of lorazepam for the past 2 months and a half. 0.5 mg in the morning and 0.5 in the evening. 3 days i go i started reducing with just 0.25 in the morning and 0.5 in the evening. I also take 10mg of Cipralex for about 2 months. Is it normal to feel some anxiety from reducing the lorazepam? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soujanya (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Brief answer.It would be normal to feel some anxiety if the dose is reduced

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for chosing health care magic,
I have gone through your query and understand your concern towards your relapse of anxiety on reducing the dose of lorazepam
I can say that there is a possibility to feel anxiety on reducing the dose....as your body system might got adapted to that dose which can be dealt by pharmacokinetics that differs in each and every individual
I would also like to know some more information regarding any stressors, predisposing factors just before relapse of your symptoms
As you are taking Cipralex, I would like to know the indication whether it is anxiety, depression or both
It would be helpful for me to advise you in better way if you can provide these details
Hope this information would be helpful to you
Feel free to ask any further questions
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Soujanya (17 minutes later)

Hi. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. I take Cipralex for anxiety and panic attacks. I use to take it a few years back for the same reason and it worked great. Then i was feeling ok and stopped taking it. 2 months ago anxiety kicked in hard and my doc put me back on cipralex. There is no specific trigger that started my anxiety. It's general anxiety i think. Now i am scared i will go back to the beginning when i give up lorazepam. I hope this clears things a little. Feel free to ask any questions. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soujanya (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Brief answer..relapse might be due to abrupt discontinuation of drug

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I have gone through your follow up query and understand that you stopped Cipralex abruptly once you felt better....as it is not advisable to do so...
I just wanted to give information about that it must be continued for 6-9 months... Once antidepressants like Cipralex were started.... as it has an antianxiety action...abrupt discontinuation may cause relapse of symptoms
So, there is nothing to worry now, I would suggest you to follow your doctors advise... and if you give up lorazepam ...the relapse may not occur always...if your anxiety is treated with other drugs appropriately
Hope this information is helpful
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Soujanya (29 minutes later)

I think you got me wrong. I did not stop cipralex, i am still taking it for 2 months. I said i use to take it a few years ago and reduced it after 2 years. Then 1 year was ok, until to months ago when i started again.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soujanya (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Brief answer..k...you can again start on antianxiety drugs based on advise

Detailed Answer:
I have understood your query and I just wanted to say that it (cipralex) has to be continued for 6-9 months even after you get complete relief from all symptoms. Abrupt discontinuation will cause relapse.
But if symptoms relapse despite using cipralex, I would not be overly worried. I would advise you to be started on antianxiety drugs again. This will take care of the relapsing symptoms. Please discuss with your treating doctor.

Feel free to ask clarifications if any.

Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad