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Hi to all  I received a letter from my Ins Co.  that will not be filling my prescription Lorazepam 1 mg  that I have been taking for 5 years. I was in the hospital for over a month during my surgery.  I  looked the drug up and it said you should go to a rehab facility to come off of lorazepam.  I am getting a little nervous.  I am going to call my Dr.   Has anyone had this problem?  I would love to know what you did if you did or any advice would help   Thanks  Grace

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

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Grace, your insurance company can't stop you from getting the medication, they can only refuse to pay for it. It's not an enormously expensive drug, so you can discuss with your doctor how best to proceed. You might want to ask your pharmacy what a refill would actually cost, so you can properly decide whether money is an important factor here for you.

I wouldn't choose to be on it long-term, and stopping can be hard work, but what you do next is none of your insurance company's business. 

Scott F

Thanks Scott  you always have good answers.   It isn't a choice of the price.  I just got nervous when I went online and read what happens when you come off the drug.  I was negligent in not researching the drug when the surgeon put me on it. I am going to see my medical doctor on Thursday.  I have been taking it for 6 years.  I appreciate you answering me.  I would like to get off of this drug.  I will see what he has to say.  I will let you know.  Thanks  Grace

G

Lorazepam is generally a prn med, meaning you take it as needed. I've been prescribed Lorazepam at varies times in the past (although never on a long term basis) and I've never had a problem coming off it.  As Scott mentions, it would depend on the dose and how frequently you used it. If you were only taking 1mg a day, here and there, yes that is a very small dose you probably won't have any issues stopping the medication.  However, since it has been prescribed to you for a number of years, it may be worthwhile for you to speak to your doctor about the best way to come off it; that is, if you decide that you do in fact want to stop the medication.  You shouldn't feel forced to stop the medication, especially if it is beneficial to you. Perhaps after speaking with your doctor, you both may decide to continue with it. Also, keep in mind that while benzodiazepines like Lorazepam can be habit forming, if you are taking it properly under doctor supervision, are using it to treat a medical problem, and are adhering to the prescribed daily dosages, then you would be considered at low risk for addiction. It's those who purposely use to medication for recreation or other off-label purposes, or who consistently take high doses or otherwise use it in a manner differently from how it was prescribed, who are generally most at risk. 

Spooky
Last edited by Spooky

I've been taking benzodiazepines for a bit over a couple years for anxiety and sleep.

I can echo what was said above. 1mg is a tiny dose; I'd be surprised if you had any withdrawal issues. Any symptoms would be very minor, if noticeable at all.

Also, there are a lot of alternatives to lorazepam. If you wish to continue with the same type of treatment, your doctor will know a variety of similar and affordable meds.

G

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