Changing Bezo's

[Question245]

Hi! My Psychiatrist just switched me from the lorazapam I've been taking for 7 years to xanax. I filled the prescription but have not had the nerve to make the switch. I'm currently taking 3-4 MG of lorazapam in the momorning. Does anyone know what kind of reaction I'm in for just stopping the lorazapam and starting the xanax? I am scared. (Which is not great for anxiety. ..lol)

[Paxiled]

First of all, is the lorazepam working?  Second, do you really need it every day, or can you get by taking it just when absolutely necessary?  Third, you should never stop a benzo cold turkey, even, in my opinion, to use a different benzo.  No two drugs work exactly the same -- if they did they wouldn't both get FDA approval.  A product has to be materially different from what's already available to get a separate patent.  Although all benzos target GABA receptors, they don't target the same receptors or do it the same way.  Therefore, taking a different benzo won't necessarily stop the withdrawal problems of stopping the one you're already on, and given that both are equally addictive if taken every day the way you're doing it, if the one you're taking is working what's the point in changing?  Also consider, both of these benzos only work for a relatively short time, so most of the benefit after a few hours is probably just the result of you having gotten yourself started in the morning.  So again, did the lorazepam stop working?

[Question245]

I had been taking 2 MG every morning but due to an increase in anxiety I was taking 3-4 MG so my Dr said she thought I needed to switch bc the lorazapam wasn't working the way it should. I would say I probably don't 'need' it every day but my body I'd so use to it I feel withdrawal symptoms if I don't take them. Eventually I would love to be done with meds... unfortunately anxiety has been high lately :(