Withdrawal from Ativan and Lexapro.

I have been taking .5 mg Ativan and .5 Lexapro for almost 2 months now for anxiety. I wanted to get off both meds after reading some of the horrid side effects. It worked for a few weeks where I felt back to my old self. Lately, I am experiencing rapid heart beat and mild panic/anxiety attacks. I wanted to find more natural ways to control my anxiety but I am dreading the withdrawal symptoms I may go through. If anybody has any advice please let me know. I will be seeing my doctor this Tuesday and will let her know what I wanted to do. Thanks.

[drifter0213]

you may need to be on meds still only your doctor would need to taper you off  ok:)

[JamieEileen]

Go to your doctor and tell him what is wrong. Don't stop the medicine on your own. They are not addicting meds. You will not go through withdrawal but please go see your doctor. Sincerely, Jamie

[trixy71]

Benzodiazepines can very well be addicting meds, they are a schedule class III drug, the same category as Vicoden. From rxlist "Use of benzodiazepines, including lorazepam, may lead to physical and psychological dependence." So i would definitely talk with your doctor before stopping these meds, you might have to do a slow taper. Best of luck to you!

[dominosarah]

These meds need to be tapered.  Talk with your doctor and come up with a tapering plan.  That way he/she can monitor you.

[Paxiled]

Benzos are an addictive drug, and abrupt stoppage can cause seizures, though that rarely happens, because they are also an anti-seizure medication.  While ssris and snris aren't technically addictive, it's just a technicality, since stopping them can be as hard as stopping any addictive drug.  However, it can also be very easy, and if you've only been on it a short time most likely will be.  Psychiatrists know better how to do this than regular docs, and some psychiatrists are a lot better than others.

[Paxiled]

And by the way, the fact a drug is addictive or like an addictive drug isn't a reason to take it or not take it necessarily -- it is a sign to be cautious, not to never take something.  That depends on how badly you might need it.