ativan withdrawl/atarax

[chrisc111]

Hi (Help please)

I was put on ativan 1mg 4 months ago for anxiety ( which is sever due to redundancy 2 years ago ) i had an allergic reaction which slowly got worse the longer i was told to take it, red burning face and sever headache.
I was told to discontinue it after 8 weeks over a 2 week period and substitute it with atarax. I had very bad withdrawal symptoms ( electric shock feelings,extreme anxiety, muscle spasms and have still got tinnitus).
I have been off the ativan for 9weeks now and currently take 25mg x 3 xp/day of atarax.

As i still have bad anxiety i would like to know if i took valerian and passion flower would it help my aniety and withdrawal symptoms off the ativan or worsen them.?

I have noticed if i have a small quantity of alcohol ie:2 beers my ativan withdrawal symptoms are worse for 3-4days
I was told this is due to brain sensitivity from the ativan.?

I would also like to discontinue the atarax but am afraid i will hit a wobbly, therefore if i can find a natural substitute for anxiety that will not mess with my ativan withdrawal i would use it.  
  
If i do wish to try and reduce the atarax do i need to taper it?

I am also still getting involuntary muscle spasms particularly as i am about to fall asleep, i was told this is ativan withdrawal symptoms and will slowly subside. is this correct?

I have seen 2 x psychiatrists 3x Doctors and a homeopath who cannot give me an answer, apart from wanting to put me on antidepressant,which i do not want to do given my experience with ativan.

Thanks

Chris

[Sandra Y, RPh]

Often, herbal medications such as valerian and passion flower are likely to interact with many medications.  Herbal medications can still have toxic effects and at times, do more harm than good.  Due to these unpredictable effects, I would not recommend starting either of these supplements without talking to your doctor.    
Alcohol will absolutely intensify the withdrawal symptoms of ativan since alcohol acts on the same receptors in the brain as ativan.  It is true that these receptors are sensitive and vulnerable from the ativan withdrawal, so this explains why you may notice your withdrawal symptoms worsen when consuming alcohol.  It is a good idea stay away from alcohol while withdrawing.  
I would not recommend suddenly discontinuing the atarax without first discussing your questions with your doctor.  Rather, it would be best to discuss a potential taper with your doctor before you make any changes to your current atarax regimen.  
The length of time that someone may suffer from withdrawal symptoms varies from person to person.  Keep in mind that your brain needs some time to learn to function without the benzodiazepine.  In regards to the involuntary muscle spasms, these are both a result of the benzodiazepine withdrawal as well as a side effect of the atarax.  These spasms, as well as the withdrawal symptoms, will subside with time.  

[chrisc111]

Hi

Thank you for your help

Chris

[Sandra Y, RPh]

It is true that alcohol acts on the same areas of the brain as benzodiazepine drugs.  These receptors become sensitive after withdrawing from regular benzodiazepine use, and therefore alcohol intensifies the withdrawal symptoms.  However, there is much less data available about herbals such as passion flower and valerian.  Pharmaceutical drugs must undergo thorough testing and clinical trials before they are allowed to be marketed.  Testing and trials for herbal medications are not required to be as thorough.  This is the main reason why herbals are not usually recommended, so “natural” does not always mean “safe”.  This is why I would not recommend taking passion flower on a regular basis.  Also, it could potentially interact with other medications.  
The B complex vitamin, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3-fatty acid supplement are all safe for you to take when used in the appropriate amounts.  These will not heighten any withdrawal symptoms you may experience.  However, the milk thistle is an herbal supplement, so I would not recommend taking that one without first talking to your doctor.  In terms of calming your brain down it may be best to consider some nonpharmacologic options such as yoga and meditation.  

[chrisc111]

Hi
Sorry one more question.

I bought a range of vitamins ( B complex, magnesium,zinc and omega 3, milk thistle and a digestive enzyme )

I was about to start taking them as I read in a health magazine they are good for anxiety, but I have know read that if you are in ativan withdrawal they can heighten the withdrawal symptoms is this correct?

Do you think I can safely take them and most importantly do you think they will help.

Thanks

Chris

[chrisc111]

Hi

Thanks for your comprehensive reply.

If i have got it right, alcohol and passion flower have a similar action on the brain and therefore if i took passion flower my withdrawal symptoms could intensify, but what would be the outcome if i took passion flower on a regular basis would it be like taking a mild form of benzodiazepine which could have a antianxiety effect and maybe calm down my brain ( racing thoughts all the time) ?

As i think i have said Docters here want to put me on antidepressants which i do not want to do given my experience with ativan.

Thanks

Chris