mixing benzos

[joe19]

I take Lorazepam 1mg every night. Since I began seeing a pain mgmt. dr. I've been using valium occasionally to help with w/d's. However at my last appt. I got xanax to try instead, My pharmacist told me that it would be fine to take the valium 3 or so hours after the lorazepam if I needed more relief. I forgot to ask him if it was ok to do the same with the xanax, I know it has a longer half-life and such, but I didn't know if taking it after the other was still ok. Maybe the longer half-life would make a difference only if I was taking it before the lorazepam. Does anyone know? The dose is only .25mg of xanax.

[KRC1959]

Anything that ends in Pam is a benzodiazepene. Alprazolam(xanax) Diazepam(valium) Clonozapem(Klonopin) and the list goes on and on.

[KRC1959]

Joe I can answer youre question for you. Xanax has a half life of 12 to 18 hours, Valium has a half life of 40 to 100 hours, and has active metabolites, so the valium over time builds up in the body, The xanax is a short acting, one of the most short acting benzos there are, I was on Xanax for 8 years, 1.5 milligrams a night, I switched over to Diazepam because I didnt want to be on the more potent xanax anymore,  Went to 20 milligrams of Valium and have got my self down to 7.5 where it is keeping my GAD and Panick attacks in check,  So the Diazepam has a much much more longer half life than the xanax, not the other way around. People who have been on Benzos for a long period, generally switch to Diazepam for the long half life and it is so much easier to taper off Valium than Xanax,  You shouldnt have a problem with taking the >25 xanax.                                                                JayDean

[joe19]

Lorazepam is Ativan, Benzodiazepam is Valium. Thanks for the advice, I'll just call the pharmacist.

[flmagi]

I agree, take one or the other, not both.  

[allaboutmary]

Is'nt lorazapam really valium. So I guess I'm confused.  Have a great day anyway.

[allaboutmary]

I really don't know the answer to this. Probably can't call the pharmacist today because of holiday?  I personally would take one or the other not both. Try giving the pharmacy a call some are open on holidays.  Good Luck and Happy Turkey Day !   Mary