Lorazepam

[technoc]

I have COPD stage 4 and am on oxygen 24/7 Trimbow and Ventolin.

I was diagnosed 1995 and obviously deteriorated a lot over the years. Over 2 years ago the chest nurse prescribed me with Lorazepam twice a day for anxiety although I am on Venlafaxine (which I really want to get off, but it has terrible withdrawal symptoms) Now I discover that those with COPD should not be taking it. I have put on almost 3 stones since starting it as well which has led to self loathing etc and not being able to do anything at all without needing a long rest and sleep. My depression is now very bad but the doctor (whom I have never met) tells me over the phone that I should look at NHS website for info on sensible eating. I didn’t find this helpful.

Has anyone else with COPD been described this drug? I just feel that it’s making me worse.

Thanks for reading

[Iridescent_2]

I was on venlafaxine some years ago. Hated it but had to taper off very slowlybecause of withdrawal effects. Switching from citalopram to Paroxetine, which works well for me, was quick and easy as both ssris. Hope you get it sorted. Should help with anxiety as well.

[technoc in reply to Iridescent_2]

Hi Iridescent_2, I had successfully come off Venlafaxine a couple of years ago whilst living overseas and the doctor there put me on a medicine which was working well but the doctors here won’t prescribe it! It’s also the Lorazepam I am worried about as it’s causing me a lot of problems, mood, thoughts weight etc

[Iridescent_2 in reply to technoc]

I would have thought an antidepressant would be first line treatment for anxiety these days. Lorazepam is a benzodiazapine I think, so not ideal for copd. You may have to be more insistent with your Dr or find another one. Not easy I know. Hope you can get it sorted

[tomc]

I am on Venlafaxine at the moment, It doe`s not seem to effect me at all. I can still snap and be quite aggressive and I hate myself for that and the fact that I have gained a lot of weight after an ileostomy operation.

I am down most days and I have a chest full of various drugs and in constant pain.

DO talk to your GP to get a specialist, which I hope will help you tremendously.

[technoc in reply to tomc]

Thanks Tomc for your reply, have they increased or decreased your Venlafaxine, maybe they haven’t got the dosage right for you? I am like you in that I am also down most days but trying to talk to a doctor is very difficult. I hope you can feel better very soon

[Patk1]

I would ring drs tomoro + ask to speak to a different dr for help with depression,first.perhaps suggest a different antidepressant if venlefaxines not keeping it under control

[technoc in reply to Patk1]

Thank you Patk1 for your text. I have tried to speak to another doctor but it appears that the doctor I spoke to has been assigned to me. I am trying to wean myself off the anti depressant slowly.

[CDPO16]

As far as I am aware venlafaxine doesn't have any adverse effect on COPD unlike some antidepressants which are contra indicated. I would echo iridescent's advice to come off it very slowly by gradually reducing the dose but this should be done with medical supervision to monitor and advise on the reducing dose. Best wishes

[technoc in reply to CDPO16]

Hi CDPO16, Thank you so much for your text, I agree that Venlafaxine doesn’t have any adverse effect on COPD but I really do not like the side effects especially if you forget to take a dose. My problem is taking the Lorazepam as well. It is difficult to get an appointment with a doctor even by phone. Take care

[CDPO16 in reply to technoc]

I really wish you well in trying to get off these meds and I hope that you get the medical support that you need soon.

[Hidden]

Lorazepam quite frequently is used in more advanced stages of COPD, both for direct anxiety, but also because it can reduce the feeling of paroxysmal breathlessness. It’s not contraindicated, and is preferred by the NHS over diazepam, however, caution is advised regarding it’s use - and the use of benzos generally - in older people with COPD. It’s a case of off-setting any potential risk against any benefit derived from the meds, and if you feel it’s not making you feel any better, or even making you feel worse in some regards, then that needs to be the priority. I know you say the doctor isn’t great, but have you actually spoken to anyone about stopping it? Benzos can be difficult to ween off, so it’s not one you would want to do without supervision and support.

[technoc in reply to Hidden]

Hi Charlie_G, thanks for your text and your information. I am trying to wean myself off the Lorazepam as I feel that the side effects are too much on top of everything else. The Venlafaxine is the next thing I want to come off but I need something to replace it with I think, but will try again with the doctor when I am ready.

[Donniebrasco]

Lorazepam is a heavy benzodiazepine , there are still groups here in the U.K. which help people come off this drug.Fomerly known as Ativan.

I was on it and have managed to change to 2mg Valium (Diazepam). I would try and ease yourself off Lorazepam, with maybe the help of support groups.

[technoc in reply to Donniebrasco]

Hi Donniebrasco, thanks for your reply. Goodness I didn’t know that there were groups to help you come off Lorazepam or that it used to be called Ativan. When I was first prescribed this drug I was very reluctant to start it, I am not sure why but I think it was because I was already on Venlafaxine and thought that would help with anxiety and I knew what the withdrawals were like. I am trying to wean my self off it. I don’t see any point in calling the doctor again as she wasn’t interested in what I had to say.

[hallentine47]

I use perhaps 1/2 to one Lorazepam a day most days over the last 4 years and it has helped me calm down at times but treat it with great caution.

[technoc in reply to hallentine47]

Hi Hallentime47, I have started doing the same but only in the last week, so will see how it goes. Thank you for your reply

[skischool]

Have you considered swapping your medication generally aimed at treating anxiety and sleeping problems with something like Oramorph.although morphine based it is generaly prescribed at a low enough dose to avoid addiction but is a very good drug in the treatment of anxiety induced by breathlessnes and very helpfull for people with end stage lung conditions.Just a thought and it's introduction as a replacement may avoid the withdrawal symptoms of coming of Lorazepam.Best wishes Ski's and Scruff's

🙃😻

[technoc in reply to skischool]

Hi Ski’s and Scruff’s, thanks for your reply, I shall ask my doctor or Respitory nurse if I ever manage to get an appointment with them about Oramorph and take it from there. Take care

[hallentine47 in reply to skischool]

I have starting using Oxy codeine liquid shortem. Helps with breathing and feeling less tense but I know as an opiate I need to be cautious.

[skischool in reply to hallentine47]

Caution is wise but as my respiratory nurse advised there is far more strength in a couple of codeine tablets than there is in the standard doseage in Oramorph treatment regimes.🙃