Clonazapam vs. Lorazepam

[WindyGirl]

I have noticed several posts or comments about anxiety medications. My husband’s hospice doctor has prescribed 0.5 mg Lorazepam. I asked his nurse about the Clonazapam that I see mentioned frequently, wondering if maybe it was the same medication sold under different names. She said they are “cousins”, with the Clonazapam medication being stronger than the Lorazepam. I have found that just half of my husband’s dose allows him to relax and sleep. Just thought I would throw that out for those of you finding the other medication too strong for your loved one. You might want to ask for a change.

[oilman1]

My wife was also prescribed 0.5 of Lorazepam (but only 1/2 of the pill to start) for periods of severe anxiety. To date we have not used it as the predicted side effects of increased dizziness would not be acceptable. She has now started using Nortriptyline which is a lighter sedative and seems to be working ok.

[Uscarol]

Lorazapam was a Godsend for my husband, up until the end. That, crushed in with the sub-lingual morphine made the end stage calm. It was a blessing.

[Caro2132]

Thank you for this post. Mike is becoming more and more anxious and telling stories of things he needs to do, like go to his dad’s to get the fish he left in the garage.

So the hospice doc gave him Clonazepam but it made him very weird and totally out of it. Anyway, I sent your post to the hospice nurse and as a result we’ll try the lorazepam.

This site is a life saver, I don’t think I could manage without the advice and support from everyone.

Thanks again

Caroline

[WindyGirl in reply to Caro2132]

Caroline, I’ll be curious to hear how it works out for him. I really hope it helps!

[Siobhanlo]

I am in the us and they wont prescribe clonazepam for elderly. My mum is suddenly improving with gabapentin and an antidepressant and an added antipsychotic has helped a lot with the personality change Since taking that she has started smiling again at my bad jokes.