Have You Tried Leading Pharma Or Teva Lorazepam?
(Newest replies first)

Some people say it is less effective or has no effect due to less active ingredients, causing some side effects or reaction to someone.

Some recommend Teva but some say it is not good. However, I can't get Teva as there is no pharmacy to dispense it in my area.

I tried other brands after Qualitest was discontinued, but did not find any that work.

REPLY

REPORT

Re: Henry (# 514)

My doc told me all benzos affect the body differently and even affect benzo receptors differently. I, in effect, with the rapid taper off of lorazepam, experienced a pretty close equivalent of CT from lorazepam while the diazepam built up in my body I order to mitigate and or prevent the horrific side effects of CT. The fact that I’ve taken them for close to 20 years and then abruptly stopping even with the substitution of diazepam does not make the withdrawal effects disappear, but simply I experience them slower and supposedly less intense. But, the first few month were brutal. I posted an explanation that is really informative but it hasn’t yet posted; I’m submitted it for posting about 12 hours ago; I really think it explains things so well. I hope it posts soon.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

Re: Lex (# 510)

Yes for both and others illnesses.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Re: Edward (# 513)

Hmmm that’s just odd. When you made the switch from 2.5mg lorazepam to 25mg diazepam did you feel ok at that point? Technically you should have been fine as the dosage equivalents are the same. If you didn’t I’d suspect you weren’t getting the correct amount of diazepam to start. Did you consider having a compound pharmacist make smaller lorazepam pills to taper? You’re only dropping 3.5% per month and it’s killing you, there’s got to be a better way

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: Henry (# 512)

I was taking 2.5mg lorazepam for the past 9 years before that 2mg for 9. Started at 25mg Valium, been so rough only made it down to 21.5 in 4 months.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: Edward (# 509)

Yikes! Can I ask what dose of Valium you started the taper from and how much you’re dropping the dosage per week?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: Jibbs (# 508)

Jibbs, I have no doubt I'm going to doc shop when my current retires.....fortunately I live in an area where docs are ...well...less "disciplined" than much of the country. My cbt therapist who worked in a nursing home for 20 years says at my age its just too dangerous to taper me off....my lawyer says to let him know if they try because they want the case.....so..while I certainly don't wish to pursue lawsuits I'll have to go with my therapists discussions he's had with a few psychiatrists on my behalf that they wouldn't discontinue.....of course that might change when talking to me....and its not just me who will suffer...my disabled wife needs me as a caregiver 24/7 not just wheelchair bound but would face impossibilities with daily living were I not here. I did cold turkey off valium decades ago .....I couldn't take care of myself.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Re: Jibbs (# 508)

Can TMS therapy also work for anxiety disorders? i see that for depression

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: Jibbs (# 506)

Hi Jibbs!
Yeah, I currently have no plans to continue any meds after finishing this taper. I’m burned out on western medicine: former docs tried to get me on bp meds for years had bad reactions to all, as well as numerous SSRIs and other antidepressants off label for anxiety and panic attacks. Had severe migraines daily for over a decade. Doc handed out strongest opioids like candy took them for 10 years quit all CT. Doc had me on up to like 8 meds at once. Only med I take are benzos. I cannot handle any generic lorazepam; worsened my anxiety and had allergic reactions and so I had no choice but to begin this process of tapering. Have at least 25-30 skin lesions look like chicken pox now, withdrawal has been fatigue, nausea, depersonalization/dissociation, headaches, neck and pain stiffness and pain, benzo belly, agoraphobia, social anxiety, avoidant personality, depression, anger, hatred, regret, meltdowns, etc. and the symptoms keep changing form. This is making cold turkey from opiates look like a piece of cake.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

What I've been told many of us have chemical, environmental and learned behaviors that cause our problems. Not all of us have each of these. After seeing the best of the best doctors in the past 40+ years mine falls under the chemical end of things. Aggravated by outside environmental stressors. I believe that most people with generalized anxiety disorder have some type of PTSD as well depression.

As for the Netflix documentary, yes they focused mainly on Xanax but if you watch the YouTube video you will hear them talk about other benzodiazepines plus show a quick chart with different pill shapes. If you seen that you'll see the dog house shape brand name Ativan. I'm not going to split hairs here about this. The fact I just got a pamphlet from the VA talking about what I'm saying here is proof enough to me they want to discontinue usage of these meds. Along with other things I've read as well.

Richard I've told you a few times out here you are truly blessed to have a understanding physician. But when he/she retires I hope that you'll be able to continue your dosage for the rest of your life. There's a good chance you'll run into the next wanting you off. I've been there done that. Call your local Veterans hospital or military base. Ask them what their policy is giving these meds. Call some of your local privately ran mental health treatment centers see if they won't tell you they don't prescribe benzos. Look on Psychology Today read the psychiatrist/PA's bio's. Most will say we will not prescribe them either. Not all of this is due to law suits. This comes down to many abusing the drug. That's where antidepressants will be said is your best bet from many providers. That or Buspar, TMS treatment or now Ketamine.

Wow about the Ketamine will that be another drug that folks will soon get addicted to. I know for a fact Ketamine works. I've had a few minor surgeries that the doctor uses it in he's choice of meds to put you under short term. Wake up with no anxiety or depression. EGD procedure. Anywho wish y'all good health! Keep the faith y'all! This too shall pass!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Re: Lex (# 505)

I've adjusted pretty well...it depends on what life-stressors I am under....what many new docs and "experts" fail to address.....long term benzo users went on them because a problem existed.....and THAT didn't go away.....so all docs could do was to treat the symptoms.......I don't know how people can taper-face the rebound from the drug and then go back to the problem (symptoms) that warranted the benzos to begin with.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Re: Edward (# 502)

Edward may I ask what medication you'll go on once your off it all together. My Pdoc has said nothing for me if it comes to it. Been told proper diet, exercise, meditation so on. I've tried everything on the market. I have been told that TMS treatment has done wonders for patients. Plus ketamine is supposed to be something that's help patients achieve long-term relief for depression and anxiety. MD's and pharmacists that I know say that Klonopin has the highest potency and long lasting affect. If your talking about half-life that's a different story. This is why it can be taken less then say lorazepam. I have family that use it. Works great for both of them. I wish you the best getting through this! I've gone off myself only to have to go back to it to function. I'll leave the rough stuff out of the thread I went through. But I know everything you've said! Keep the faith!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: Richard H (# 504)

hi Richard, if I may know, is the new teva made in the czech republic, can you use it successfully after adjusting to it?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: Jibbs (# 501)

Jibbs, just asked my wife about the Netflix documentary (I rarely watch tv-too busy working)....she said it focused on xanax. That's my wife's benzo.....to be taken as needed......half a mg....she cannot take it-even 1/4 makes her drowsy but does nothing for her anxiety (which she needed after her Mom died)......somewhere along the line i tried it - .5 mg.......omg, it knocked me loopy! Like her, did nothing for the anxiety...and i take 2mg 3 x day of lorazepam and never feel it - less anxiety so i can function though......all benzos cannot be lumped together.....

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: Jibbs (# 501)

Two of my docs told me at my age (75), it would be deadly taking me off after 56 years on them....I'm further from dementia than most people i know my age. ....both docs said I probably wouldn't outlive the taper.....which they feel is for younger patients or those not on my dosage (6mg a day). Can you imagine the lawsuits if such a thing did occur? Remember, supposedly their credo is "do no harm"......which is worse- putting an old farts life in jeopardy or write the same script for a few more years?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: Lex (# 496)

I’m currently in my 4th month of withdrawal/tapering from an 18 year stint on lorazepam using diazepam. People don’t release how difficult it is to get off these benzos, especially if you’ve been on high dosages and for a long time. It takes a minimum of one year of tapering and you will still feel the withdrawal symptoms, albeit just a bit slower and not all at once. But the first few months were crazy difficult and the withdrawal keeps changing. I should document how many withdrawal symptoms I’ve had: now I have skin lesions. Docs handing these out like they’re candy and someone said Klonopin is the longest acting benzo; just to clarify, that would be diazepam and Librium.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: Richard H (# 498)

Google the topic you'll find plenty of sources leaning towards this. Start with the Department of Veteran Affairs. The link Henry posted from the Netflix documentary clearly is showing they want to stop the use of benzodiazepines. You've been fortunate that your doctor hasn't taken you off yet at your age. They want patients from 60 up to be off from them. I've spoke of this few times about the drug we're on. They say it's causing dementia, cognitive and motor skill problems. Just the drop in manufacturing these meds says enough. By no means I'm in trying to scare anyone. But wouldn't you agree it's better to be prepared. I've seen others speak of putting their patients on Gabapentin. One of Gabapentin's use is as a anticonvulsion medication.The fact doctors are going this route bothers many. Folks ask your Pdoc, pcp or whoever is writing your script to tell you the truth about the usage of benzodiazepines. Totally agree with you Henry that medical folks being reluctant on prescribing these meds. They've curbed opiates and now working on benzodiazepines. I've seen countless veterans dealing with this issue. I'm still trying understand whether your on Lorazepam or Klonopin. Thanks for your concerns here.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: Henry (# 499)

True....politicians who don't know their ass from elbow nor benzos from opiates made sure docs are fearful of prescribing them. Yes, they are addictive....but mentally or physically so are most heart, diabetes, depression, etc related drugs to those who need them. Discontinuing benzos does nothing to help the anxiety that the users had them prescribed for but they sure make it so people can live their lives again..just like heart, etc meds do....symptoms get relieved but issues aren't resolved. Re: medicare and brand name Ativan....Ativan's expense is nothing more than greed. If the FDA did its job there would be no price gouging...its not like they are any more expensive to make than the generics.....a large part of adapting to generics (been on them for over 10 years) is psychological....I've never had one make me feel like I'm taking utterly nothing...but everyone is different....generics work wonders for some but too many (like me at first) expect miraculous calm. I last had that in 1967, before anxiety hit.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: Richard H (# 498)

I don’t think they’ll discontinue them but I think less and less doctors will prescribe them as time goes on.

I figure for me if nothing new and novel for anxiety that actually works comes out, I have about 15 years left to take Ativan. That’s because I’ll be 65 and forced on Medicare (company I work for is too small for laws to keep private insurance after 65) which will never pick up the tab for brand name Ativan. I have zero hope anything will improve with the generic lorazepam quality. Sooo ???????

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: Jibbs (# 497)

"Y'all hang on to your seats they are about to try and take us off benzodiazepines. Really believe they'll discontinue making them altogether over the next 5-10 years." I think it's best not to upset many here with conjecture.....what is your source?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Gabapentin is being used to help people through the drug withdrawals when they take you off benzos. Two of my pdocs tried to convince me that it would work helping me get off lorazepam. Thing is I told them I'm not coming off it. Y'all hang on to your seats they are about to try and take us off benzodiazepines. Really believe they'll discontinue making them altogether over the next 5-10 years. I've been told the longest best acting benzo is Klonopin. Didn't work for me at all. Been on them all. Just switching from one benzo to another has ots risk. Wish y'all the best!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I am really confused with everyone posts about the leading brand lorazepam I take 2mg and have been on lorazepam generic...

75 REPLIES

What are the inactive ingredients of Qualitest lorazepam or Leading Pharma lorazepam? Does anybody know? It seems that i...

112 REPLIES

I was recently given a prescription by my pain management dr. for norco 10-325 & i am having a difficult time geting...

8 REPLIES

I have been taking Lorazepam for over a year to help me sleep and as needed. I take .5 mg, have had no problems at all, ...

2 REPLIES

Hello, I noticed that Sandoz is manufacturing Lorazepam again.. (the has stopeed for 2-3 years now). I am wondering if a...

24 REPLIES

Sorry, title s/b "amlod/benazp 10-20 Sandoz" - Pharmacy just refilled with "amlod-benaz 10-20 Teva" Diff...

2 REPLIES

Why do you have to go through the long (at times embarrassing) over the top “lecture” having to give your na...

Found this pill in my mother's Lorazepam bottle. It is different from all the others. The manufacturer is ACTAV, and...

1 REPLY

I was told that Sandoz was not available, must there must be some pharmacy that carries it... ## good luck, i think once...

10 REPLIES

Around Oakland or Macomb Countys. WTF? ## Hello, Bob! How are you? Unfortunately, we are now into the time of year when ...

2 REPLIES