Lorazepam alternative

Posted by lgumerman @lgumerman, Jan 23, 2023

My psychiatric nurse doesn’t want to prescribe both lorazepam tablets I take for high anxiety (2-3 .5 mg/day) now my lorazepam suppositories (1-2/day 1mg) that help my pelvic pain. I have been on them for years as they help. Nor does she want to prescribe my pregabalin for my back pain which also helps. She suggested I go see a pain doctor. My former psychiatrist prescribes these meds and was confident in doing that. Who do I actually try next; a pain doctor or psychiatrist? Does anyone know of alternatives that work well that aren’t so controversial? I don’t know what my next step is. Thanks.

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Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Jan 23, 2023

@lgumerman. I have ongoing and chronic pain in my back and hips from osteoarthritis. It can be just awful so I know how terrible it is to live with this.

I can understand the reluctance of the psychiatric nurse practitioner in prescribing lorazepam since this is a controlled substance with known addiction potential. Are you also prescribed lorazepam in suppository form and oral form? Maybe taking lorazepam orally as well as in a suppository is too high a dose? Is that what the nurse practitioner said? I wasn't sure from what you posted.

I don't understand, though, what the problem is with prescribing pregabalin. That medication (brand name is Lyrica) is used to treat epilepsy but it also approved for muscle pain and stiffness in fibromyalgia.
I don't believe pregabalin has addictive potential from what I've read.

Pregabalin (Oral Route):'
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/pregabalin-oral-route/description/drg-20067411
Psychiatry appointments can be difficult to get and schedule depending on where you live. You might find it easier to get in with and to talk to a physician who specializes in pain to get an idea of what alternatives might be available. Chronic pain can be such a challenge to treat and a physician who specializes in pain should be able to explain more about this and suggest alternatives to try.

What do you think your next step will be?

sears | @sears | Jan 24, 2023

People do become addicted to Lyrica.

lgumerman | @lgumerman | Jan 24, 2023

@sears All I know is that it helps with my back each day. I take two in a day and have never taken more. While I need that medication I don’t abuse it and it helps. That is to me what’s important.

lgumerman | @lgumerman | Jan 24, 2023

In reply to @naturegirl5 "@lgumerman. I have ongoing and chronic pain in my back and hips from osteoarthritis. It can..." + (show)

@naturegirl5 Thks. I have been on lorazepam for years and it helps No take both orally and as a suppository. I have never abused it by taking more than prescribed. In total and combined methods I might take 2mg. I am sure there are others out there that take a lot more than that. I have had pelvic pain since 2003 and this
Medicine is a godsend.
I think my next step is to see a pain doctor after all. I agree someone who specializes in pain will offer help. Thks!