taking generic ativan--now different manufacturer, could this affect the effectiveness of the drug? Options

[bluewillow]

Hello ladies,
I hope my topic title made sense-- please allow me to clarify:

I have been taking Lorazepam (generic Ativan) for several months, a very low dose of .5 and usually just a half of that, usually once in the morning and once at night before bedtime. I have really tried not to depend on it excessively for anxiety relief, but lately, I have had major anxiety over some early stage breast cancer and upcoming surgery and radiation for it-- much more stress than I have been accustomed to!!

The last time I had my prescrip refilled, the pharmacist told me the manufacturer of the lorazepam had changed and to expect the pills to look different, and they do a bit. The problem I am having is I feel like the medicine is not helping me at all now-- could that be because of a different manufacturer or just the added anxiety level? I really don't want to increase the dosage, but I may have to. I've also had the on-and-off breathing difficulties (hyperventilation, can't take deep breath, etc.) and stabbing back pain that usually goes along with my anxiety spells. I started taking the Lorazepam when I was having major meno symptoms, before ERT, and during my major health anxiety over heart palpitations and fear of dying of a heart attack (my heart is fine), etc., but now I've really got something to worry about, so maybe it's just that and not the medicine.

Sorry if I'm rambled on but I thought I'd ask what is probably a dumb question and get some feedback and advice. You wouldn't think they'd give you a different formula just because another drug co. made it, would they?

Thanks ladies and have a wonderful Sunday!

Mary Jo

[colleen617]

Hi, all,

I recently read a book in the library about generic vs. name-brand drugs. It said that initially generics were the way to go, but in the last ten years, that the effectiveness of generics were not always the same as the brand.

That said, I have taken clonazepam (brand--klonopin) for the last ten years. I have not noticed any difference in the effectiveness between generic and brand. I did, however, notice a difference in generic Prozac.

Where you are going through such a tremendously stressful period, you might need the addition of another benzodiazepine. For example, clonazepam is a long-acting benzo. My doc says to add Xanax (short-acting- 4 hrs) when I have panic attacks.

Where lorazepam is a short-acting drug, you might also want to switch to something long-acting like the clonazepam.

I hope this makes sense.

I wish you the best.

Colleen

[bluewillow]

Hi, all,

I recently read a book in the library about generic vs. name-brand drugs. It said that initially generics were the way to go, but in the last ten years, that the effectiveness of generics were not always the same as the brand.

That said, I have taken clonazepam (brand--klonopin) for the last ten years. I have not noticed any difference in the effectiveness between generic and brand. I did, however, notice a difference in generic Prozac.

Where you are going through such a tremendously stressful period, you might need the addition of another benzodiazepine. For example, clonazepam is a long-acting benzo. My doc says to add Xanax (short-acting- 4 hrs) when I have panic attacks.

Where lorazepam is a short-acting drug, you might also want to switch to something long-acting like the clonazepam.

I hope this makes sense.

I wish you the best.

Colleen

Hey Colleen and thanks for your informative reply. I have been wondering about generic vs brand and have heard the same about the Prozac from a friend who takes it.

I was taking Xanax and it certainly did work faster, but like you said is short-acting, but my doctor wouldn't prescribe more than 10 very low-dose pills at a time-- that was very aggravating to have to get him to approve a refill so I gave up on that, even tho he did recommend Xanax along with the lorazepam. I will ask my doctor about the klonopin. Do you have any side effects from it?

Thanks so much!

Mary Jo

[colleen617]

Hey Colleen and thanks for your informative reply. I have been wondering about generic vs brand and have heard the same about the Prozac from a friend who takes it.

I was taking Xanax and it certainly did work faster, but like you said is short-acting, but my doctor wouldn't prescribe more than 10 very low-dose pills at a time-- that was very aggravating to have to get him to approve a refill so I gave up on that, even tho he did recommend Xanax along with the lorazepam. I will ask my doctor about the klonopin. Do you have any side effects from it?

Thanks so much!

Mary Jo

Hi, Mary Jo,

I take .05 mg. clonazepam at bedtime. If I feel like I am really going to lose it during the day (ie. hysterical crying) or tremendous anxiety, I will take .25 more.

Side effects I have noticed especially at more than these doses are fatigue, poor concentration, cognition difficulties, unsteady gait. At these doses, the biggest side effect is fatigue.

It's wise to use benzodiazepines judiciously. My elderly mother became hooked on Xanax, and we had to have her committed to a psych hospital in order to get her off them.

Take care.

Colleen