Is it plausible that withdrawal/akathisia starts 8 months after being clean?

[[Ch...]]

I had been using Lorazepam 0.5mg 3-5 times per week for 14 years. I never experienced any withdrawal symptoms. So I just quit 8 months ago. The eight months haven't been 100% clean, I took it once in the fifth month when I had covid and a resting heart rate of 150. And six weeks ago I was given 3mg Midazolam during colonoscopy without my knowledge (I felt really high afterwards).

I was prescribed Lorazepam in the first place because I developed akathisia 15 years ago after taking St. Johns Wort and 5-htp together. For the last years, while I am always restless and nervous, I haven't had serious akathisia. But now for two weeks it is back in full and I don't know where it is coming from. In the past it was usually something (mostly supplements) that triggered this. Now I am clueless (still could be something in the diet).

So, could it be withdrawal even though I had now withdrawal up to now for eight months? Would I shoot myself in the foot if I start the lorazepam again to soften the akathisia?

Edited March 15 by [Ch...]

[[Co...]]

Hello @[Ch...]

Although akathisia can result from benzodiazepine withdrawal, I think it is highly unlikely in the situation you have described. Further, given your somewhat limited use of Lorazepam (3-5 times per week) and that you managed to withdraw without any problems, is suggestive of no or a minimal depth of dependency. I doubt that your very limited use since you quit semi-regular use 8 months ago is the cause.

Presumably, you saw a specialist who prescribed Lorazepam for you. I'd suggest that you return to him/her for another assessment. If it is determined that that it is return of the akathisia proper (and not a withdrawal symptom), in those circumstances, reinstatement of somewhat limited use of Lorazepam is not the end of the world. Especially as you appear to have tolerated it well in the past.

Limited use (taking Lorazepam only occasionally) helps avoid developing dependency and tolerance of Lorazepam (which might necessitate an increase in dose). So if you were to reinstate, I'd suggest that you again limit use as best you can.

Again, see a specialist. Once you have some solid answers, you will be better placed to make decisions.

[[Ch...]]

@[Co...] Thank you for your help!

[[ns...]]

Chrisx, hi there.

Sorry your going thru this terrible symptom. 

I was reading your post and wondering why you would consider lorazepam again instead of another benzo like valium if you can tolerate it.

I reinstated lorazepam, it hasn't been a good reinstatement for me. As I'm learning more and more about lorazepam, it seems it's one of the worst benzos to withdrawal from and seems to cause not so pleasant side effects in some people. 

Colin suggests you see your PCP and speak with them about your akathisia and possible reinstatement. I hope you will do this prior to taking another dose.

I hope you will look into considering other options before going back to lorazepam. 

Maybe I'm jaded a little,  but I was happy to return to lorazepam only to have a miserable reaction and now forced to taper a drug that makes me very sick.

Maybe it's just me, I could be one in a million to have this reaction, but I don't think so!

Take care 

Ns

 

[[Ta...]]

57 minutes ago, [[C...] said:

@[Co...] Thank you for your help!

I had akathisia when I switched from lorazepam to diazepam. Now, I sometimes get the feeling that it might be coming back. For me, I'm convinced it has to do with serotonin. I had serotonin syndrome when I first got COVID in 2020, so I know what too much serotonin feels like. And strangely it feels the same as akathisia. I read here on BB that nitric oxide can lower serotonin, and for me it works every time. I don't know what gender you are, so just throwing that out there.