What Causes Lorazepam Withdrawal Symptoms?
Benzodiazepines target GABA, a natural neurochemical that acts as a buffer that induces a physically & mentally relaxed, calm state. Lorazepam’s sedating effects occur by accelerating the rate at which GABA is spent, and does not replace or create more GABA. Thus, lorazepam dependence develops easily, which explains why benzodiazepines are NOT recommended to be prescribed for more than a few weeks at most. Lorazepam has a relatively short half-life, meaning that the effects wear off quite quickly after it is taken.3
After dependence has developed, and lorazepam is reduced or discontinued abruptly, one’s neurochemistry has become dysfunctional and the original symptoms will begin to return, often with a vengeance. A hyper-sensitivity to outside stimulation and a ramping up of anxiety and other physical symptoms occurs — these are the withdrawals listed above.
The Importance of Gradual Lorazepam Tapering
Whether one has taken a benzodiazepine for couple of days, weeks, months, or longer, the best approach is a gradual tapering process. Doing this can avoid the more severe withdrawal symptoms and complications.
Coming off a benzodiazepine too quickly is associated with protracted (lingering) withdrawal symptoms, and these can last for years if not properly treated. Other factors such as general health, age, and even genetics can play a role, and may require additional specific support.4,5
A well-designed lorazepam tapering program takes all these individualized elements into account. Working with a medical professional who is familiar with your profile and with gradual benzodiazepine withdrawal is highly recommended.
Addressing Neurotoxicity
The modern world we live in is drowning us in an ever-increasing exposure to neurotoxins that affect our mental well-being.6,7 It is really no wonder that 10% of the USA is now taking prescriptions like lorazepam — our mental health has been assaulted on a nearly daily basis. We have helped thousands of clients whose lab tests confirmed that a very common culprit in ongoing symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, mental fog, etc., is neurotoxicity that has accumulated in the body.
This is why Alternative to Meds focuses on finding root causes, and addressing them to achieve a reduction or elimination of original symptoms. Rather than manipulating natural neurochemicals to provide a (temporary) masking effect, we want to get at the root of the problem, so that one no longer has to rely on pharmaceutical drugs for relief. Handling root causes includes not only neurotoxin removal, but also natural neurotransmitter rehabilitation for a broad spectrum, logical approach to healing.
Orthomolecular Medicine Support in Lorazepam Withdrawal
Orthomolecular medicine provides the fundamentals for designing a clean, nutrient-dense diet combined with supplementation that greatly assists in healing neurochemistry after drug use and withdrawal.
The importance of nutrition for supporting mental health and well-being cannot be overstated. According to the research of Freeman et al, published in the 2006 Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts actually promote brain health and help alleviate mood swings.8
More recently, the relationship of diet and anxiety was researched extensively by Aucoin et al, and published in the 2021 Nutrients Journal. They found that a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, high in minerals, ketones, omega-3s and other specific nutrients was directly associated with lowered anxiety.9
Other Complementary and Alternative Treatments Useful in Coming Off Lorazepam
Alternative to Meds Center utilizes a very wide range of complementary therapies to ease benzodiazepine withdrawal, and at the same time, regain mental wellness naturally.
Some of the alternative treatments used at ATMC include:
There is much more to learn about the programs at ATMC individually tailored to the client, to assist with lorazepam withdrawal.
ATMC Offers the Best in Inpatient Care
We are here to help you navigate lorazepam withdrawal in safety and comfort. Our clients are surrounded by over 40 professionals, all expert in their fields, highly experienced and compassionate about authentic recovery. The facility is nestled at the base of the Red Rock mountains in Sedona, Arizona, providing a pristine and tranquil setting.
Call us today for more information about how ATMC can help you attain success in recovery, individualized lorazepam withdrawal, and a pathway to regaining natural mental wellness.
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