Can Lorazepam Cause Side Effects After Three Years?
I’m a 21-year-old woman currently taking bupropion at a dosage of 300 mg, alongside quetiapine (adjusted as needed) and levetiracetam at 1000 mg, which I use for managing depression and epilepsy, in addition to combined birth control. To give some background, I’ve suffered from sleep difficulties since I was 13. Insomnia runs in my family, with both of my parents experiencing it. My physician explored numerous alternatives before prescribing a benzodiazepine. I’ve found success with 1 mg of lorazepam paired with 100-150 mg of quetiapine. Previously, I was on 300 mg of quetiapine, but after a month of abstaining, my tolerance decreased, allowing me to use a lower dose effectively. While these medications have generally worked well for me, I’ve recently begun to experience side effects from lorazepam. I experimented by taking quetiapine on its own and didn’t face similar reactions. Now, upon waking, I frequently feel nauseous and produce an excessive amount of saliva for the first half of the day. It’s as if my mouth and throat are slick, and swallowing only exacerbates the nausea. Is it common for side effects to emerge after using a medication for three years?
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 6:20:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about new side effects after using a medication like lorazepam for a long time. It’s not uncommon for medications to lead to side effects that may develop or change over time, even if you have previously tolerated them well.
Explanation: Lorazepam, as a benzodiazepine, can cause various side effects, and sensitivity to medications may change over time due to factors like age, changes in metabolism, or even interactions with other medicines. Nausea and excessive salivation can occur, though they are less common. It's crucial to assess whether these side effects significantly impact your quality of life or if they might diminish over time.
Next Steps:
- Track Symptoms: Keep a diary noting when the nausea and excess salivation occur, and if there are specific triggers (like dose timing, food, etc.).
- Consider Medication Timing: Look at the timing of your lorazepam dose. Taking it at a different time may help reduce morning side effects.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Focus on staying hydrated and eating small, bland meals throughout the day to help manage the nausea.
- Discuss with Your Physician: Given that these side effects have recently emerged and affect your daily life, it is essential to communicate these changes to your healthcare provider. They may suggest adjusting your medication, exploring alternatives, or conducting further evaluations.
Your well-being is the priority, so take the time to monitor your symptoms and enable a conversation with your healthcare provider for personalized advice going forward.
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