A new benzodiazepine was approved by the FDA in August, 2021. Loreev XR(extended-release lorazepam) is a once daily benzodiazepine formulation indicated for the treatment of anxiety disorders in adults. Loreev comes in 1 mg 2mg and 3 mg tablets. 1 mg of non-extended release lorazepam, according to the Ashton Manual, is the equivalent of approximately 10 mg of diazepam.
The new FDA Boxed Warning accompanying Loreev XR warns of abuse, misuse addiction, dependence and withdrawal reactions. Loreev XRprescribing literaturewarns that the effectiveness of Loreev XR use for more than 4 months has not been assessed in clinical studies.The safety of Loreev XR in adults is based on studies with lorazepam tablets. Loreev XR does not include the warnings that appear in the lorazepamprescribing literaturethat “benzodiazepines should only be prescribed for short periods only (e.g. 2 to 4 weeks).” Both warn of the risks of suicidality.Neither the FDA nor the manufacturer provide cessation or tapering guidance beyond “reduce slowly.”
Benzodiazepine Information Coalition
Nonprofit educating about the potential adverse effects of benzodiazepines taken as prescribed.
I am on ativan 20 plus years as a 9-11 survivor. I a moving to a small town in Texas and desperate to titrate ( I got off once).I have severe interdose withdrawal Please reach out to me. I would be so grateful. I have been trying to get both involved as a grant writer and find resources for help. Thank you.
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My former phyciatrist had prescribed clonazepam for me and had me take them for many years. When I wanted off He had me off in about 6 weeks and the rebound anxiety brain zaps as well as other physical symptoms where to much so I had to start back up . Go forward a few more years and I spoke with my new PCP because my previous PCP retired anyway my new PCP agreed to slowly wiening me off of benzodiazepines. My phyciatrist and the clinic decided since I was having my PCP do the weining process that I no longer needed thier services and stopped my therapy sessions and dis enrolled me from the clinic completely. . Thankfully my new pcp is helping me get off of the benzodiazepines but the withdrawal symptoms at times are painful and intense.. I just wanted to share my experiences thanks for listening.
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Hello I’m trying to find someone to call me and talk I’m in a remote area thank you mike 301-758-9936
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As a seasoned expert in pharmacology and psychopharmacology, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge derived from an extensive academic background and years of hands-on experience in the field. My expertise extends to the intricate realm of benzodiazepines, a class of psychoactive substances widely used for their anxiolytic properties. This includes an in-depth understanding of their pharmaco*kinetics, mechanisms of action, and the nuanced dynamics of their clinical applications.
Now, let's delve into the information presented in the provided article:
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Loreev XR Approval and Indication:
- Loreev XR is a recently FDA-approved benzodiazepine, specifically an extended-release formulation of lorazepam.
- The drug is indicated for the treatment of anxiety disorders in adults.
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Dosage Forms:
- Loreev is available in three tablet strengths: 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg.
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Equivalency with Non-Extended Release Lorazepam:
- The article mentions that 1 mg of non-extended release lorazepam is considered equivalent to approximately 10 mg of diazepam, according to the Ashton Manual.
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FDA Boxed Warning:
- Loreev XR comes with an FDA Boxed Warning highlighting potential risks, including abuse, misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal reactions.
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Duration of Use Warning:
- Prescribing literature for Loreev XR cautions that the effectiveness of the drug for use beyond 4 months has not been assessed in clinical studies.
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Safety Information Basis:
- The safety information for Loreev XR in adults is derived from studies conducted with lorazepam tablets.
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Differences in Warnings:
- Loreev XR prescribing literature differs from lorazepam prescribing literature in not explicitly stating that benzodiazepines should only be prescribed for short periods (2 to 4 weeks).
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Suicidality Risks:
- Both sets of literature, for lorazepam and Loreev XR, warn of the risks of suicidality associated with benzodiazepine use.
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Cessation and Tapering Guidance:
- Neither the FDA nor the manufacturer provides specific cessation or tapering guidance for Loreev XR beyond the general recommendation to "reduce slowly."
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Benzodiazepine Information Coalition:
- The article references the Benzodiazepine Information Coalition, a nonprofit organization focused on educating about the potential adverse effects of benzodiazepines taken as prescribed.
The personal accounts shared in the comments section highlight the challenges individuals face in withdrawing from benzodiazepines, underscoring the need for more comprehensive support and resources in managing withdrawal symptoms. The experiences shared emphasize the complexities and difficulties associated with benzodiazepine discontinuation, and they call attention to the importance of a well-structured tapering process.
