Benzos Concurrent use of Lyrica and benzos

[Snake_Eyes]

I've been taking benzos (prescribed and not) for almost a year and a half now mainly temazepam, alprazolam and *zolpidem. I stuck to a twice a week schedule up until about 5 months ago when I got put on lyrica (50mg x3) for nerve pain. When I found that with lyrica I could cut my temazepam in half and still get similar effects I was thrilled. :D I was taking 30mg temazepam, .5mg Xanax or 10mg zolpidem.

I knew that lyrica was helpful with benzo withdrawal and I led myself into a false sense of security and started to increase my usage to 3-4 days a week, I knew 3 days was pushing it and 4 would get me a habit, luckily the latter has only been taking place for a month or so. Once I started to combine them with lyrica (50-100mg) I would half the temazepam occasionally taking a full one while the other two stayed the same. Fast forward to now and I think I may have gotten myself dependent. The days I typically use are Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday. I don't plan on stopping my benzo use altogether but I would like to go back to just two days like I was before.

Since I was/am potentiating my benzos with the lyrica would the amount of benzo that I may or may not be dependent on ( xanax for example) would it still be .5mg or would it be considered higher because of the pregabalin? Also would I be at a higher seizure risk if I was in benzo withdrawal because of combining the two?

 

[ugly]

Have you or can you ask a pharmacist? I know it is dicey to try to ask a pharmacist questions... but that's a loaded question (or two) you are asking.

I can see where your risk of seizure would go up if you were also on Clonazepam.

 

[RobotRipping]

if lyrica truly potentiates (like inhibiting the benzo from breaking down like grapefruit juice) benzodiazepines then yes you'd be dependent to the equivalent of a higher dose. I think it's just synergy with lyrica and benzos that get you such a greater effect, but i could be wrong on that. I doubt a pharmacist would even know.

 

[Snake_Eyes]

I forgot to ask about the seizure thing but according to one pharmacist it wouldn't be true potentiation just synergy.