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Rebound Insomnia after titrating off of Ativan/Lorezepan

Posted by richelainebaker @richelainebaker, Aug 22 12:17pm

I have been taking Lorazepam for about the last five years nightly for sleep issues. I am on lowest dose 0.5 mg per day and sometimes during the day for dental/medical appt. A couple of months ago my husband helped me titrate off the drug which on a jewelry scale a pill weighs 60 milligrams. Each day he cut a tiny piece off (1 mg) and after almost two months I was done. I felt fine for a couple of weeks after that and then I developed the most horrible insomnia of my life. Literally no sleep at night. I was desperate and took a pill again and sleep great that night. My husband feels that CBT-I would be beneficial to me and maybe I should temporarily go back on the nightly pills so I can get some sleep and we could work thru a CBT-I workbook together. My husband is very kind and understanding and wants to help me get thru this. I only slept for two hours last night and I can't continue like this. I tried sleepy time tea last night but it didn't help. Please if anyone has any advice concerning this rebound nightmare I would be so appreciative. I am 75 years old and in fairly good health.

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richelainebaker | @richelainebaker | Aug 24 11:49am
In reply to @kawanhee "7.5 mg is recommended for sleep issues. The only side effect I’ve noticed is feeling groggy..." + (show)
@kawanhee

7.5 mg is recommended for sleep issues. The only side effect I’ve noticed is feeling groggy in the morning, but it’s worth it since I can now sleep. Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions!

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Thank you so much for responding to my question. I am older so I need to check to see if this might affect me. Adversely. It does sound like a wonderful solution to a very difficult problem. All the best. Have a great weekend.

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leemoore13 | @leemoore13 | Aug 24 5:35pm
In reply to @lauralouisenelson "Careful about relying on benadryl (1st generation antihistamines) nightly long term. They will lead to dependence,..." + (show)
@lauralouisenelson

Careful about relying on benadryl (1st generation antihistamines) nightly long term. They will lead to dependence, and tolerance as they eventually stop helping because your histamine receptors adjust to their presence. Also, these drugs are on the BBERS list of drugs that negatively affect cognition. Long term, they mess up your ability to think and remember. They are very bad for brain health. Yes, I know insomnia is bad for bran health too, it's hard to know what to do. But you can learn to address insomnia without drugs. Best to learn about some NON DRUG approaches to your insomnia. Best ~

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Thanks so much for that. In fact I had nearly stopped taking the antihistamines as they were contraindicated for another issue. I only take occasionally but use melatonin and also self hypnosis tapes which concentrate on keeping things in the now.....hugely helpful not to worry about past or future. Thanks again

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aviswalton123 | @aviswalton123 | Sep 27 9:49am
In reply to @gmamrj "I too am tapering off lorazepam. I have been on .5 mg for almost 6 years..." + (show)
@gmamrj

I too am tapering off lorazepam.
I have been on .5 mg for almost 6 years for PTSD after open heart surgery.
Working with my pcp I have reduced dose by 25% every 2 weeks. I am now down to .125 mg. I now have horrible insomnia. Maybe 2 hours of sleep a night. And that is not continuous. 30 minutes …15 minutes.
I too wondered which was worse …no sleep or lorazepam??
Let my pcp know what was going on and he prescribed hydroxyzine. It is a prescription antihistamine. I have taken it the last 2 nights and have slept 8 hours. Only drawback is that I am sleepy all day. Guess that is better than the anxiety.
I have an appointment with pcp this week. Thinking I can take the hydroxyzine until my body heals from lorazepam. We will see.
Also I am seeing a therapist. I am to journal while listening to bilateral stimulation.
Prayers for all of us.

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Hi gmimri
I am wondering how you are doing on hydroxizine?
I tried it but caused elevated heart rate

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gmamrj | @gmamrj | Sep 27 10:00am

It worked for two nights. Then caused extreme anxiety
Not using it now. Back to .25 mg Ativan. Seeing a sleep specialist next week.

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