Ativan withdrawal

I took Ativan for years and the withdrawal was BAD. I’ve been on Trazodone for a number of years with no problems. Good nights sleep and non narcotic.

@dwheels8, hi, I’m sorry that you’re going through such a difficult time with the Ativan, you shouldn’t have to suffer like this especially at your age, I too have and am going through the same thing and it’s a heavy burden to deal with. I recently started on a new antidepressant to give me some added strength but now this medication is giving me other problems, you can’t win for trying but we don’t have much choice anymore…I never had any issues with Ativan and have been taking it for about 23 years, I never let my dose increase and it still works better than all the other newer drugs they allow us to use. I don’t want to promote this drug because like all medications they have a dark side, sadly we need some of them to survive but I believe it’s gotten out of control, some doctors call it a trade off, they help with one issue and create another. I think you’re doing very good and you’re off them now, it’s just the last stage you’re dealing with and keep on doing what you’ve been working so hard to get through, try not to get discouraged about sleeping poorly, read a book or watch some television to divert your mind from it and you will be just fine, you’re a rockstar and keep on rocking. all the best to you, Frouke.

Thank you. Just wanted to let you know that you it wasn’t my PCP who wanted me off Ativan. I’d heard so many negative stories about it I thought I too needed off of it. It’s not like I’m in my 30’s or 40’s. I won’t be on it for many years.
I am really considering getting back on it at maybe a .25 mg once a day.
Will be speaking with PCP

I mean, in my opinion, your peace of mind is more important that whether you take a small amount of Ativan that you’re not abusing. Why rock the boat? Withdrawal from benzos is a huge undertaking, uncomfortable to say the least
I feel like your sleep is more important than getting of a med just because it has a bad rep.
My mom is 83 and takes ambien at night. It helps. Yeah you can build up a tolerance and it can be addictive. But it works. Her doc kinda said well you’re dependent on it but (kinda) who cares? (I’m saying this with half a smile- I don’t want it to sound harsh!)

Lunesta works well. Although I’m wondering why you’re tapering off of your benzo when it’s the only thing that provides you sleep

I have never taken Ativan, but another benzo - Klonopin - for many years. 1-1.5mg at bedtime, never increased the dose and it worked like a charm. Much younger than you, at 64, none of my doctors would prescribe it and I had to go to a psychiatrist to wean off VERY slowly - took a full 10 months and next month will be a year off it. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, and the insomnia was awful for 9 months, with drs. trying Vistaril and Remeron, none of which helped. Chronic insomnia is no joke! Finally got in with a sleep specialist neurologist and am now taking 2 - 3 mg of Lunesta and sleeping! It isn't the deep sleep that Klonopin was, and I wake pretty frequently, but can roll over and go back to sleep or take the extra 1mg if needed. Game changer for me, and I have no side effects. My husband and daughter say I am mentally sharper, and I no longer have stupid falls or bump into things, so I think being off the benzo is good for me. If you haven't yet, give Lunesta a try since it has been prescribed.

Thank you. Your experience with Lunesta is encouraging. Really considering it. Dr prescribed 2mg.
There are a lot of meds that make me crazy. I have been scared to try Lunesta.
This insomnia is horrible. I do have an appointment with sleep Dr but no until the last of October.
Indecision is hard.

I just took my last dose 10 days ago so I can totally relate. I’m sorry your sleep is so affected. I was wondering if you have had any other physical symptoms since your final dose?

Pretty. Anxious and I would say a little depressed. No motivation.

One way to try the Lunesta would be to split the pill and start with 1mg to see how it makes you feel, and if that is enough to get you to sleep. I find that for me, it is a mild effect even at 2mg and just stops my brain from overthinking so I can drift off to sleep. It is not for everyone but I would say I consistently am asleep within about 20 minutes. You are to take it when you get into bed and turn out the lights.