Ativan withdrawal

Thank you for this info. Very helpful.
You have not experienced any hallucinations or sleep walking?
How long have you been taking Lunesta?

I have been on Ativan .5mg 3X a day for 2yrs. I suffered for years with debilitating panic/anxiety. I don't like having to take it to feel like I have control but I have tried many other meds and this one works!
I'm 56yrs old, I worry about long term use but my quality of life is so much better now.
You mentioned you're 82, I would ask was your quality of life better with the Ativan? If your answer is yes, I think going back to the Ativan would be reasonable, you were on such a low dose.
I wish you the best, be well!

I have not had any side effects from the Lunesta. I dream every night, but they are pleasant dreams and not overly vivid. If I get up to go to the bathroom or to get water, I am fine. I'm awake and know exactly what I am doing. I've been taking it since late March of this year.

Thank you. That’s encouraging.

Those of you who are takin Lunesta. Have you had any weird side effects? I need to sleep so bad but am scared of doing weird and harmful things. Like falling downstairs , driving car?????

I can't understand why doctors always want to mess with a persons medications and instead of making things better, get it all screwed up? Why mess with things when everything is working well? I have a long history of having to take benzodiazepines starting when I was in HS. I started out with librium, then valium, and finally lorazepam. I have taken lorazepam for many years and now my present PCP wants me off of it. I have tried a lot of the newer meds for depression and anxiety and none of them worked well enough to stay on them. Now I feel I am being used as a guinea pig again.
I have no quality of life, and nothing to live for, but I am supposed to try new meds again and for what? Ativan is the only medicine that worked well for me and now I have to start trying out new drugs? I am seventy seven years old so I probably don't have many years left anyway. I just want to live out my life without a lot of needless obstacles.

I am so sorry you are having to go thru this.
Doctors should understand how important quality of life is for us mature women.

Thank You for reading this and I appreciate your understanding. This problem goes for men as well since I am a man but have been basically a basket case having to deal with depression and anxiety most of my life.

Yes. Men and women.
Praying you can find peace and comfort.

I am amazed that you have gotten so far in such a short time! All the recommendations I read indicate a MUCH slower taper from benzodiazepines than you did, which may be why it’s hitting you so hard. I am trying to do the same with Xanax and the length of time to stop after taking .5 mg (a very low dose) for almost 10+ years is crazy! You have given me hope and I am so grateful for that! Please hang in there! You’ve come so far and they are horrible drugs. For the last 6 months, I have been in a state of depression and anxiety because I’ve taken it so long. Now my body and brain have to have it without my getting any benefits. I know it’s hard not to give in when you’re tossing and turning all night. It’s what I do every night. Woke up at 2:15 AM today after going to bed at 10:30. Some days I make it as far as 4 AM. I hope you are able to ditch this stuff for good. Your story has encouraged me to start trying. I couldn’t face it when I was reading At least six months to get over them. Thank you so much for giving me a different and more positive outlook! Good luck to you!