Looking for help to taper off Ativan (lorazepam)

Posted by pamee @pamee, Jan 8, 2023

Hi my name is pamee. I need help as I have a rare disorder from Ativan. It's horrific excruciating pain 24/7 with minimal sleep so I'm also sleep deprived. The pain is killing me at times I want to die. I take 2 mg 4x a day fir 13-14 yrs and recently been having blackouts. I'm scared. Can anyone please give me suggestions whether I taper one dose at a time or should I taper all 4 doses in a day at about 1/4 of the pill. Thank you for any help you can give. Kind regards, pamee

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hurtinforcertain | @hurtinforcertain | Nov 12 10:02am

I had to reduce my dosage of clonazepam a few years ago and my doctor wrote specific directions for tapering off. I had 0 withdrawals and couldn't have done it without a specific schedule. I had been on it for almost 30 years. I do just fine now on a very low dose. about 1/8th as much as I took previously. Good luck getting off of the lorazepam-- sorry to hear of those awful side effects.

jcamosy | @jcamosy | Nov 13 12:58pm

What were the instructions?

Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Nov 13 2:24pm

In reply to @jcamosy "What were the instructions?" + (show)

Depending on the drug and your dosage and your particulars, it will be determined by your doctor what your taper schedule would be. Some people have to have their taper schedule adjusted some even have to have it adjusted multiple times. Have you talked to your doctor about tapering from a medication?

meryw | @meryw | Nov 13 2:39pm

I too am dependent on Ativan. I’ve gone up and down on the doses over the last 30 years and have even been off it a few times. I always seem to go back on as I have major anxiety and problems with dizziness that it seems to help. You probably don’t want to hear this, but I really think you should be admitted into a hospital that specializes in detoxification. I know that you have been prescribed this medication and are taking it as it is prescribed but that doesn’t mean you aren’t seriously addicted. These types of units usually include lots of people getting off street drugs but they also include people like us who are taking too much prescribed medication. Just think about it. You don’t have to decide anything this minute. Talk to your doctor about it. Know that I am thinking of you and sending healing vibes your way!

mgrubbs221 | @mgrubbs221 | Nov 14 4:32pm

I came off it very slowly. I was on 2 mg/day. At your high dosage, I suggest having a psychiatrist help you taper off. Maybe he/she could prescribe something to aid the withdrawal symptoms you will experience. Also, pray for help and wisdom from Jesus Christ; this really helps me.