Has anybody successfully tapered off of lorazepam (Ativan)?

The problem is not just the doctors who prescribe these medications knowing that they are highly addictive, I also hold the government responsible for the problems we’re dealing with. If the government knows that these drugs are addictive, it really doesn’t matter to them, they will only get involved if the problem gets too big and then they will step in but with no regard for the patients. I believe that they created the problem and it is the same for the opioid crisis, these people were given a drug that is also highly addictive but they were told it was safe and not addictive, the doctors were also told to give them out because they’re safe. We know now that it was a lie but the only ones being punished are the patients, the same is happening with benzodiazepines and again they are punishing the patients, the doctors are also being pushed to stop the medication and now they’ve created a crisis. It’s common knowledge that desperate people do desperate things and buying illegal drugs is what is happening but the drugs they are buying are badly made with no regulations so sadly these poor souls are overdosing. Why should we trust in a government that causes these problems and yet they allow alcohol and tobacco sales to go on because of the huge profits made from the sales. It’s truly sad to be victimized and finding the help you need, our world is motivated by the almighty dollar and the biggest challenge we face is to avoid becoming another victim, it requires a strong mental and physical strength to do so.

Thank you.

Before I even found this place, I had started trying to get off of Ativan, and I had been on it since like 2000.
I keep feeling like I can't concentrate or focus on anything. I can't rest well at night, I am constantly rethinking every decision I've ever made in my life. I'm so figity.
It's really freaking me out.
I have a new PCP, but the first new patient appointment that I could get is for the 11th, and I'm not sure I can make it till the 11th as far as not having a nervous breakdown or something!

Can anyone help me in anyway?
I had been on 1mg, 3 X's a day for all these years, and now I'm trying to take one right before bed. But not sure if that's right or not.

I'm so sorry to hear about what your going through. I think you are saying in your post that you are currently only taking 1 dose of your Ativan at night, correct? But you use to take 3 doses throughout the day, correct? If you have tapered down yourself then I would up your dosage so you don't feel like you're going to have a nervous breakdown. If it is because you don't have enough of the Ativan because of not having a MD to prescribe another month's prescription then this is what I would do. I am not a doctor or nurse just to make that clear. Find a neurologist that will see you ASAP. They know more about the brain and how your brain gets hooked on these types of medications. My story is a long one but in short,I tried for 6months to get off of klonopin after 30yrs and it was a nightmare. My regular Md moved and the other Dr's at the practice did not want to right a script for that drug. So I tried by myself to taper off very slowly. I wasn't sleeping and I had all kinds of withdrawal symptoms. I found a neurologist and he let it be my choice if I wanted to stay on my old dose or try something else first. So I tried something else and it did not work so I went back on the klonopin. I feel normal now. I know it's addictive but I don't think my brain can go without it after 30yrs. I will be praying you get to see a Dr somewhere soon. Take care.

You are correct, went from 3 times a day to one. Can't find a neurologist, none around here take my insurance.
So I'm going to be calling my new PCP doctor's office all week.
I'm seriously wondering if I will be able to get off of Ativan.

There are some natural things that could help a little, as long as you're not allergic. Valarian root(natural version of Valium, passion flower, chamomile. Also believe it or not benadryl. I used that a few times and it helped.

@halloweengirl78
I feel exactly like you. I don’t know how I make it through each day. After 5 days I had to stop the Effexor as it was causing me to constantly ruminate about things that happened more than 25 years ago. I have headaches every day and I am very shaky on my feet. I have a hard time eating. I stupidly weaned off Effexor after 25 years but have not been able to restart due to terrible side effects. There are no decent hospitals to get help here in Arizona. They only have lock down facilities.
Hope you get an appointment soon.
Claudia

@dorothy1914

I have an appointment with an actual Doctor, nothing against nurse practitioners or anyone else, but after everything I've been through, just not good experiences with them.
But I have an appointment on the 10th at 10:45. So thankful it's a morning appointment. I just pray that she will be able to help me.
I'm going to be alone from Monday till, I think Thursday. I'm worried about being alone while I'm feeling like this.
I am seriously so scared to be alone. I don't have friends, and absolutely no one I can talk to. What if I do have a nervous breakdown and I'm alone?
Amy

@halloweengirl78
I had an appointment on April 10 as well but I had to cancel as I can’t leave the house. I tried to take Ativan last night to sleep but it was worthless. Hope your doctor’s appointment is successful.
Claudia

All psychiatric medications make changes to the brain…real changes in the way the brain is wired. Everything you and everyone is experiencing is the brain fighting against these poisons.

They are not therapeutic they treat symptoms not cause and they suck at doing that.

The are poison…full stop.

The body simply rejects them.

Who was the idiot that approved a drug that “might cause suicidal thoughts or actions” if that was the case with antibiotics we’d all be dead from infections or suicide.

Psychiatry is voodoo, there is no science supporting any of this.

We are all the victims of a self organized system that prioritize profit over human suffering.

And I am going to tear it to the ground; watch for Thrive: The Theory of Abundance and The End of Suffering.

They should have killed me when they had the chance. Well I’m still here and I am going to tell the world what they have done. The Single Biggest Crime ever perpetrated against huminaty.

Think Tobacco on steroids.

All that being true do not stop taking your meds cold turkey…I’ve tied to kill myself more times than anyone knows. This has noting to do with being weak willed or “mentally ill” it is because my brain is damaged by childhood trauma, cortisol dis regulation, years of poisonous psychiatric medications, 19 season of ECT , long Covid, a pulmonary embolism caused by the meds…on and on and on.

My brain is swollen, like everyone to one degree or another. My doctors are finally paying attentions.

All “mental health” problems are brain swelling/trauma/cortisol feed back loop. One has to break the feed back loop by address all three.

Nutrition
Exercise
Electrolytes as much a you can stand.
Meditation…it is real it heals the brain.
Love, love, love for yourself and others.
Get away from toxic people especially doctors that don’t listen they are to be feared worse than death.

I review this site everyday and litany of suffering is more than I can take I am going to do something about it. If anyone thinks this is hyperbole from a bipolar patient, Google me…Im back and I want a reckoning.

Hang on, I witness your suffering and intented on making the world witness it…so help me…you know who.

Warn them…I’m coming.

Peace and good heath are your birth right take it back.

PM me anytime.

Enough of this; time they help us get off the poison they addicted us to.

Suffering sucks, unacknowlged suffering really sucks, being blamed for your suffering really, really sucks, suffering caused by those who are supposed to help is criminal…they need psychiatrist in prison to…maybe they can get out early by cleaning the bathrooms.

Oh yeah I’m angry.

By the way I as on 14 mediations 18 months ago…I am on nothing now and have recovered physical mentally and spiritual beyond my base line. If I can make it anyone can. I no what prescription for Cannabis, 100mg a daily versus 3000mg of psyche meds… cannibis being illegal is another artifact of the profit system. The AMA opposed making it Illegal because it is so useful…but its not profitable…cause you can’t patent a plant.