Has anybody successfully tapered off of lorazepam (Ativan)?

I,too, had to go off Lorazepam 4 years ago when the psychiatric group I went to stopped prescribing it. They gave me Valium with a schedule of weaning off that for several weeks, but at that time I was also taking 1 mg of risperidone. I've also cut down to .5 .I still have difficulty falling asleep so my psych presc 5 mg of busperone at night. The most important thing I found is to find a highly recommended psychiatrist. I also started walking daily and now can walk 3 miles thrice a week. It was hard but I stopped sugar and most caffeine. I don't eat any heavily processed food. I thought I'd have PTSD my whole life because of an abusive childhood, but I went to psychotherapy which has significantly reduced my anxiety. Luckily I'm retired because work was a major stress. All of it takes awhile before you feel the difference.Also be careful what you watch on tv. I didn't do everyone all at once but I feel the best I've ever felt in my life physically and mentally. And I don't feel guilty about taking what meds I need

Benzos are so difficult to get off of. Weaning down slowly is key. I know that Propranolol is used off label for anxiety but is usually prescribed for heart palpitations and high blood pressure. Another medication to help with anxiety and sleep is hydroxyzine. It is not addictive. It is like a "super" Benadryl and not addictive. Sometimes antidepressants can help as well, but as you probably know, they too have to be weaned off of, but if he needs an antidepressant, it could help. I take Cymbalta. I have been on many different SSRIs and SNRIs throughout my life. Cymbalta has helped pull me out of the hole I was in when I found my boyfriend dead in our house. I stayed sober, which is wild, but if I hadn't I would not be here to write this reply. You may know this already as well, but there are foods that can help with GABA production and also exercise, even just walking. I know that gut health is important. I use Psyllium Husks in water (tastes like raw mushrooms but I like mushrooms). I started with 1/2 a tsp in 8 ounces of water in the morning. Kind of detox for the gut. I have a gut detox regimen from a holistic doctor if you are interested, I can attach it here. Good luck, but take care of yourself first. Remember that no one can make anyone do anything. If that were the case, I would have gotten sober years ago for my mom and dad.

My friend's psychologist is managing her wean from lorazapam. It was originally given to her for sleep, but she also has "uncontrolled" anxiety. It is a several month process and the accompanying meds seem to be doing what they should. A toolkit for anxiety, in my own experience, should include EFT tapping, intentional breathing and a daily walk or two outside for at least a total of twenty minutes. Movement helps. For sleep issues, I went to Cognitive Behavior in the local Sleep Department and it was awesome. There is a specific diary to keep for a couple of weeks (naps, activities, times awake at night, etc) and then talking about the results and making a plan. It was an easy process.

My anxious husband takes Seroquel about an hour before bedtime and he is much better during the days. He is also on Zoloft. I do have 5-hydroxy gaba for occasional times when even I am wigged out, and it does not cause drowsiness. I first obtained it from a prescription lab.

"There's no such thing as mental health"? Seriously, say that to someone who's suffering from severe schizophrenia, or to their doctor, and see what they have to say on the subject.

I’m not saying people aren’t ill, I’ve been there. Im ay it the brain not some mystical thing called “mental” Wh we have heart problems we treat the heart, “mental”health s brain health an dyes people, me included get sick but one must treat the correct organ of the body.

I’m saying all “mental “health problems are biological especially schizophrenia.

I wis everyone good health and peace.

I couldn’t agree more. Depression and anxiety is real as is schizophrenia and Bi-Polar disorder. If you don’t think so you really don’t suffers from mental health issues.
Most people that truly have depression have it for life. Take your meds and enjoy life.
The other option is to ride a roller coaster the rest of your life.
I prefer the former.
Good luck to everyone.

I just wanted to check in to see how you are doing? I’m just seeing your post

Congratulations!!

I’ve taken Prozac for depression and it was very helpful. There are some “withdrawal” issues when you want to come off it. Just keep that in mind. Best of luck