1. < Depression & Anxiety

Has anybody successfully tapered off of lorazepam (Ativan)?

Posted by healthlady22 @healthlady22, Feb 5, 2019

Has anybody successfully managed to successfully wean off of Lorazepam?
If so how was it done?
And if it was by way of switching to other drugs, were you then able to taper off of those entirely under a doctor's guidance?
My husband has been on Lorazepam for 16 years
He did well for 14 years, but dragged his feet about trying to withdraw while he was feeling better.
In May he had a relapse of anxiety, and insomnia, with brain fog, heart palpitations, and more.
Currently he's doing better, thinking better, but still feels like crap a large part of the time, can't sleep without the drug, can't nap.and still struggles with anxiety.
At this point, I believe it's the drug that is actually causing the problem. Currently he's doing 1 mg at bedtime and 3/4 mg when he wakes up at 2:30 am.
I know it takes 2 years for the brains GABA receptors to normalize after taking Benzodiazepines.
Also know it's really hard to withdraw, has to be done extremely slowly, and the side effects are exactly the same as the symptoms it is meant to help.
My goal is to eventually wean him off of all drugs as functional health tests show they block his nutritional absorption and may be damaging his intestinal lining. I would like to be able to repair his health using nutrition, supplements, and neurotransmitter amino acids.
All feedback is welcomed!
.

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dfb | @dfb | 2 days ago

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.

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daveshaw | @daveshaw | 2 days ago
In reply to @mrmacabre ""There's no such thing as mental health"? Seriously, say that to someone who's suffering from severe..." + (show)
@mrmacabre

"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.

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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.

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marialyce | @marialyce | 1 day ago
In reply to @halloweengirl78 "@dorothy1914 I have an appointment with an actual Doctor, nothing against nurse practitioners or anyone else,..." + (show)
@halloweengirl78

@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

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

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marialyce | @marialyce | 1 day ago
In reply to @jann422 "thank you! I wish I had known sooner. I am successfully, so far,down to 35% of..." + (show)
@jann422

thank you!
I wish I had known sooner.
I am successfully, so far,down to 35% of my initial dose using the Ashton Method. It is working and I have had very few issues so far. I am still scared and have a way to go.

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Congratulations!!

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marialyce | @marialyce | 1 day ago
In reply to @agakahn01 "I don't have any suggestions, just the same problem most of you have. I've taken .5..." + (show)
@agakahn01

I don't have any suggestions, just the same problem most of you have. I've taken .5 mg lorazepam per day for 10 years, usually at bedtime. I started after heart issues put me in the hospital and I had a defibrillator / pacemaker put in my chest to prevent recurrance. Lately, I've been having anxiety problems and for a short time a couple of weeks ago I doubled my dose to .5 mg twice per day only to find it's harder to go back to .5 mg per day now. My doctor recommended I start Fluoxetine (Prozac) for relief of anxiety but I fear getting on another med will just make things worse. Has anyone used Prozac or Paxil to wean off lorazepam? Any advice? Or will this just be another drug that will cause more problems. I've been reading this thread, very helpful advice from all and much appreciated.

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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

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