Has anybody successfully tapered off of lorazepam (Ativan)?

It’s a very insidious drug and doesn’t always like to cooperate with our plan to stop. I remember when I first started taking this drug, I could take it on and off without any problems and I even stopped taking them for a while but before I knew it I started feeling physically ill and I wasn’t even sure what was causing it until one day I took an Ativan and everything went away, I should have stayed off them but I just couldn’t cope anymore…that was over twenty years ago. My advice to you is start now with your withdrawal, you’re in a good place to begin a slow taper, you mentioned that your dose is 0.5 mg. so I would recommend cutting it down to 0.25 mg and adjust to this for perhaps 4 weeks or more depending on how you feel, the main thing is to go very slow to avoid relapse. There’s also lots of good info online that can be very useful. I think that you have a good chance to get off them and perhaps if needed ask your doctor to give you something else that’s not addictive to help you cope if needed, best wishes for your recovery.

Naturegirl,

I would have to agree with you. I also struggle with the same thing. I have also struggled with anxiety for about 3-4 years now.

to answer any questions, no I am not.

@jebz88 First, I'd like to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect. I see you have already received support that you've found helpful. I understand the struggle with anxiety and trying to figure out what works best.

While I mostly understand how benzodiazepine medication such as Ativan works I can only comment on my own experience. As @frouke commented, this class of medications is insidious. You are very wise to be concerned with tapering off and how to do that. For now, and from what you've written the anxiety and panic attacks you experience ramp up at times. I went through that same scenario when I first experienced panic attacks. This was over 30 years ago and I worked with a psychiatrist who helped me find an antidepressant (desipramine but there are better antidepressant medications with fewer side effects now available) medication that worked to bring down the anxiety and the depression I was feeling so I could better cope. Since I took the antidepressant daily I didn't have to "react" and worry about panic attacks. I learned coping skills for when I did feel anxious.

Are you already taking antidepressant medication that works for depression and panic attacks? There are many medications that your doctor can try with you to see what works best. It takes patience on your part to go this route as it takes time to get to the dosage level that works best for you and for your body to adjust.

Here is information from Mayo Clinic:

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI):

--https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/snris/art-20044970

Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors:

-- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/ssris/art-20044825

There are other medications too that are not in the above classes that work for anxiety and depression.

Are you seeing a mental health therapist who can help you develop coping skills and help you with the stress you are experiencing?

Thank you so much for your suggestions and input! So i did do some research on the ashtons manual after yesterday’s experience. I was convinced my body had entered fullblown withdrawls because the panic was so intense and it was somehow coupled with this dark sense of impending doom and depression which i dont typically suffer from. Not sure if it was withdrawals or rebound anxiety or what?! That was 25 hours ago. I havent used anything since and my plan is not too. I have had minor bouts of anxiety throughout the day but been able to redirect my thinking thus far. Made it to the gym this morning which i imagine can only help throughout this process— i go 5-6 times a week and will be CRUSHED if physical symptoms from stopping this crap deter me from making it. My thought process behind not tapering is that i wasnt a daily user (albeit the past 9 days) .. and given the low dose i was hoping i could get away with just stopping. Am i crazy for thinking this is possible? Im open to cutting in half and tapering if absolutely necessary but havent felt that necessity today (yet) fingers crossed

Has anyone tapered from 0.5mg of lorazepam per day? Can you share your experience? Thank you.

Has anyone tapered from 0.5mg of lorazepam per day? Can you share your experience? Thank you.

Has anyone tapered from 0.5mg of lorazepam per day? Can you share your experience? Thank you.

Been prescribed ativan since end of October so almost 11 months. Was prescribed .5 mg and typically would use it around 2 weeks out of a month sometimes more. Sometimes i wouldnt take it for a week and then others i would rely on it for a week straight. This has been one of those weeks. A couple times a year i get what i call “intense daily panic attacks” — not typical anxiety but the kind of attacks that feel debilitating. Ive taken it for 9 days straight. Today i was committed to not taking it and attempting to stop it entirely but the panic came on so strong and i became immensely depressed and on edge and couldnt sit still but also couldnt lay down. I couldnt be a parent to my children! So i caved and took one. I just find it weird because previously i could go a week without or 3-4 days without.. im talking just last month and would have no issues or symptoms of withdrawal. So what gives? Did i magically become chemically rich or physically dependent in the past week due to 8 days of use in a row? If so.. what suggestions do you have to taper off and be done. I assume it wouldnt be a long taper given the fact its a low dose for 10 months and not an everyday thing. Dont want to have to rely on this med for another moment so any suggestions or experience is appreciated !

On bad days I take 6mg but that is rare. This talk about tapering off scares me.

On bad days I take 6mg but that is rare. This talk about tapering off scares me.