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How to manage side effects from 30 years use of Lorazepam
I have been given this drug for over 30 years. My dr does nothing to help me get off of it so after I did my own research I thought I could tapper myself off. I’m 5 months in and side effects have only gotten worse. I’m hoping someone on here has had these same issues but found a way through. I need guidance. I don’t trust anyone who hasn’t dealt with this personally. Each day I suffer from panic attacks and depression. Taking anti depressants gives me horrific night terrors which only fuels my anxiety. Recently I wake up to panic attacks in the middle of the night. My depression grows every day which is affecting my work and personal life.
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@joetex .5 is low but with a high potency drug like Ativan no dose is low. The high potency ones are all extremely potent. Many only take .5 mgs that’s how powerful it is.
@txdogmom
I'm sorry but the thing that really jumped out at me, which is terrible, is you get 8-9 hours of sleep a night??
I can't remember the last time I had that...Oh yeah. I was 17.
Ativan is pretty addictive. It's not great for people in our age bracket (but what is?)
I don't remember how long I've taken Klonopin for but you can get dementia from lack of sleep, depression (maybe) and lots of other factors.
I would suspect that sleep meds have other downsides.
I've read about using weed to help get off opioids and maybe it could help you decrease your intake of Ativan.
If you don't want to actually smoke it, take an edible but start light. Edibles last longer so you don't want to have it hit when you're on the freeway.
Surprised there are no doctors who can help you taper. Even if you just take less, that's pretty good!
Or-switch to Klonopin which seems less "heavy" and lasts longer.
Valium-No. Not good at our tender ages. It metabolizes slowly and can cause dizziness/ loss of balance.
Great for muscle spasms but not daily.
CBD? Maybe as an adjunct to the med of choice.
Hope this helps!
@ceciford you need to get on a hyperbolic taper to keep your taper levelsvatbor below 5% every 2 to 4 weeks before cutting your dosage. Refer to the Ashton Manual.