Using cbd to wean off Ativan

Hi, @angrae - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm sorry to hear the escitalopram (Lexapro) has been horrible for you with feeling wired, anxious and not able to sleep. That sounds very rough. Since both going onto a new mental health-related medication and tapering off can be quite a process — sometimes a quite bumpy journey — I'd encourage you to speak with your doctor and potentially also a pharmacist about what you are encountering. In my experience with antidepressants, for instance, I found it can take up to a few months to completely acclimate to a new medication.

When I started taking bupropion (Wellbutrin) several years ago, for instance, it was at least a couple of months (or more) of adjustment, and I wanted to get off of it after a month or so, as I was feeling too wired and not like myself. Fortunately, a pharmacist advised me to just hold on a couple more months and try and ride it out. I did that, and it ended up being a very good medication for me.

As far as dealing with tapering off of lorazepam (Ativan) using CBD oil to deal with the side effects, I'd like to introduce you to some other members who have talked about this medication and also those who have talked about CBD oil, like @gailb, @cdcc, @jloo @guener @natmill @susanfantini and @mbabkk. Hoping they can offer some thoughts about your taper off of lorazepam (Ativan), your challenges with escitalopram (Lexapro) and CBD oil.

@angrae, over the long-term, what are the main symptoms you are looking to manage, mental health-wise?

Yeah, avoid all meds. There's alot f ignorance in the med Field. Unfortunately they're not always our best advocates. Some more ignorant than others. The anxiety will pass. And CBD may fuel the fire as you said. It's slightly stimulating. Look into magnesium and niacin. If you're interested you may private message me on this site. I have alot of knowledge in this area (not a doctor),just someone who's been down that road

I used to have severe social anxiety, along with panic attacks occasionally. My anxiety was mostly in anticipation of certain events. And when the event would come, my anxiety would be so severe that I would go into depersonalization. This lead to thousands of misconceptions, and dellusional thinking. Which led to anti social type tendencies.

Meditation nipped the root of the problem. I'm able to see it as it arises within my mind, and allow it to pass. Anxiety still comes, but I notice it, where before I was it. The noticing puts you in control. With the simple understanding that where attention goes, nueral firing grows

So over time, with consistent practice, your brain will begin to structurally change in favor of the practice of letting go.

Hi, @angrae - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm sorry to hear the escitalopram (Lexapro) has been horrible for you with feeling wired, anxious and not able to sleep. That sounds very rough. Since both going onto a new mental health-related medication and tapering off can be quite a process — sometimes a quite bumpy journey — I'd encourage you to speak with your doctor and potentially also a pharmacist about what you are encountering. In my experience with antidepressants, for instance, I found it can take up to a few months to completely acclimate to a new medication.

When I started taking bupropion (Wellbutrin) several years ago, for instance, it was at least a couple of months (or more) of adjustment, and I wanted to get off of it after a month or so, as I was feeling too wired and not like myself. Fortunately, a pharmacist advised me to just hold on a couple more months and try and ride it out. I did that, and it ended up being a very good medication for me.

As far as dealing with tapering off of lorazepam (Ativan) using CBD oil to deal with the side effects, I'd like to introduce you to some other members who have talked about this medication and also those who have talked about CBD oil, like @gailb, @cdcc, @jloo @guener @natmill @susanfantini and @mbabkk. Hoping they can offer some thoughts about your taper off of lorazepam (Ativan), your challenges with escitalopram (Lexapro) and CBD oil.

@angrae, over the long-term, what are the main symptoms you are looking to manage, mental health-wise?

I am looking to manage my sleep and anxiety of going off 3 mg of Ativan

Thanks Lisa. Anxiety, for I’m told is possible central sensitivity syndrome. I’ve been in and out of the ER , and have been through multiple tests and lab work ups for crazy symptoms post a hip tear surgery back in March. Before this, I was active and healthy with no problems. I am pretty miserable and not sure that I want to be on another medication ( lexapro ) that is possibly contributing to making me feel like this and then eventually going through this again when I’m ready to come off of it. I’m willing to try CBD oil but scared to add fuel to the fire. I only have 2 Ativan left and was hoping to not have to take them. No refills and I’m from OOT here at the Mayo for all the test. Suppose to leave tomorrow but I’m not sure how I will function so I’m wandering if CBD will help.

I used to have severe social anxiety, along with panic attacks occasionally. My anxiety was mostly in anticipation of certain events. And when the event would come, my anxiety would be so severe that I would go into depersonalization. This lead to thousands of misconceptions, and dellusional thinking. Which led to anti social type tendencies.

Meditation nipped the root of the problem. I'm able to see it as it arises within my mind, and allow it to pass. Anxiety still comes, but I notice it, where before I was it. The noticing puts you in control. With the simple understanding that where attention goes, nueral firing grows

So over time, with consistent practice, your brain will begin to structurally change in favor of the practice of letting go.