← Return to Any positive stories about Benzo tapering? I need hope

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@djanthony

I had been taking Ativan 1mg four times daily for acute distress. Stayed on it for four years. I finally told my Psychiatrist that I wanted to stop taking it. So he began reducing it by 1/4th of a milligram every two weeks. It seemed a bit difficult in the very beginning but i believe that was perhaps due to my fears from others telling me that getting off the Ativan would be a horrible ordeal. After the first three - four tapers, I realized that although I might be slightly anxious with each reduction for about three days, afterwards, it wasn't bad at all. Eventually I found the taper to be so easy that I asked if the Doctor would continue tapering but at a quicker speed, thus began a reduction every Monday - one step down per week. The only annoying symptom I experienced then was mild insomnia, which eventually resolved itself. Coming off benzos - slowly - isn't too bad at all. Felt more energetic, less sleepy and was able to think much more clearly once I was off Ativan. Years later, when diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, I once again took Ativan but didn't fear withdrawing from it when I was ready because I knew I could do it quite easily! So, go slowly, take your time, and I doubt you'll find it difficult!! Remember not to allow your Doctor to reduce it on a more rapid taper, and you'll likely be just fine. Godspeed!

Jump to this post


Replies to "I had been taking Ativan 1mg four times daily for acute distress. Stayed on it for..."

Thank you for your reply. Happy to hear your taper went well. Hope your doing well with your breast cancer. God bless you!

Hi, @djanthony - that is interesting that you believe others' stories about how horrible an ordeal it would be to come off lorazepam (Ativan) increased your fears and made it more difficult to taper off successfully.

You mentioned that although you may have been slightly anxious with each reduction for about three days, afterwards, it wasn't bad at all. How did you get through the three-day period in which you had to deal with anxiety?