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!

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