Connect
Has anybody successfully tapered off of lorazepam (Ativan)?
Has anybody successfully managed to successfully wean off of Lorazepam?
If so how was it done?
And if it was by way of switching to other drugs, were you then able to taper off of those entirely under a doctor's guidance?
My husband has been on Lorazepam for 16 years
He did well for 14 years, but dragged his feet about trying to withdraw while he was feeling better.
In May he had a relapse of anxiety, and insomnia, with brain fog, heart palpitations, and more.
Currently he's doing better, thinking better, but still feels like crap a large part of the time, can't sleep without the drug, can't nap.and still struggles with anxiety.
At this point, I believe it's the drug that is actually causing the problem. Currently he's doing 1 mg at bedtime and 3/4 mg when he wakes up at 2:30 am.
I know it takes 2 years for the brains GABA receptors to normalize after taking Benzodiazepines.
Also know it's really hard to withdraw, has to be done extremely slowly, and the side effects are exactly the same as the symptoms it is meant to help.
My goal is to eventually wean him off of all drugs as functional health tests show they block his nutritional absorption and may be damaging his intestinal lining. I would like to be able to repair his health using nutrition, supplements, and neurotransmitter amino acids.
All feedback is welcomed!
.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.
Connect
I think you’re going to have to find a new doctor. Eighteen years is a long time on Benzos. You’re going to need a really long taper plan. You don’t have enough meds left to do a proper taper, also you need to switch to diazepam. Don’t mess around with this.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you for replying to my question. I know I am so unhappy and SCARED. I am moving in 2 weeks to another state. I don't want to shop for a doctor to get another bad docor to get a prescription. For everyone out there, I lost 18 years of my life. Please don't do what I did and trust just any doctor.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThe drug I am slowly (0.4mg at a time) tapering offf of is Zoloft. The best advice I found for tapering off the Zoloft is the book, "The Anti-Depressant Solution" by Dr. Joseph Glenmullen. Dr. Glenmullen has 30 years experience is helping people discontinue these types of drugs. Some people have severe withdrawal symptoms. The book will be able to help you determine a proper rate of taper. Please let us know how you are doing.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsPlease do not taper by yourself. My doctor tapered me too quickly off on Klonopin, Xanax, and Hydrocodone after 21 years. I am 19 months off and I am having protracted withdrawal that has stopped my life in its tracts. If you go to Beating Benzos a Facebook group there is a man named David that the moderators can turn you on to and he will do a safe taper schedule for you. He did one for me but my doctor only gave me 8 mos to get off and I had to cut too soon and today I have
Benzo belly which is very painful, neuropathy in hands and feet, Tinnitus, and awful anxiety. I have Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia but at least with the meds could function. I have overwhelming fatigue from tapering too fast and was told it could last for 5 years. I need help and can't find a doctor to help me. There's a Doctor that helps people like me in Cali but I live in NY.
I know there is a good chance I will end up in the emergency room.ood news you are looking for a doctor. I will be leaving in Myrtle Beach so if anyone knows a good doctor please tell me. There are excellent detox facilities where I currently live in Prescott, Arizona, but I am moving to the east coast in two weeks.
I did exactly what you did for over 25 years. You’re not alone in trusting your doctor! I was able to find another doctor to help. Thank God.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionDo not even think of going to a detox facility. Research detox facilities and benzo tapering. This would be a terrible mistake. You need a doctor to write your scripts and taper on your own. Very very slowly.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI began to take lorazepam at night about 2 years ago (almost) for anxiety and sleeping issues. For the first couple of months I took 1 MG morning and night daily. Soon after I stopped the 1 MG in the morning and only took 1 MG at night. Several months ago I cut down from 1 MG every night to .5 every night. Does anyone have experience tapering .5 ativan once daily? Now that I'm at the lowest dose I worry about tapering further. I am under my Dr's supervision. The plan is to cut .5 in half and begin that and then stop altogether. Any advice is appreciated.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionBy the way I experienced essentially no symptoms tapering so far. It's gone very well.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsYou are so lucky your taper is going well! I cannot sleep on my .5 taer so went back to taking 1 mg at night. I am tapering per my request to my doctor. I don't know if I can accomplish this. The sleepless nights and the nightmares every night are literally driving me to thoughts of suicide.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction