Any positive stories about Benzo tapering? I need hope

I am tapering Lorazepam 6mg a day for decades. June of 2021 started taper with .5 mg Clonazepam and today 2/16.2021 am still taking, I think a high dose, .25 mg a day. Please tell me how you tapered.

I was taking Lorazepam. My doctor and I used the Mayo Clinic guidelines on tapering off benzos. I was switched to Valium as it is easier to taper off of than Lorazepam.

Where did you find the Mayo Clinic Tapering Benzo Guidelines? I would like to also print it out and show it to my Doctor. The thing is he once told me he thinks I should stay on this Med for the rest of my life. I am rather "scared" because I am losing my health care coverage in three weeks. My husband is on disability and he will get full coverage and he is also a Veteran, but I will have to pay out-of-pocket for my Benzo and it is 56.99 for a 30 day supply. Oh how I now wish more than anything that I had begun tapering years ago. I am "afraid" of having seizures or ending up in the hospital which is not something I can do! leah09

Hmmm, I cannot find the guidelines any longer. Great info from Benzodiazapine Information Coalition in Utah. I can only relay what has been working for me. I know that any taper should be slowly. It took my body more than a week on a lower dosage to adjust in the first 4 1/2 months.

My biggest problem is that I have no support person who could help me keep on a safe tapering schedule. I have been on this Klonopin 0.5 mg for over 6 years and I occasionally take 1/2 tablet extra to get to sleep. I can't seem to "stick with it." I am a goof ball and can't stick with tapering. I also took this drug in the year 2006 when my anxiety level shot through the roof. My husband is on disability and almost died last year. That increases my anxiety. I am taking care of him every day now. He can't drive a car anymore he can't work anymore. He is a Veteran too. Our lives changed last September when he almost died of liver failure in the hospital. If anything else pops up that I feel I can't handle I am afraid I will just want to take more Klonopin. My Doctor appointment is March 2nd. I am so scared he is going to drop me as his patient and then I will have no one at all to help me. Sorry to sound so negative.
Leah09

I wouldn’t stress out about your dosage. As long as you don’t go up, you’ll be okay.

I liked your comment. I needlessly worry about things I cannot control. I took my own personal stand in bring my mind back to rationality. Most of the things I fear never come to pass and what has isn't as bad as my mind has made the fear. Personally, I let my doctor do the talking, get out of my own way as I can be my own worst enemy through my tapering and withdrawal process. I see my doctor in a week. I take 1.5 mg of Valium at night. I was supposed to be done. I may have to take this dosage the rest of my life. I manage very well on this. Less depression, less anxiety, sleep well, less physical pain and feel good about what I have been able to accomplish. Best of luck to all on this journey we are sharing.

1.5 mgs. Of Valium is minimal. Next to nothing. You’ll find your way with that low dose. Listen to your doctor, of course, but don’t beat yourself up over this. Do you mind telling your age. That makes a difference also.

I am 70 years old and been on benzos for a decade at much larger doses. I still get withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking the 1.5 mg. I tried, it takes two days for my body to eliminate it, and then I experience withdrawal. Benzos are strong med

I have time restraints due to taking care of my disabled husband at home and also because this post is supposed to be "positive" so I am apologizing for my former negativity. I am politely going to stop posting on this site. Best to all of you. leah09