Has anybody successfully tapered off of lorazepam (Ativan)?

Posted by healthlady22 @healthlady22, Feb 5, 2019

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!
.

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kmhickey13 | @kmhickey13 | Mar 13, 2022

In reply to @ch2232 "3 weeks ago *** not months I apologize" + (show)

Congrats on your achievement!
I have been tapering for 10 months and having a heck of a time. I have shortness of breath which has gotten progressively worse as I lower my does of Ativan. I have an appointment with my healthcare provider tomorrow and in the past she has said shortness of breath is not one of the effects of tapering but I have been to a cardiologist and pulmonologist about the shortness of breath that continues almost all waking hours. The docs say all tests are normal but much of the day I have trouble catching a breath. Actually, I pant. I am down to 0.125mg twice a day so I am getting close but it is coming at a big drain of me physically and emotionally.

ch2232 | @ch2232 | Mar 13, 2022

In reply to @kmhickey13 "Congrats on your achievement! I have been tapering for 10 months and having a heck of..." + (show)

Thank you so much!! Do you think the shortness of breathe can be a symtpom of anxiety? Only asking because when I was put on ativan I was experiencing for the first time breathing issues as a physical symptom of anxiety. I had every heart test known done and when I was put on the right medications it improved a lot. I still experience this once in a while when I have a panic attack and I have to breathe and remind myself its anxiety. As far as the tapering look how far you've come!!! You're doing everything right and it's no rush. 🙂 if you're having a hard time with a certain taper stay there for a while until you adjust. It's an accomplishment just being on a lower dose. It helped me a lot when I quit google searching. Noone is going to get online and post about a perfect experience, and I only read horror stories. You can do this!!! Good luck to you 🙂

kmhickey13 | @kmhickey13 | Mar 13, 2022

Oh how I appreciate your reply. I do think it is anxiety and would appreciate knowing what meds you were put on that were so helpful. I was put on Gabapentin which helped but am curious about your meds. Last time I saw the provider she said she wanted me off the Ativan by my next appt (tomorrow) but just couldn't do it. Anyway, I am proud of you.

Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Mar 13, 2022

In reply to @mau "I hope all the best for you both. I was foolishly prescribed an increased dose so..." + (show)

@mau
Perhaps try tapering more slowly and/or increasing the time in between cuts.
Might ease or get rid of the withdrawal symptoms.
Best of luck,
Jake

sears | @sears | Mar 14, 2022

In reply to @ch2232 "I've successfully tapered. I've posted here also tp get opinions while in the process. What I've..." + (show)

Congratulations!!!! Thanks for sharing.

sears | @sears | Mar 14, 2022

In reply to @kmhickey13 "Oh how I appreciate your reply. I do think it is anxiety and would appreciate knowing..." + (show)

Your provider said she wanted you off by your next appointment? Worse thing she could tell a benzo patient. Was she the original prescriber?

ch2232 | @ch2232 | Mar 14, 2022

In reply to @kmhickey13 "Oh how I appreciate your reply. I do think it is anxiety and would appreciate knowing..." + (show)

Yes it very well could be anxiety. I've had anxiety for 6 years or more but never knew about the physical symptoms side of it until it happened a few years ago. So I thought every day I was having a hard attack and couldn't breathe. I'd wake up out of my sleep gasping for air. And I barely got sleep as it was. My sister had to move in with me because I couldn't bare to be alone. I was put on ativan 1mg every morning and 1mg every night. My daily med at the time was effexor. I was on 150 I believe. I quickly let go of the 1mg in the morning after being prescribed because my issue was at night. I eventually was taken off effexor and put on Prozac 20mg and that has been the best for me so far. I just slowly tapered my nightly dose and I mean slowly over the last almost 2 years. I was on .5 for a long time. Then went lower gradually. Your doctor should be much more supportive of you and I'm sorry you've gone through this. Just being cut off is not the answer. I even have ativan left over from when I quit if I ever need it for a panic attack. Keep your head up and i pray you get the help you need. Anxiety can be so debilitating and everyone doesn't understand anxiety.

ch2232 | @ch2232 | Mar 14, 2022

In reply to @ch2232 "Yes it very well could be anxiety. I've had anxiety for 6 years or more but..." + (show)

And remember medications work differently for different people

kmhickey13 | @kmhickey13 | Mar 14, 2022

In reply to @ch2232 "Yes it very well could be anxiety. I've had anxiety for 6 years or more but..." + (show)

Many thanks for your supportive response. I had an appt with the provider this morning and she was very caring. Affirmed what a challenge is it to get off Ativan and told me to take the time needed. In addition, she adjusted the dosage of 2 meds and if the changes aren't effective I am to call her in 2 weeks and she will propose a different med. Hopefully, I will soon be breathing normally.