Has anybody successfully tapered off of lorazepam (Ativan)?

Congratulations. I am inspired by your taper. I am done to 1 mg of Valium, medication in the benzodiazepine "family," at night for sleep. reading that you can sleep on .5 mg of lorazepam and even cutting that in half, lifted my spirits this morning as I have hope. I just went down to 1 mg and not sleeping well. Thank you for sharing.

I'll have to think about stopping Ativan. I take about 0.50 to 0.75, three to four times a month. It reduces anxiety but leaves me groggy and somewhat foggy. Been taking it for about 6 years. But as I said presently as mentioned above 3-4 times a month but prior to approximately a year ago about 2-3 times a month. I wish you success and blessings. Anxiety is a drag a sometimes-terrible foe.
Don't know if you would be interested but I just joined a mental health support group in a local church in Chapel hill N.C. The name of the group is the sanctuary course it's held at Saint Thomas more church on Thursdays from 7 to 8:30. You can access information at their website (stmchapelhill.org) and investigate if the program extends to Catholic churches near to where you live.
Blessings hope you can achieve your goal.
L

I’ve been taking Ativan for years start 1mg then two for anxiety and sleep. I start forgetting and saying things over again can’t think. I look at the side effect and it include memory and forgetful so I tried to stop taking it but the problem is I’m not sleeping. It’s been 4 days without sleep and I don’t know what to take so I can sleep. Is anyone have this problem? Cila

Anxiety is a sure sleep stopper. perhaps you can find a meditation class to help with anxiety?
For help with sleep, you can try 5 HTP supplement, Tryptophan or Melatonin. Check with your doctor first. However, please don't take these supplements while taking Ativan or mix the supplements up. I take them now and then and they are somewhat effective. Wish you success. Blessings

I just started on Ativan yesterday. A very low dosage. I am also on Prozac which I have been for a few years. And my doctor just changed my sleeping pills from Lunesta to Ambien.
Some of the things that has helped me battle through this is box breathing, meditation, mindfulness, and taking one day at a time. As much as I want to plan for the future, I do not know how I will feel from day to day. So, I give myself the grace and be kind to myself.
I struggled with anxiety before my diagnosis but when I was diagnosed with cancer last December and then diagnosed with stage 4 my anxiety transitioned.

Such helpful suggestions, @wifemom3. What kind of cancer do you have? Can you explain box breathing for people who may not be familiar with it?

sure. I was recently diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer on January 19, 2022.
Box breathing:
How to do box breathing.
Breathe out slowly, releasing all the air from your lungs.
Breathe in through your nose as you slowly count to four in your head. Be conscious of how the air fills your lungs and stomach.
Hold your breath for a count of four.
Exhale for another count of four.
Hold your breath again for a count of four.
Repeat for three to four rounds.

Hello,

Here is my story and I hope somebody can help me.

On Feb 6th of this year, I had a panic attack, was not able to calm down or sleep, went to ER and was given a ativan to calm down.

I subsequently contacted a physctratist who gave me ativans on PRN basis. And later added that to my treatment. She told me to take 1mg Ativan twice a day (2mg). But I was actually taking 1.5 mg Ativan because I was cautious of it. Later however as I did not want to go against it, I took 2mg. So taking 2mg for about 2 months now.

She also gave me Pristiq 50mg per day which I have been taking and feeling better. But now my problem is I feel anxiety when I do not take Ativan. Or I am confused that Pristiq is not helping my anxeity ?I also feel very sleepy if I take half Ativan in the morning (0.5 mg 4 times a day). So not able to work.

She has now told me to take the first dose in the morning of Kolonopin to help withdraw from Ativan. So instead of taking 0.5 mg Ativan she want me to switch to 0.25mg Kolonopin in the morning.

I want to know what do you feel about this, I have read most Ativan withdrawls are with Valium and not Kolonopin.
Can I get some help with getting rid of Ativan, and just be on Pristiq for my anxeity ?

Thanks for listening,
Mita

Welcome @paromita87. Ativan and Pristiq are often discussed on Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm tagging a few members who may have some experience and suggestions to offer, like @sears @desicuban @cdcc @laurine7 @shazz67

You may also be interested in this related discussion:
- How did you successfully taper off of 0.5 lorazepam (Ativan)? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lorazepam-0-5-taper/

Paromita, have you considered talking with your pharmacist to get some guidance?

Ms Young,
I sent you a message regarding part of this post. I knew I read it before. The last part you recommended is to talk to a pharmacist for guidance. Everytime we have a question regarding a medication they always tell my husband about my medications to consult my dr. He’s contacted different pharmacies as well. Thank you.