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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sears | @sears | Jan 1, 2023

In reply to @jbrathbun "It took me a full year to get off Ativan completely." + (show)

That’s wonderful! Congratulations!!!

pamee | @pamee | Jan 7, 2023

Need schedule to taper 8 mg Ativan
I take 2 mg Ativan 4x a day. Been taking this for about 13 years. Do I taper one dose at a time until I'm finished then go on to next dose? Thank you kindly for any help

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 7, 2023

In reply to @pamee "Need schedule to taper 8 mg Ativan I take 2 mg Ativan 4x a day. Been..." + (show)

Welcome @marydoe and @pamee, I've moved your messages to this existing discussion about tapering safely off lorazepam (Ativan) to this existing discussion:
- Has anybody successfully tapered off of lorazepam (Ativan)? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tapering-off-of-lorazepam-ativan/

I did this so you can review the previous posts and connect with helpful members like @jbrathbun @sears @marjou @healthlady22 @ainsleigh @benzossuck @aarniek @brandman48 and more.

You may also find useful tips in these related discussions:
- Weaning Off of Ativan For Sleep https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/weening-off-of-ativan-for-sleep/
- How did you successfully taper off of 0.5 lorazepam (Ativan)? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lorazepam-0-5-taper/

Are you working with your doctor to get guidance for the taper?

sears | @sears | Jan 8, 2023

In reply to @pamee "Need schedule to taper 8 mg Ativan I take 2 mg Ativan 4x a day. Been..." + (show)

The first thing you need to do is google the Ashton Manual. It’s the best tapering method out there at this time. This method will want you to switch over to Valium. Please read through the Manual and get back to us. You’re doctor will most likely want you to taper much much too quickly.

pamee | @pamee | Jan 8, 2023

In reply to @ch2232 "Has anyone tapered from 0.5mg of lorazepam per day? Can you share your experience? Thank you." + (show)

Hi my name is pamee. I need help as I have a rare disorder from Ativan. It's horrific excruciating pain 24/7 with minimal sleep so I'm also sleep deprived. The pain is killing me at times I want to die. I take 2 mg 4x a day fir 13-14 yrs and recently been having blackouts. I'm scared. Can anyone please give me suggestions whether I taper one dose at a time or should I taper all 4 doses in a day at about 1/4 of the pill. Thank you for any help you can give. Kind regards, pamee

pamee | @pamee | Jan 9, 2023

In reply to @sears "The first thing you need to do is google the Ashton Manual. It’s the best tapering..." + (show)

@sears
Thank you for the reply. I have the Ashton Manual in book form. I've tapered twice with it and it seems I'm somewhat allergic to diazepam. My symptoms became worse. For the most part I would recommend the Ashton Manual to everyone as it's the best taper plan.

pamee | @pamee | Jan 9, 2023

In reply to @sears "How long did you taper? Mine seems soooo long!" + (show)

The first time I did the Ashton to taper off xanax it took 18 months.

llnd2sey | @llnd2sey | Jan 9, 2023

In reply to @pamee "Hi my name is pamee. I need help as I have a rare disorder from Ativan...." + (show)

Don’t try anything without talking with your doctor.

marjou | @marjou | Jan 9, 2023

In reply to @pamee "Hi my name is pamee. I need help as I have a rare disorder from Ativan...." + (show)

@pamee It was a long and slow taper for me after years on Ativan. Please work closely with your doctor with a plan and note any side effects or withdrawals. Good luck

pamee | @pamee | Jan 9, 2023

In reply to @pamee "Hi my name is pamee. I need help as I have a rare disorder from Ativan...." + (show)

Thank you marjou!
I've been to many doctors and none know how to do a slow taper from Ativan. I'm not able to do the Ashton Manual taper as I'm allergic to Valium. I've tapered from Xanax with crossover with Valium. It took 18 months, but I was worse off in the long run with Valium.
Thank you again for your support
pamee