Has anybody successfully tapered off of lorazepam (Ativan)?

Caretakers illness, it took a long time for me to start to fill up my own cup first and when I did it made such a difference for me and him.

Yes...And I strongly recommend only doing so with qualified medical supervision, as with any other benzodiazepine.

Years ago a friend ended up in the hospital to be withdrawn from Ativan. It was a small dose, but given by a doctor for anxiety. The doctors had to closely monitor his vital signs as they withdrew the drug cold turkey. He'd become very depressed, had bouts of amnesia, and became very combative. They said it was the drug, even though he stayed on the small dose. Maybe you should get an expert's decision. I thought it was used mainly during anesthesia procedures, not behavior health.

I've been on lorazepam for a year now. I had started a taper through Mayo over the summer, a very slow one, and I was down to 1/4 of a 1mg pill per day and I got really sick. My psych dr from Mayo retired. When I went to my local dr, whos response was "why are they tapering you off the lorazepam if that's what works for your anxiety?" assured me I would be better going back on it and "there are worse things I could be taking" Now I'm up to 4 mg daily and I WANT OFF. I started a 1/2 mg taper daily 3 weeks ago. I'm already having more anxiety but have been dealing with it through therapy stuff like deep breathing, self acceptance, etc. I plan to start my next 1/2 mg taper next week for another 3 weeks. Since I was SO SO SO close to being off it 5 months ago, and now I'm taking an outrageous amount I am really upset. I recently saw an ad for Montkush CBD oil and I want to try it but seeing not to use them together. At this rate it's going to take me 8 months so get off the lorazepam and that's IF my body accepts the taper!!!!! Does anyone have experience using CBD oil to help with the effects of the taper like making the taper issues non existent????? Someone please tell me yes, I want to be off this drug!!

I have lived my life with Ativan for many years…I got off them twice, the first time I used Paxil and I was through with them all in a couple of months and stayed off them for two years…sadly I relapsed and the good doctor put me back on them…as I said I quit twice for substantial periods of time..it was still in the earlier stages so I was younger and stronger to cope with the withdrawal symptoms. I do take responsibility for going back to them but the doctor should have tried other meds, I would have complied with his choice. I truly believe that if you haven’t taken them too long it’s sometimes easier to stop them…trying to make me stop them now in my seventies and poor health, is overwhelming…I also have heart problems and I’m afraid of the stress it puts on me. I wish that they didn’t paint everyone with the same brush, I have read so many stories about people who use their meds responsibly going through so much pressure because of the abusers that make it worse for the rest of us.

Hello, I am not sure if I will be of much help, but I hope all goes well! I feel that the tapering/quitting of most any medications is somewhat difficult, especially if a person is alone, lonely, depressed and/or stressed out, so having a small stash of marijuana available as well as friends or family you can depend on and I mean depend on!!! With the marijuana you need to experiment a little until you have found one that has the percentage of THC that works well for you! btsum68@ outlook.com

Hello @moomoomama and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I wanted to bring you into a discussion on tapering off of lorazepam, so you will notice that I have moved your post here:
- Has anybody successfully tapered off of lorazepam (Ativan)?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tapering-off-of-lorazepam-ativan/

I did this to connect you with members such as @2cents @frouke @btsum68 and @cmz1970 who have all recently shared their experiences.

Were you able to get a referral from your retired Mayo doctor to another practicing Mayo doctor that would allow you more continuity in your plan to taper?

There was an article that said mushrooms were being used to help people get off of addictive drugs. I know you’re age and other health concerns might not allow this but it’s supposed too work.

Thank you for adding me to the discussion. The problem I see me having with Mayo Connect, is that they don't take my insurance nor is Mayo in their network! I have been trying for years to find a doctor and/or clinic that can/will help with all the issues I am concerned about and I seem to develop a new symptom monthly! So I am sorry that I probably (don't know for sure) won't be able join! I would sure like to stay in touch and receive help, as well as give!

@healthlady22 Was on lorazepam for years and tapering off was just as long, very slowly. Tried CBD gummies but sensitive to THC and had to find one that had near to nothing of THC. I worked closely with my psychologist on the tapering off. I saw what this medication did to my mother who is addicted and tried desperately to not repeat. Good luck to you.