I relate to how you feel and I must say that if you have been taking 0.5 mg. for five years and staying on the same dosage, that’s amazing…this drug is known to be very addictive and it’s not uncommon for people who need them to increase their dose…it’s one of many downsides with benzodiazepines..I feel confident that you’re going to be able to get help to slowly reduce your dosage…it is very essential that you get professional help with this and I wish for you an easy transition to reach your goal, good luck 🤞

I have been on Lorazepam for 7 years. It's the only drug that helped with my insomnia and I had no side effects. I am weaning off it now. I cut the .50 pills in half. I am taking another medicine now for a different issue and it makes me tired so that is helping with my withdrawal. However, it is 2 months now and I can definitely tell that I am more anxious. You should get the help of your primary doctor. Good luck! P.S. Why do you want to get off it?

Please refer to The Ashton Manual. This is the gold standard for tapering benzos. It isn’t easy but it can be done. I hope you have a competent HCP to guide you. Let us know how things go and best of luck!

I’m 75 and have been on “sleep meds” for 20 years. I want desperately to get off them but having a difficult time. Doc has me on 70 mg baclofen which I’ve been on for seven years and 30 mg temazapam. Both are use primarily for sleep as I’ve had insomnia for years. Every time I try to wean from them I fail. I just have made a hundred attempts and feel so helpless. They’ve never worked to begin with. I average 2-3.5 hrs of sleep at night and I can’t nap. I feel so sorry for my wife who has to put up with me.

Thank you for your helpful reply. It’s truly nice to know that I’m being heard. Very happy that you’ve succeeded.