Getting off lorazepam (Ativan). What was your taper schedule?

I’ve read a few stories about people who did stop them successfully but it always took a number of years to do so. I made the mistake of taking this drug for many years and even though I stopped twice, I went back to them. To be honest they do work well for me and I can’t say the same for other ones I have tried with no success. I don’t think I even have the available years to do so. I was never pressured about my meds until the last few years and I truly felt that it was unfair because I have more to stress about than ever and all the well intended pressure is making me feel worse. I think you’re wise to get away from them and not wait too long because it’s harder the longer you wait. It sounds like you have a good control over your meds and don’t get discouraged from the symptoms because they do get less over time, good luck with your health, amen.

I took Ativan last week, and this week I’m getting tension in my shoulders, neck and headaches! I do not like Ativan, not the after effects.

Sorry. I had NO side effects; just wonderful sleep at night.

I want to taper off lorazepam o.5 after 5 years. I am looking for a schedule. Please make suggestionsThanks.

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.

I tried 100 times too and finally have been successful the past 3 months. I feel so good at age 71 now that I am off most medications but especially off Valium, which I took for years for insomnia. Keep trying. Success is worth it. I used Ashton manual method. Find something that works for you.
I don't sleep well. I no longer sleep in the same room/bed with my husband because he is a sound sleeper and has never had problems sleeping. I have had problems sleeping since childhood. If it is possible, sleep in separate rooms so you do not disturb your partner, but only if she is okay with it. I am sure she loves you! My husband was not okay with the idea of sleeping separately, but I insisted for both our well-beings. He has accepted sleeping separate but has never liked it. It is not a topic most talk about but when it has come up with other couples, I was very surprised how many couples no longer sleep in the same room. We have been sleeping in separate rooms for 5 years now. I have to get up several times a night, read or physically do something, and then I go back to sleep. I rarely nap. Best wishes.

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