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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geoffbean24 | @geoffbean24 | Jul 8, 2023

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

I’ve been on lorazepam 0.5 mg for many years. Recently, a bout of diverticulitis prevented me from refilling my prescription (and if I’m being honest, I took 1 mg on some days, which caused my supply to deplete before the next refill). It has been 6 days since I’ve taken the medication. I’m reading that you’re supposed to taper off gradually, and am certain I’ve experienced withdrawal.

I’d like to get off this drug completely. Am I safe? I’m due to refill my prescription today. Should I pick it up, and take a partial pill?

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 8, 2023

In reply to @geoffbean24 "I’ve been on lorazepam 0.5 mg for many years. Recently, a bout of diverticulitis prevented me..." + (show)

Welcome @geoffbean24, I moved your question to this existing discussion:
- How did you successfully taper off of 0.5 lorazepam (Ativan)? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lorazepam-0-5-taper/

I did this so you can read the previous posts by clicking the link and connect with other members who have successful tapered off 0.5 mg of lorazepam.

Since you are visiting your pharmacist today, I recommend talking to them about the side effects you're experiencing after stopping abruptly 6 days ago and what steps are best to follow for a safe withdrawal.

geoffbean24 | @geoffbean24 | Jul 8, 2023

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

@colleenyoung thank you very much for the warm welcome, and directing me towards this thread. I will certainly take your advice, and speak with my pharmacist. My goal is to eventually get off of Lorazepam all together. I’m concerned about the amount of time I’ve been on it, and worry about my proclivity for addiction.

yvonne55 | @yvonne55 | Jul 9, 2023

In reply to @ddn "I was prescribed 8 milligrams a day of Lorazapam. Then a new doctor told me I..." + (show)

Hi! Did you not get a boatload of withdrawals going cold turkey??
Yvonne

ddn | @ddn | Jul 9, 2023

In reply to @yvonne55 "Hi! Did you not get a boatload of withdrawals going cold turkey?? Yvonne" + (show)

Yes I did. It was awful. I certainly don't recommend it. Taper off slowly. I was so upset the way the doctor spoke to me, I just quit taking it. It really was horrible.

greenville | @greenville | Jul 9, 2023

I have a big question...for those who have successfully tapered off Ativan does anyone feel better physically or mentally? I know tapering off is the best thing for me I'm at .3 mg a day but I'm scared. Keep hearing horror stories.

frouke | @frouke | Jul 10, 2023

In reply to @geoffbean24 "I’ve been on lorazepam 0.5 mg for many years. Recently, a bout of diverticulitis prevented me..." + (show)

I understand what you are doing but it’s not okay…please get medical assistance when trying to get off this drug…when you read the different stories here from people who are going through the same thing, they get help from the doctor as to how to stop the meds in a safe and controlled manner. We hear so many negative things about this medication and it causes us to feel more pressure to get off them…you have made a good decision to reach out here for help because you will get good information about what to do and where you can get the help you need to quit successfully, please don’t stop them abruptly because it’s not going to go well if you go too fast..good luck with your efforts to move forward.

geoffbean24 | @geoffbean24 | Jul 10, 2023

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

@frouke thank you very much for the words of encouragement. I’ve read too much about the negative long-term consequences of being on this drug, and it adds considerable to my anxiety. My system is very sensitive, and do have a GAD diagnosis. I’m back to taking the 0.5 as prescribed, and after a day, am feeling more like myself. When I’ve spoken to my pcp in the past, he’s advised to go every other day for a week, but feel as if he lacks expertise as to how to best guide me. I’m going to continue to seek support. In hindsight, stopping this abruptly while going through another serious health condition was a perfect storm for more problems. I’m happy to have found this group, and it gives me some solace to know others have been down this path. Thank you very much again for responding.

naturalblondeone | @naturalblondeone | Jul 10, 2023

I was on 2 mg three times a day for a very long time. I have managed to taper back to one pill at night. I had to do this very slowly starting in quarter increments.

naturalblondeone | @naturalblondeone | Jul 10, 2023

I was on 2 mg three times a day for a very long time. I have managed to taper back to one pill at night. I had to do this very slowly starting in quarter increments. I have been doing fine on that. I would eventually like to taper completely off that off too but since I also have long Covid right now, I will wait until I am better. Honestly, my body is just chemically dependent on it right now and doesn’t help with my anxiety anymore. I’m also on two other depression medication‘s that help with my anxiety.