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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mrsbeard26 | @mrsbeard26 | Jul 13, 2023

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

I quit Xanax cold turkey. Not a good idea.
Hope you picked up your rx and are doing okay.

dfb | @dfb | Jul 13, 2023

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

I am down from 3 mg a day to nothing or up to 1mg a day, as needed,

It has been difficult but I found that Lorazepam was adding to my depression.

I stopped drinking a lot of coffee ( from 6 cups to 3 a day) stopped eating sugar, wherever possible. And I exercise 2 hours a day six days a week.

All of my bipolar symptoms have improved markedly. I still take a lot of other meds, but at least I can function,

I started this after reading a book Brain Energy by Dr. Palmer (Harvard an Mclane). It has changed my life.

Good luck on your journey🌅

greenville | @greenville | Jul 13, 2023

In reply to @geoffbean24 "@greenville we’re here for you, and you’re going to get through this. Getting down to 0.25mg..." + (show)

I've just read too many horror stories about people that have tried to get off and their lives are a wreck and it is scaring me.

geoffbean24 | @geoffbean24 | Jul 13, 2023

In reply to @greenville "I've just read too many horror stories about people that have tried to get off and..." + (show)

I totally understand where you’re coming from, and was in the same position myself less than a week ago. The fear is being fueled by your anxiety. Ironically, we come to an online community for support, read these horrific accounts, and our minds convince us “that’s going to be you.” Remember, it’s just the anxiety. There’s always going to be someone out there who’s had a worse experience. Think of how far you’ve come, and what you’ve accomplished. You’re on the path to recovery, and that takes time. Wishing you the best, and some moments of peace today. Remember, it’s just anxiety.

greenville | @greenville | Jul 13, 2023

In reply to @geoffbean24 "I totally understand where you’re coming from, and was in the same position myself less than..." + (show)

Thank you so much for the positive thoughts. I remember when I first started this journey a nurse friend told me remember the brain tells you strange things. I started at 1mg a day back in 1995 and now I was on .5mg for two years and now at .3mg for a few weeks. I want to go down to .25 soon but we are getting ready to move and I'm afraid of to much anxiety.

kawanhee | @kawanhee | Jul 14, 2023

In reply to @greenville "Thank you so much for the positive thoughts. I remember when I first started this journey..." + (show)

When I was weaning, I slowed it down if I had something going on that was disruptive. Take your time reducing it and feel confident that you can do it!

geoffbean24 | @geoffbean24 | Jul 14, 2023

In reply to @greenville "Thank you so much for the positive thoughts. I remember when I first started this journey..." + (show)

You’re so welcome. Transition times are difficult for those of us with bad anxiety. @kawanhee had a good point: this may not be the right time for you to back down. Moving is a huge life event that is inherently stressful. Give yourself permission to hold where you are if your doctor says it’s okay. Keep the big picture in mind. Positive thoughts your way 😎

marty70 | @marty70 | Jul 14, 2023

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

what symptoms did you have, was insomnia one and anxiety

geoffbean24 | @geoffbean24 | Jul 14, 2023

In reply to @marty70 "what symptoms did you have, was insomnia one and anxiety" + (show)

@marty70 I had anxiety and insomnia big time. I didn’t sleep much at all for days. My heart rate was through the roof. I had massive headaches. I had the sweats quite a bit. I was incredibly nauseous at times. On top of all this, I was in a great deal of pain due to my diverticulitis flare up. I’d say it was up there with one of the worst times in my life.