do we think im going to have ativan detox??

Posted by jebz88 @jebz88, Sep 13 8:48pm

Been prescribed ativan since end of October so almost 11 months. Was prescribed .5 mg and typically would use it around 2 weeks out of a month sometimes more. Sometimes i wouldnt take it for a week and then others i would rely on it for a week straight. This has been one of those weeks. A couple times a year i get what i call “intense daily panic attacks” — not typical anxiety but the kind of attacks that feel debilitating. Ive taken it for 9 days straight. Today i was committed to not taking it and attempting to stop it entirely but the panic came on so strong and i became immensely depressed and on edge and couldnt sit still but also couldnt lay down. I couldnt be a parent to my children! So i caved and took one. I just find it weird because previously i could go a week without or 3-4 days without.. im talking just last month and would have no issues or symptoms of withdrawal. So what gives? Did i magically become chemically rich or physically dependent in the past week due to 8 days of use in a row? If so.. what suggestions do you have to taper off and be done. I assume it wouldnt be a long taper given the fact its a low dose for 10 months and not an everyday thing. Dont want to have to rely on this med for another moment so any suggestions or experience is appreciated !

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UCFsig85 | @ucfsig | Sep 16 4:21pm

On bad days I take 6mg but that is rare. This talk about tapering off scares me.

frouke | @frouke | Sep 17 7:47am

In reply to @ucfsig "On bad days I take 6mg but that is rare. This talk about tapering off scares..." + (show)

I can understand that it’s scary and you’re not alone, I personally don’t want to stop taking it because it works very well for me, I have tried so many other medications and they just didn’t work for me. I never really knew that there’s a big problem going on until I came here and read all the stories that people told about their experiences, I also realize that they were being pressured by the doctors to get off them and that’s what was causing this. I don’t know why the powers that be are doing this but I’m sure they have their reasons, I don’t want to fix what isn’t broken and hopefully I won’t get pushed into this very difficult situation.

jebz88 | @jebz88 | Sep 17 9:38am

In reply to @ucfsig "On bad days I take 6mg but that is rare. This talk about tapering off scares..." + (show)

Sorry if my post is inciting fear. Was not my intention at all just seeking lived experience and input, but my apologies! I think if the med works for you and you need it then there is nothing wrong with continuing use! I am wanting to get off because i feel ive become dependent on something that was initially supposed to be a short term med to help with panic attacks. I dont feel i need it daily anymore if that makes sense. Thanks and best of luck

jebz88 | @jebz88 | Sep 17 9:41am

In reply to @frouke "I can understand that it’s scary and you’re not alone, I personally don’t want to stop..." + (show)

I can 100% see where your coming from! My anxiety and panic attacks were not a daily occurrence prior to taking this med but if they were i would not want to get off it either! I do believe there are some patients who NEED it daily or prn and that is what its designed for. I guess i just dont inherently believe i am one of those patients. I think i just used it as a crutch for an extended period for everyday stressors and developed a dependency and need to end it before it goes any further. Again, thank you so much for your responses. Sometimes just talking about it with people who understand is helpful!!