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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cmck | @cmck | Apr 7, 2023

In reply to @mitfit "It sounds like you are on the right path." + (show)

Thank you ~ doing best I can right now.

cmck | @cmck | Apr 7, 2023

In reply to @lindasmith1222 "I did it with the Ashton method up to a point and it worked very well..." + (show)

Thank you for responding ~ helps to know what others have done to get off this terrible medication ~

Did you have any residual reactions even when you were off the benzos?

nanagizer | @nanagizer | Apr 7, 2023

In reply to @lindasmith1222 "I did it with the Ashton method up to a point and it worked very well..." + (show)

How much were you taking and for how long before you started your taper?

lindasmith1222 | @lindasmith1222 | Apr 7, 2023

In reply to @nanagizer "How much were you taking and for how long before you started your taper?" + (show)

12 2mg tabs 3X a day (32). I do not remember what I was taking of the lorazepam. My memory is slowly, slowly coming back. I realize I missed great deal of my life.

nanagizer | @nanagizer | Apr 7, 2023

In reply to @lindasmith1222 "12 2mg tabs 3X a day (32). I do not remember what I was taking of..." + (show)

Wow! So you were taking 32 ativan per day? Confused??

missyboe | @missyboe | Apr 7, 2023

In reply to @grumpypants "Hi. I know it may sound like I'm questioning my doctors decision, but it's not that...." + (show)

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

lindasmith1222 | @lindasmith1222 | Apr 7, 2023

In reply to @nanagizer "Wow! So you were taking 32 ativan per day? Confused??" + (show)

Oops typ sorry sorry sorry No, 2 2mg Valium 3X a day

frouke | @frouke | Apr 8, 2023

In reply to @missyboe "I want to taper off lorazepam o.5 after 5 years. I am looking for a schedule...." + (show)

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 🤞

mikayla | @mikaylar | Apr 8, 2023

In reply to @missyboe "I want to taper off lorazepam o.5 after 5 years. I am looking for a schedule...." + (show)

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?

clutch | @clutch | Apr 8, 2023

In reply to @missyboe "I want to taper off lorazepam o.5 after 5 years. I am looking for a schedule...." + (show)

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!