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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historyguy | @historyguy | May 23, 2023

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

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.

lindasmith1222 | @lindasmith1222 | May 24, 2023

In reply to @historyguy "I’m 75 and have been on “sleep meds” for 20 years. I want desperately to get..." + (show)

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.

historyguy | @historyguy | May 24, 2023

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

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

beachbug1962 | @beachbug1962 | May 25, 2023

I took lorazapam for 10 years 2 mg at bed time I am down to 1 my mind is foggy and I am forgetful. Can some one tell me if I will get my mind back. Please help me

lindasmith1222 | @lindasmith1222 | Jun 5, 2023

In reply to @beachbug1962 "I took lorazapam for 10 years 2 mg at bed time I am down to 1..." + (show)

I got my mind back, but it took about 10 months before I noticed a difference. It takes time an does not happen overnight, for me, for sure. I suggest being kind to yourself. The fogginess is part of the withdrawal process. Good for you cutting down. Hang in there. Your life will get better, I know this from experience and by talking to others that were experiencing the same thing as me.

greenville | @greenville | Jun 23, 2023

I have been on Ativan for 28 years now I am on .5mg one day and haf of that the next. I'm really getting scared about tapering more. Any encouraging words?

greenville | @greenville | Jun 23, 2023

In reply to @greenville "I have been on Ativan for 28 years now I am on .5mg one day and..." + (show)

I was put on 1mg of ativan a day back in 1995 when I was hospitalized for anxiety and depression.
My Dr told me
a few years ago that they have found it can cause cognitive problems (which I have been having) A couple years ago I tapered to
.5mg a day. I am trying to taper off. I would love any support I can get.

greenville | @greenville | Jun 23, 2023

In reply to @kawanhee "Everything I read about benzos has made me want to go off them. Wreaks havoc with..." + (show)

How is it going for you? I am currently on .5 MG every other half of that on the other days. I'm thinking about going down to .25 every day in another week.

kawanhee | @kawanhee | Jun 23, 2023

In reply to @greenville "How is it going for you? I am currently on .5 MG every other half of..." + (show)

I am finally off Ativan after a very slow wean. If you’ve been ok with .5, .25, .5, .25…, what worked for me after that was .25, .25, .5, .25, .25, .5….for two weeks, then .25 every day for two weeks.
See how you feel doing that.
Then I cut the pill into quarters…..25, .125, .25, .125….
I realize that this sounds very slow, but it worked for me!