Connect
Has anybody successfully tapered off of lorazepam (Ativan)?
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!
.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.
Connect
My pcp provided the following withdrawal plan
I have been on .5 mg for 5 years
Now start withdrawal
.25 mg for 2weeks
.125 mg for 2 weeks
.125 mg every other night for 2weeks
Then stop. !!
Here is hoping this works.
I really want off this drug.
I love this drug. I works, no side effects (that I know of) and have been taking it for years......I take .50 mg to sleep at night and for the last year have reduced to .25 mg some nights. My doctor actually upped it for pain. In later life we just want to be comfortable.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsI was on .5 mg of Ativan for about five years. Tried to get off and struggled with insomnia. I went to a sleep doctor who gave me a longer weaning period and I lengthened it even more.
Happy to say that I weaned with no symptoms and have been free of it for over a year!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI tried that and it didn’t work. Here’s what I did; VERY slow and it worked for me.
Please note: I’m not a medical professional. I took the taper schedule the doctor gave me and made it slower. No withdrawal symptoms and have been off for over a year
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionNo medical professional here, but I think we all react differently to these drugs. From my readings, benzos are not good for your brain and my pcp didn’t want to prescribe it anymore. He agreed to .5 every other day but it wasn’t helping. I was originally prescribed it due to cancer diagnosis but then began relying on it for sleep. Wasn’t helping. With the help of a wonderful sleep med Dr and therapist, I’m on a very low dose of Remeron and I’m doing well off the Ativan.
Also, the therapist recommended a genetic study that identifies which anti anxiety and anti depressants can work you you.
Best wishes to all!
What were your symptoms during this withdrawal?
All meds wind up having some side effects. Remeron is weight gain which will cause other issues. So, I guess we pick what we want to deal with. I just need to make myself comfortable now while I am still alive.
YES!!!
Not sure why you feel the intense need to get off Ativan 0.5mg if it is working and allows you a good sound restorative sleep. Lack of sleep could probably do you more harm from a health standpoint than the minuscule amount of Ativan that you are currently on. If you're having difficulty with the current dose then I understand but if not......
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions