Taper

[[Sn...]]

I'm a 63 yr old woman who has been using Ativan 1 mg per night for 10 years and sometimes for flying. I am trying to taper off even though my doctors say it is fine since I have not increased my tolerance over these years. In Feb 2014 I reduced it by .25 and was fine. The last 2 nights I tried to reduce by .25 again and it was horrible. Buzzing sensation in my body, no sleep or altered state. I also have Hashimoto's disease which makes sleep difficult. I'm hoping to get some advise from this site.

[[me...]]

Hello Snoozie, and welcome to the forum!  We're glad you found us.  We usually recommend a taper rate of about 5-10% every 10-14 days.  The percentage cuts you've been doing are much higher than this, which probably accounts for your symptoms.  Tapering more slowly generally allows one's body to adjust more easily to the decrease in dosage.

 

Here are a few links you'll find useful:

 

Withdrawal Support (during your taper).

 

The Ashton Manual is an authoritative source on what to expect in withdrawal and recovery.  Dr. Ashton is an expert in the field.  She describes and explains withdrawal symptoms, and there is also a section with withdrawal/taper schedules.

 

Please take the time to Create a Signature.  This will allow others to see where you are in the process so they can better support you.

 

Again, welcome!