Pregnant and Tapering

[[Da...]]

Hi, I'm here because I'm about 6 weeks pregnant and wanting (having?) to wean off Lorazepam. I've been taking it on an as-needed basis since 2009 and I started at .25mg. About 8 months ago, I began taking .5mg per day, then 1mg per day, and now I'm up to 2mg per day. I attempted to quit cold turkey at my PCP's request but today was day 3 and I wasn't going to make it. After speaking to InfantRisk, my midwife, and my PCP, I opted to take 1.5mg to deal with the hours long panic attack I was experiencing. I was experiencing extreme visual and auditory disturbances, cognitive impairment, chills, palpitations, nausea, and depersonalizations. The biggest issue is that it's a Category D for pregnancy so it's just not safe at all to take and so I was switched to BuSpar instead and it was recommended I wean off the Ativan. I've never weaned off any medication so I don't even know where to start, but I think it needs to happen within the next 4 weeks. Help? Please? I don't think I've ever been so desperate.

[[ma...]]

Hello DaisyChain

 

Welcome to benzobuddies, firstly let me congratulate you on your pregnancy, you must have mixed emotions right now, happy but a little concerned about your taper.  I don’t know of anyone here who has tapered while pregnant that could help you. I think this is something you need to discuss with your doctor

 

We would suggest to anyone seeking help while pregnant, to get expert medical advice. We will be very happy to provide information about tapering and withdrawal symptoms but pregnancy while on benzos and during withdrawal is beyond the scope of this forum and needs expert assistance

 

I'm going to give you information about withdrawal and tapering but again, due to your pregnancy, your doctor should be involved helping you with this.

 

The Ashton Manual is an excellent resource about these types of medications and how to withdraw. It was written by an expert in the field: The Ashton Manual

 

It is generally recommended to taper no more than 5-10% every 10-14 days.  In your case however, this might be different based on your doctor's advice.

 

Here are a couple of places to post for information and support.

General Taper Plans

 

Withdrawal Support (during your taper)

 

We ask that you create a signature line listing your medication and dose.  Here are the directions to do that: Create a Signature

 

Good luck to you

 

Magrita

 

[[Mo...]]

Hi Daisy,

I just came by to join Magrita in welcoming you to the Forum. Please take her advise

and search for a Benzo-wise Doctor. Benzos are serious buisness and not many Docs

have the knowledge how to taper their patients off the correct way.

 

warm welcome from me too and congratualtion on your pregancy.

all the best,

Claudia.

 

p.s. there are two links at my signature which explain a lot, take care.

 

[[...]]

Hi Daisy,

 

Your loving concern for your baby, along with your strength and your courage, will lead you to a successful taper from the Ativan ... proving once again, that a Mother's love for her baby is like nothing else in the world.   

 

You are experiencing many of the classic symptoms of Benzodiazepine withdrawal - just like all the past and current members of this community have also experienced.  Thousands of people have successfully tapered from Ativan, including many women who were pregnant.  I know that you can do it, too .

 

I went cold turkey off of Ativan, so I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to tapering, but there are many kind and understanding folks around here who are knowledgeable, and they will be glad to share that knowledge with you.

 

It's only natural that you are worried, and scared, because all that you are experiencing is new to you.  I just know that you are going to get through this - and become a wonderful, caring Mother to that precious little newborn baby.

 

pj