Dread the mornings

[[Co...]]

i have been peaking at these postings as I believe that I am having Ativan/Lorazapam withdrawal since the end of Feb. 2014.  Initially given in the ER for a bad reaction to a blood pressure measure, my body took to it and it managed my stress related blood pressure since 2009. Body became addicted (I think) and I am plagued with early morning stomach muscle spasms.  Horrible. 

[[ma...]]

Hi CountryGal Welcome to Benzobuddies

 

Mornings were awful for me too, I am sorry you’re  having a rotten time, these drugs should only be used short term, (few weeks).  Are you looking to taper off,  Have you heard of The Ashton Manual , it is an excellent resource for information about these medications and gives a lot of information about withdrawal/tapering. 

 

A slow taper can help minimize withdrawal effects.  It is generally recommended to taper no more than 5-10% every 10-14 days.  This is a guideline and it is ok to adjust this schedule for  your own comfort.

 

We have a great community here of knowledgeable and friendly people who understand this process.  They will be willing to share their experience with you.  Feel free to ask questions so that members can respond

 

Here are some helpful links:

 

The Ashton Manual. 

 

Withdrawal Support

 

General Taper Plans

 

If you would be so kind as to add a signature (history of meds/doses etc) it will help members give you relevant advice this link will show you how to”Create a signature”

 

Welcome aboard

 

Magrita

 

 

 

 

[[De...]]

Hello CountryGal,

 

Welcome to the forum from me too 

 

Are you still taking the same dosage of Ativan that you were first prescribed? if so your body may have become tolerant to it. When this happens withdrawal symptoms can be experienced even before a taper has begun, this is quite a common scenario with benzos, it happened to me. Increasing the dosage usually only gives temporary relief and can lead to dose escalation so it might be a good time to begin a slow, careful taper off the Ativan.

 

You'll be given plenty of support and tapering assistance here, I'm glad you found us and I wish you well.

 

Debbie

[[Co...]]

Hi all - i did write a longer post with the details but I can't seem to find it!!  Having difficulty navigating.  I stopped Ativan cold turkey July 2013. I never thought I was doing anything turkey as I hadn't been taking ativan for anxiety, etc., just for blood pressure/stress.  So when I left the stressors and since I hadn't been taking much (nor ever increased) that there wouldn't be a problem.  What a shock! How did this happen?  The morning adrenalin surges along with stomach muscle spasms are horrible, but pass when I sit up and deep breath.  It doesn't happen at other times.  I do get the jiggly-legs when I overdo it.  I do get palpitations when I overdo it.  Alcohol definitely makes it worse.  Thankfully, I didn't drink much so it is not a problem to abstain.  These symptoms lasted for about 3 months then all of a sudden they stopped.  Sadly, i had to go back to my high stress job for 3 more months and 6 weeks into it I had to start taking the ativan again (.5mg at night/as needed.)  But, several weeks into this I started with the stomach spasms even while in my original dose.  I didn't increase as I knew it might be a slippery slope.  I stopped cold turkey again around july 28, 2014 - when I finally finished with my job (for good!)  and the stomach spasms continue.  I did have anxiety issues those first few weeks, but I was able to temper those with ice cubes on my neck, arms, etc., and cool showers.  these made me feel normal.  Once the morning spasms and tears subside I am pretty much ok for the day.  I feel batty staying inside and find that being outside helps.  Warm stuff doesn't help at all but cold stuff does (ice water, splashes on face, etc.)  I can't seem  to figure out how to sooth these stomach  spasms.  Any suggestions? It is so bad no matter what I try to do to fix them.  thanks