lorazepam taper

[[Mo...]]

Hi! I've been on a short course of lorazepam (.5 mg 3x day) which I did somewhat accidentally. Dr. said to try taking it that often "for a few days" but somehow I missed that part. So I'm trying to taper and just want to make sure what I'm feeling is "normal". I just need some support going through this.

[[be...]]

Hi Mookie12 Welcome to BenzoBuddies!

 

I am so happy you found us. Benzodiazepines are meant for short time use, usually for two weeks. If one goes past that it does not take long to develop a dependency to them. Ativan is an extremely potent benzodiazepine. It is 10 times stronger than valium and with its short half life it is one of the harder benzodiazepines to get off of. This is an excellent place for resources and support. You don't say how long you were on them.

 

You might like to check out The Ashton Manual it 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.

 

Please feel free to post to any of the dedicated boards, we have a wonderful community of people here, who will give sound advice. Members have been through all aspects of benzodiazepine use and withdrawal and are more than willing to share their experiences.

 

Withdrawal Support (during your taper)

 

 

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! 

 

benzos-R-cruel

 

[[Mo...]]

Thank you for responding!! I'll be sure to check out the other support threads. I started the lorazepam on an "as needed" basis in October. I didn't take it for a while, just holding the prescription. Then I started taking .5 daily, but have had other things going on healthwise, and was waiting for a neurology consultation (this will happen December 5). So I was messaging my dr. (who is wonderful!) and asking all sorts of questions about whether we could run more blood tests, etc., and she said then to try taking the .5 mg 3x a day. That was 11/6/14 and I started to taper 11/26/14. I've had my pills cut in half, and reduced by .25, and am taking .25 mg 5x a day so far. I'm having a lot of little symptoms that I'm sure are from the tapering, including some chest pain/tightness. I've had 2 EKGs in the past 4 months, both normal. I just like this forum, and knowing that what I'm feeling physically is somewhat typical, even having only been on the drug for a short time.

[[be...]]

It is quite sad all the havoc that can happen as a result of short term use. It never ceases to amaze me the ramifications of short term use for some. The recommended reduction rate for long term users is 5 to 10 percent every couple of weeks. However, if it was me I would try to go a bit faster than that, but slower than the cut you tried.

[[Mo...]]

Can the pills physically be cut into fourths? All the talk about liquid titration or whatever it's called is WAY too confusing for me