Well Hello

[[si...]]

Hi I am Australian and have been treated for Anxiety ./ depression and

PTSD. I have been taking Ativan 2.5mg daily for over 4 years. It wasn't until I  asked my GP was I dependent that  realised that I had a dependency problem. I have never increased the dose and I realise that the GP and the specialist were trying to get me on my feet. And luckily with medication I am. I cannot work,. I want to come off the Ativan. And I thought I was all alone until now. And I realise it isn't as simple as the GP suggested . I have reduced it by 25% of a pill, over a few weeks b ut then I tried to get to 1.25 mg and I have been spinning out and my body feels like electricity is running through it. I have had a quick glimpse of tapering and realised this is much more serious than I thought. So I just went up to the reduced dose that was ok until I read everything. Just thanks for being here

[[ma...]]

Hello singingyamada

 

Welcome to benzobuddies,  well done starting your taper, 25% reduction was way too much. Have you read the Ashton Manual, I will put a link here for you: “Professor Ashtons Manual” It is an authoritative resource on benzodiazepines and how to withdraw, the general rule of thumb is to reduce between 5/10% every 10/14 days

 

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

 

For tapering advice General Taper Plans Board  For support with any symptoms you may have post here: Withdrawal Support

 

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”

 

Any questions, let us know.

 

Welcome Aboard

 

Magrita

 

[[De...]]

Hello singingyamada,

 

Welcome to the forum from me too 

 

Congratulations on the decision to begin tapering!

 

As Magrita said your first cut was a large cut, much greater than what is recommended and this will almost certainly be the reason why the withdrawal effects were so strong. I've read your Signature line and I see that you're now holding the taper after having done a correction updose, this is a very sensible thing to do. When you are feeling more stable and feel ready to resume tapering I would take it much slower and make smaller cuts, within the guidelines that Magrita has given you. Tapering slowly and carefully is advised to ensure that the withdrawal effects are kept to a mimimum. Slow and steady seems to win the race where benzo tapering is concerned.

 

I'm glad you found us and I wish you success with the taper.

 

Debbie

[[Ne...]]

Welcome

 

So glad you found this site. All the people here have been in your spot of hell so understand in a way doctors never can. They won't even acknowledge the harm these drugs do to the body especially long term. Look at my recent post about 100 days and humor. The video is so good, true and funny. Take it to the doctor so he can see himself. My fondest wish is that every doctor who prescribes this drug should have to live in benzo hell for the rest of their lives. My oncologist made me an involuntary drug addict.

[[be...]]

Welcome  yes, it can be quite challenging to taper off benzodiazepines. There are serious business. It sounds like perhaps you tried to quickly. The recommended reduction rate is 5 to 10 percent every two weeks. We have many members here who even slow that down. In my opinion a slower taper can greatly reduce the chance of severe or prolonged symptoms. Let us know how we can best support you. We have a great members here. Their collective wisdom is enormous.

[[si...]]

Thank you so much for your welcome. after reading here I really need to do this slowly and slowly it is.

[[be...]]

Thank you so much for your welcome. after reading here I really need to do this slowly and slowly it is.

 

that is an excellent choice! 

[[si...]]

I just read this.............Oral doses of benzodiazepines in the dosage range used for insomnia or anxiety can also cause memory impairment. Acquisition of new information is deficient, partly because of lack of concentration and attention. In addition, the drugs cause a specific deficit in "episodic" memory, the remembering of recent events, the circumstances in which they occurred, and their sequence in time. By contrast, other memory functions (memory for words, ability to remember a telephone number for a few seconds, and recall of long-term memories) are not impaired. Impairment of episodic memory may occasionally lead to memory lapses or "blackouts". 

 

For four years I have had my husband insisting that he has told me things and which I have discussed  and then had no recollection of.

 

 

[[De...]]

I just read this.............Oral doses of benzodiazepines in the dosage range used for insomnia or anxiety can also cause memory impairment. Acquisition of new information is deficient, partly because of lack of concentration and attention. In addition, the drugs cause a specific deficit in "episodic" memory, the remembering of recent events, the circumstances in which they occurred, and their sequence in time. By contrast, other memory functions (memory for words, ability to remember a telephone number for a few seconds, and recall of long-term memories) are not impaired. Impairment of episodic memory may occasionally lead to memory lapses or "blackouts". 

 

For four years I have had my husband insisting that he has told me things and which I have discussed  and then had no recollection of.

 

Hi again,

 

Yes, memory problems are a common side effect of long term benzo use and of withdrawal. My memory was so bad during my latter years of benzo use that I was convinced I had a form of dementia. In a way I was relieved when I read what you've just discovered in the Ashton Manual because at least then I knew that something was to blame for this problem. However, I'm pleased to tell you that I'm 19 months benzo free now and my memory is so much better and my mind sharper, yours will be too once you are benzo free and on the road to recovery.

 

Good luck 

 

Debbie

[[Ne...]]

At one year on lorazepam my body reached tolerance (addiction) and the symptoms were horrendous. But at nearly two years I lost the ability to complete a sentence. I forgot things. I repeated myself. I was losing my mind. Then I read of a link between long term lorazepam use and dementia. Long use is over 4 months. I think my process was speeded up because I was in cancer treatment. Yes, benzos affect memory. I only quit cold turkey out of ignorance. But I was so scared of my mind failing. My brain is nearly back to normal as far as remembering. You will improve.

 

Dr. Ashton says 50% are addicted at 6 months. 100% at a year. That proved so true for me. While I was sick all the time on lorazepam the one year mark tipped me over into hell. I still live there.