Hi

[[ia...]]

My name is Dave, I'm 53, and have been on Ativan for OCD & anxiety for 25 years.  I also take Valium for relief of back pain.  I'm currently tapering off the Ativan, and could use the advice and counsel of folks who might have already been through this process.

[[ma...]]

Hi Dave

 

Welcome to Benzobuddies,  I am glad to hear you have started your taper, you will receive plenty off support here. Are you familiar with the  Ashton Manual , it is an excellent resource for information about these medications and gives a lot of information about withdrawal and tapering. 

 

Here is a link to the manual: Ashton Manual

 

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 a couple of helpful links:

 

 

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 Dave,

 

Welcome to the forum from me too 

 

Congratulations on the decision to begin tapering and on your taper so far!

 

Tapering slowly and carefully is advised after long term benzo use, within the guidelines that Magrita has given you. The slow taper is advised to ensure that the withdrawal effects are kept minimised. We also recommend listening to how your body reacts to the cuts. If you are feeling a little too symptomatic it is usually an indication that you are tapering too quickly, slowing down the taper rate and/or holding the taper until the strong symptoms settle usually remedies this.

 

Are you thinking about tapering off the Diazepam eventually? It is usually recommended to taper off one benzo at a time beginning with the one with the shortest half life which in your case is the Ativan which, of course, is what you are now doing.

 

I had been taking my benzo for 30 years and I've been benzo free for 20 months now. There are also many other members here who are benzo free after long term use so I hope this helps to encourage you.

 

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

 

Debbie

[[ia...]]

Thank You both for the kind replies and support.  I've really been beating myself up for the last couple of months, wondering how I let myself get so dependent on these pills, and also feeling a little angry that no Dr. ever said to me, "You might want to reconsider your usage."  I read the report that came out several months ago linking Benzo use to early-onset dementia, and I simply freaked out.  I'm 53, so hopefully in no danger, but it really hit a nerve.  I feel anxious now--just like I used to feel before I discovered Ativan--and I think, "This is what you have to look forward to--feeling as raw and out of control as you did 25 years ago."  But I hope I have learned some skills since then, and can learn more, about coping with anxiety.  I'm grateful to have found this community, and I will be asking a lot questions down the road, no doubt!

[Guest [Mi...]]

Thank You both for the kind replies and support.  I've really been beating myself up for the last couple of months, wondering how I let myself get so dependent on these pills, and also feeling a little angry that no Dr. ever said to me, "You might want to reconsider your usage."  I read the report that came out several months ago linking Benzo use to early-onset dementia, and I simply freaked out.  I'm 53, so hopefully in no danger, but it really hit a nerve.  I feel anxious now--just like I used to feel before I discovered Ativan--and I think, "This is what you have to look forward to--feeling as raw and out of control as you did 25 years ago."  But I hope I have learned some skills since then, and can learn more, about coping with anxiety.  I'm grateful to have found this community, and I will be asking a lot questions down the road, no doubt!

 

Hi. I was on various benzos (and many other psych drugs) for close to 30 years. I'm slowly coming off them all due to cognitive problems.

 

I dropped Halcion last January and Klonopin in June. I'm learning new ways of coping without these meds. I started these drugs at 17, so I never really had time to develop coping skills. But 30 years later, it's very much possible to learn.

 

With a slow and steady taper, you'll do fine.