Lorezopam withdrawal & how to cut dosages

[[Ha...]]

Hey guys,

 

I'm 26 and have experienced panic disorder for about 4 years, although it's been on and off. In fact at times I feel like I don't even have it. When I initially had my panic disorder I was placed on 0.5 mg of lorezopam I stayed on for about a month and the went to weekly sessions of CBT. Within a month or two I was my old self again and Iwas on zero medication. Then about a year and a half ago I relapsed into panic and anxiety. My psychiatrist had me placed on Citilopram but we switched to Lexapro, currently I'm taking 20mg. I was put on 0.5 mg lorezopam as well, morning and night. Things got better and after a year and some months I decided to cut lorezopam from my daily routine. I cut by .25mg every week but the withdrawals really messed with me and it started a downward cycle. I eventually started taking lorezopam 2mg a day split between a 8AM dose of 0.5mg, 2PM dose 0.5mg and a bedtime dose of 1mg. It's been 2-3 months since I began this. I visited my psychiatrist and he said cut by .25mg every 2 weeks. I don't want to go through the hell that I went through the first time and his instructions still seem fast paced to me. On my own initiative I began to cut my nightly dose by .875 or 1/8 of the total 1mg of my bedtime dose. Is this reasonable? At this stage I'm very nervous and scared, I would appreciate any help. Thank you.

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum!  We're glad to have you as a new member.

 

You'll find plenty of information and support here.  Our members have gone through all aspects of withdrawal, and you're likely to see  people who understand what you're going through and can tell you what has worked for them.  For those who are currently tapering, we suggest reducing no faster than 5-10% every 10-14 days, and some taper even slower than that. One exception: very short-term users of a few weeks or less may be able to taper faster than that.  Having some withdrawal symptoms is normal, especially near the end of a taper and for a month or so after discontinuing the medication.  The most common symptoms are anxiety and insomnia, but these are temporary and will go away in time.

 

Here are a few links you may find useful:

 

Withdrawal Support Board

 

The Ashton Manual 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 in Chapter III, and there is also a section with withdrawal/taper schedules.

 

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!