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Hello, I am happy to find this forum to gain the support of others who have successfully tapered, or are in the process of tapering off benzos. I have been using .05mg of lorazepam for 6+ yrs. Originally prescribed for sleep and then realized the w/d symptoms were horrendous when I tried to go without. My doc is working with me to taper. Just completed 2 wks of alternating between whole dose (.05) and half dose at bedtime. That went okay...then doc suggested 1/2, 1/2, whole, for 2 wks. Not going so well! Anxious, angry, moody, achey, headache, horrible sleep, which exacerbates all of the above. I am encouraged to know this is indeed possible, but very fearful of feeling so poorly day after day.  Help...
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Welcome to the forum!  We're glad to have you as a new member.  A slow, steady taper is best, with the dose going steadily downward.

 

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!

 

:smitten:

 

 

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