Can't do it all by myself

[[To...]]

Been on Ativan/lorazepam for more than 20 years. Peak dosage was 4mg/day PRN, 1mg tabs, from 2010 until April 2015. Tapered down to 2mg/day by October 2015. Had to go back up to 3mg/day in November 2015. Also, note, that I successfully (and very painfully) got myself off 200mg Sertraline (Zoloft) antidepressant meds over the summer in 2015 after 20 years of use. Tapered down but probably too aggressively. That could very well have set me back with my benzo reduction in 2015. For something that is marketed as non-addictive, my body and mind totally rebelled and I don't want to go through anything like that hell again.

 

Now that I am looking at retirement, quality of life needs to be everything. There is no way I am going to run out my best years in a fog counting pills. I realize that this will be a monumental challenge that I cannot do without more support and information. I think in BenzoBuddies I have found a resource that will significantly aid my effort. I hope so!

 

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum!  We're glad to have you as a new member.  We have a lot of members who've been on benzos for 10, 20, or even more years.

 

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!

 

 

 

[[4G...]]

Your attitude will get you through. Many people think of retirement as a time to wind down. You see it as a fresh start. So I think you will succeed. Good luck!

[[To...]]

Thank you for your welcoming message. Makes me think I came to the right place! 

[[4G...]]

It's a pleasure. xxx

[[ma...]]

Welcome

[[Tr...]]

Welcome