Longing to be Free

[[Fr...]]

I came across BenzoBuddies a while back when looking at all my options to get off my RX. I noticed my increase in dose in order for it to have the same effects. That was concerning for me as I now know and as many of you already know, that is the "nature of the beast". I am trying to wean off lorazepam. I started the RX VERY hesitantly back in 2007 as part of an unintentional scare tactic of a primary care doc at the time and their concern of me having a heart attack if I didn't get my anxiety under control. Little did I know that would start my journey of .5mg "use as needed" to 1mg daily use. I didn't know it then and never experienced anxiety prior, but have come to find out I have Lyme disease (finally diagnosed in 2011) as well as hypothryroidism and now the start of peri-menopause...all can be huge contributing factors to my anxiety. I have since switched primary care doctors. Because my current primary care doctor felt "unqualified & uncomfortable" to help me with weaning off this medication, I started to slowly wean myself in Oct 2016. I dropped from 1mg to .75 and have been at that dose since. I watched the titration video on this site and bought the cylinder to try to get down further at a slower rate but being that I have 1mg tablets and split them myself I am not 100% sure how to effectively and safely go about doing so (I will watch video again unless someone has helpful suggestions). However, I am ready to start the titration process with cylinder and am blessed to have the time to do so.

[[ma...]]

Hello Freedom4Life Welcome to BenzoBuddies.

 

Sorry about your hypothryroidism and lyme disease diagnoses.  I am glad you joined, you will plenty of support here. The generally accepted taper rate is 5-10%, every 10 to 14 days. Using the titration method will enable you to go slower, whatever rate is comfortable, the goal is to try and keep withdrawal symptoms manageable. 

 

You are going to be okay, you will come through this, withdrawal is tough but we do eventually recover from this experience.  Check out the sticky topics at the top of the titration board.

Titration Taper Plans Board

 

The Ashton Manual is an excellent resource for information about these medications and gives a lot of information about withdrawal/tapering. 

 

The Ashton Manual

 

Here are some additional links:

 

General Taper Plans

 

Withdrawal Support is an excellent board to connect with members and share benzo withdrawal experiences.

 

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