Wanting to taper off

[[re...]]

Hi! I have been on Lorazepam for a little over ten years. I want to get this out of my body once and for all and am interested in tapering off. My medical provider told me I could quit cold turkey and just take benadryl at night for sleep. I have only taken 1 mg daily the entire time I have been on it.

Thank you.

 

[[ma...]]

Hello readytogetbetter17 Welcome to Benzobuddies!

 

You will get plenty of support here.  I am sorry about the cold turkey advice, it can be dangerous to stop benzodiazepines abruptly.  I am so glad you decided to taper off these drugs.  Tapering slowly is the best way to withdraw from benzodiazepines. Reducing your daily dose by somewhere between 5% and 10% every 10 - 14 days is the rule of thumb, you can go slower, whatever feels comfortable. The aim is to keep symptoms manageable.

 

I would suggest you read The Ashton Manual, It is a great resource for understanding the effect benzo’s have on our body.  It provides Tapering and withdrawal information and includes a list of common symptoms 

 

Our members are happy to share their personal experiences with you and support you..You will find some very valuable support and information on the forum.  Please feel free to browse the boards and post questions to any of the dedicated threads.

 

I'll leave you a few links:

 

The Ashton Manual. 

 

Withdrawal Support

 

General Taper Plans

 

When you can, please add a signature (history of meds/doses etc) it will help members give you relevant advice.  ”Create a signature”

 

Welcome aboard

 

Magrita

 

[[Iw...]]

Ready...

 

What a wise decision-congratulations! 

 

Your doctor is an idiot!!!  Sorry if this is against the rules.  But really?  I guess you can just quit if you want to experience he🏑🏑.  Please don't cold turkey unless you want weeks, months or years of terrible withdrawal. 

 

I don't know much about lorazepam-the mg the pills come in-but I would start taking less every 2weeks to a month.  It is recommended not to cut more than 10% at a time and let your symptoms guide how much and how often you cut.  You may want to look into liquid tapering or dry cutting which would require a gram scale.  There is a board devoted to liquid tapering-I'd start there.  Also you may want to look at the Ashton Manuel.  The administrators usually give you a link to it in your welcome message. 

I'm sure some others will chime in with some great advice-hopefully some with Lorazepam experience.

 

Wishing you the best.