Please help!My sister has been using ativan on and off for years. I need to help her. What can I do?

[[Ma...]]

My sister has been using ativan on and off in small doses. Never more than 1 mg. She went through a very difficult time between Aug-Oct. Before this she had only ever used ativan 1 or 2 times. However, during this time she used around 7-10 mgs to get through the months. Suddenly she starts having panic attacks. She doesn't touch ativan for a few months. She begins to feel weird, anxiety etc. She takes an ativan here and there to deal but then flushes them because she gets scared on dependency. Begins to feel slightly better in April and then spirals out of control with anxiety in May/June. Takes around 3 mgs to dea in June/Jul. Doctors tell her to stay away from ativan and to take ssri instead. Telling her she has depression. She asked them if it could be the ativan but GP, psychologist and psychiatrist deny the possibility. She is struggling bad. Any, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum! We're glad  to have you as a new member.  I'm sorry your sister is in this situation.  Going on and off benzos multiple times is not a good idea, since even intermittent usage can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when discontinued.  There is also a phenomenon called kindling, which means the body becomes highly sensitized to the drug and withdrawals get worse and worse.

 

You'll find lots of information and support here.  Our members have been through all aspects of withdrawal, and you're likely to find  people who understand what you're going through.

 

For those who are starting a new taper, we suggest reducing no faster than 5-10% every 10-14 days at first, and then adjusting the taper rate to suit your own needs.  One exception: very short-term users of a few weeks or less may be able to taper faster.  Having some withdrawal symptoms is normal, especially near the end of a taper and for a few months after discontinuing the medication.  First/only withdrawals after a slow taper tend to be easier than multiple reinstatements/withdrawals over time, which may make symptoms worse and longer lasting. The most common symptoms are anxiety and insomnia, but there are many others. 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. Section III explains and describes symptoms, and there is also a section with suggested 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!

 

 

[[Rx...]]

In re to "She asked them if it could be the ativan but GP, psychologist and psychiatrist deny the possibility."  I would find a new GP, psychologist, and psychiatrist asap, but that's just my personal opinion.

[[Ma...]]

I would too but I don't know how to convince her. Any advice?

[[Rx...]]

I would show her this site if she is not aware.  Also, if she is not aware, the Benzodiazepine Information Coalition website, search of "benzodiazepine withdrawal youtube" (scores of personal testimonies), Benzo Brains on youtube and Twitter, and the W-BAD facebook page.  Of course, there's more information, but these are a start.

[[Na...]]

Show her the Ashton manual, and google Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Should be enough to send anyone in the opposite direction.