Need help with Ativan taper

[[sn...]]

Hi!

I am here again for the second time needing help with Ativan taper. The first time i tapered in 2014 successfully. But this year due to personal circumstances i got into it again to help with anxiety. I have been taking 0.5 to 1 mg Ativan off and on for 8 months and got dependent on it. Since two weeks i am trying to wean off by taking 0.25 mg everyday. My P doc wants me to come off of it as soon as possible. She is giving me Phenergan for sleep, which i have been taking the past two days. I am also on 7.5 mg Mirtazapine, which i had weaned off this year. But insomnia, my root problem, for 3 1/2 years hit me again and she raised the mirtazapine. But this time it has lost its effect on me. I am having terrible anxiety everyday. The Phenergan helps me sleep but from morning to evening i have anxiety. I tried to stop the Ativan yesterday and it was awful. I am not able to go to work or drive without anxiety. I cannot switch to Diazepam, as my doctors won't give it to me. Last time i was able to wean off of Ativan by dry cutting. So i need help and support here to taper the Ativan i am taking. Thank you.

[[ma...]]

Hi Sn00py

 

Welcome back to Benzobuddies!  You will get the support you need here, you can do this!  You did it before and you can do it again by gradually tapering between 5-10% every 10-14 days, thats the rule of thumb.  You can go slower, depending how you feel.  You will already be familiar with The Ashton manual, I will leave a convenient link,  it’s  a great source of information about these types of medications and how to withdraw. 

 

Professor Ashtons Manual

 

I am sorry about the anxiety, it’s a dreadful symptom.  Check out how our members are coping, Anxiety.  I believe that benzos used long term creates more anxiety. I have known people who were never anxious , merely given these drugs for sleep issues and end up with anxiety, benzos definitely made mine worse.

 

Withdrawal can be quite a tough time and being amongst people who understand helps enormously. We have a great community here, our members have been through all aspects of benzodiazepine use and withdrawal, and will share their experiences with you.

 

Here are a couple links to information on Tapering and Withdrawal Support.

 

General Taper Plans

 

Withdrawal Support

 

Ativan Tapering Thread

 

In order for our members to give you the best informed replies can you please Create a signature  

 

Please feel free to ask questions

 

Welcome  aboard

 

Magrita

 

[[sn...]]

Thank you Magrita for your warm welcome. If you see my signature, you can tell it is a mess and so are my emotions right now.

I read your story and all i could say is Wow! Horrendous and amazing at the same time. The article on the brain was also very interesting. Thank you!

It's been over 3 years since i enjoyed a carefree vacation without worrying about sleep or anxiety. And i am getting tired of this prison like life. Everybody says it will get better and doctors try different ADs on me which make me even sicker. And i keep going from one crisis to the next.

Right now i just need some advice with tapering Ativan by dry cutting or titration.

My body and mind are in flux right now going through withdrawals from several medication. For so long i was doing good. Now i am going through severe anxiety especially in the mornings and sometimes in the evenings. I must say it has gotten a bit better but i never know when it will hit me. Today i am very depressed. But i do have a very loving husband who is constant encouragement.

[[ma...]]

Hello  Sn00py,  don't worry about your signature, it looks okay to me The morning anxiety is horrendous but it will go, sorry you're having a rough time of it right now, your day will come.  It's great that you have your husbands support.

 

Post for advice on the taper boards, I am sure you will get some feedback and support.

 

Hang in there sn00py

 

Magrita