Is this normal?

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I am at the end of week 2 of tapering 0.25mg Ativan. I have high morning anxiety. So i take mine in the morning. I am also taking 7.5 mg Mirtazapine and 30 mg Phenergan for sleep.

My symptoms vary everyday, except the anxiety, which is a constant. Yesterday i had sudden aura migraine after a long time. My neck was so stiff and hurting. I took an Ibuprofen and both got better.  My left calf muscle hurts and the pinky and ring finger feel tingly. I was also very depressed and wanted to watch old movies from my growing up years, which i rarely do. I am not able to think anything positive either of the past or of the future. I am so tired and exhausted mostly. I have started working and that helps me take my mind off of things. Although driving all that way is challenging with anxiety. The worst is when i stay home. Insomnia and anxiety were my initial problems starting in 2014. My body is so sensitive and reacts horribly to all medication and even to some herbal teas and supplements. Prayer and meditation on God's word helps to focus.

Last night i ate some thing small at 9:00 P.M. Usually i eat at 7:00 P.M. On nights i eat late, even a small snack, my sleep is destroyed. in spite of medication. So lack of sleep increases anxiety and i am groggy all day. My all consuming thoughts are whether i will be able to sleep tonight as i have to function tomorrow. The Mirtazapine and Phernegan mix does give me some decent sleep for the past 1 week.

My doctor is trying to get me off of Ativan and tells me to take Phenergan 10mg instead if i have anxiety. I did it once but i felt so tired during the day. Does this really help? I also take L-Thyroxine, B Complex vitamins and a Vitamin C depot with Zinc and Vitamin D3 everyday.

[[li...]]

Hi, there.  First of all, great job tapering down to .25 Ativan. It's  a real achievement.  I have tapered to .50 and wish I were as far along as you.  As far as the muscle pain, maybe magnesium would help, but it depends on your body's reation to it.  I am on Mirtazapine 30 mg, so I have that taper ahead of me after the Ativan, and it does help me sleep, although I wake up religiously at 5 am and have to calm myself by repeating "all is well, nothing will happen to you". 

 

Also, wonderful that you are working.  I know none of this feels right to you right now, but the fact that you are really doing the things to get better, including meditation and prayer, will get you through this.  I am sure of it.  I am also sure there have been many positive things from your life.  Have you tried a gratitude journal?  Write down three things each morning and evening that you are grateful for.  It can be as simple as seeing a beautiful sunset or talking with a good friend.  Helping your brain to focus on the positive things that happen will help you. 

 

You are a real trooper for going through this.  I am sorry you are suffering.  I hope it goes away soon.