Hello, Please help.

[[tw...]]

Hello, I was prescribed 1mg Ativan in March of this year. I only took it 1mg about 3 times before I lowered my dose to .5mg for about 4 months. In July I began taking only .25mg. I have taken the medication on average about 2 times a week for the past 7 months. Recently I tried coming off it and found I felt horrible. I went 4 days without it and it was horrible. About an hour after taking it yesterday I felt fine if a little on edge. Can someone tell me how I should taper and or if I could safely just stop taking it. I cant even tell if im W/D but everytime I take it I feel so much better. I just wanna be safe than sorry.

 

So to recap: I have only ever had one time of consecutive day use.

1mg Ativan only used about 3 times ever

Lowered to .5mg and used for about 4 months 1-2x a week. (My memory is horrible)

Lowered to .25mg from July until the present and used about 1-2x a week.

How should I come off it?

 

Thank you all for your help. God Bless You All. I know some of you are suffering from even higher doses and more frequent use. I pray you make it through.

 

 

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum! We're glad  to have you as a new member.

 

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!