Xanax, lorazepam and sleep

[[Ko...]]

I took xanax for years and then noticed that I almost had car accidents because I wasn't anxious ENOUGH and was turning right in front of cars.  The physician suspended my xanax prescription and prescribed a low dose, .5 mg of lorazepam, for sleep.  But now I can't sleep without it.  My new physician has stopped renewing the lorazepam prescription, but the lack of sleep is dreadful.  I'm hoping to read some experiences with more gradual tapering.  I also wonder if anyone has had Mirtazapine prescribed for them in place of a benzodiazepine.  I really don't want to take that, either.  Thanks.

[Guest [Le...]]

Hello, Kobai - welcome to BenzoBuddies!

 

Insomnia is a really difficult symptom of benzo withdrawal, and you may well find it easier to do a slow taper. Mirtazapine may help somewhat, but that’s a good question for the wider membership. 

 

I'm so glad you decided to join the forum - you'll find plenty of information and support here. Our members have gone through all aspects of benzodiazepine use and withdrawal, so you'll be able to connect with others who understand what you're going through.

 

Here are a few links to boards that may be a good starting place for you:

 

  General Taper Plans

  Withdrawal Support

  Other Medications

 

Please take a moment to Create a Signature. This will allow members to see where you are in the process, so that they can better support you.

 

Looking forward to seeing you on the forum!

Leslie 

 

 

The Ashton Manual is an authoritative resource on what to expect during withdrawal and recovery. It provides information that can be very reassuring during any stage of this process, including a list of common symptoms with helpful explanations.

 

For those who are currently tapering, a starting guideline is that the dosage not be reduced faster than by 5-10% every 10-14 days, although some taper even more slowly than that. One exception: very short-term users of a few weeks or less may be able to taper somewhat faster