Hello Buddies!

[[Ri...]]

Hello Buddies,

I am 22 years old and was prescribed Ativan in late September 2018 for a nasty case of anxiety after an antibiotic negated the effects of an ssri. The first two months I took the drug at varying doses of 0.5-2.0 mg, the instability in dosing caused me to take a trip to the ER in late November. From that date I began taking 2 mg total throughout the day. I stabilized in early January and began my taper immediately thereafter. I’m now on 1.5 mg per day after two tapers of .25 mg. I hope to find reassurance in various symptoms (anxiety, vivid dreams, depersonalization, hyperacusis) and advice to make the taper more manageable.

Thank you,

Riverbanks

[[ma...]]

Hello Riverbanks  Welcome to Benzobuddies!

 

We are glad you joined our community.  I am sorry you are having a rough time with symptoms, you will get plenty of support here. The nature of Benzodiazepines  is they need to be tapered off slowly. The rule of thumb is to reduce the daily dose by somewhere between 5% and 10% every 10 - 14 days.  It’s okay to go slower than this, whatever feels comfortable, the aim is to try to keep symptoms manageable.

 

I would suggest that you familiarise yourself with the Ashton Manual, It is a great resource for understanding the effect benzo’s have on our body.  It provides tapering and withdrawal information and includes a list of common symptoms 

 

You will find some very valuable support and information on the forum.  Our members are happy to share their personal experiences with you and support you.. Please feel free to browse the boards and post questions to any of the dedicated threads.

 

I'll leave you a few links:

 

The Ashton Manual. 

Withdrawal Support

General Taper Plans

 

Please take time to add a signature (history of meds/doses etc) it will help members give you relevant advice.  Go to the top of the page and select PROFILE then choose forum profile then insert drug history into the text box and remember to click change profile

 

Welcome aboard

Magrita