Taper off 3mg lorazepam

[[t4...]]

Hello buddies, I just joined benzobuddies as I am quite afraid of the benzodiazepine I am having (3mg lorazepam). I think my fear is purely psychological. However, I cannot take away from my mind that I am going to get hooked up to lorazepam. It has been 4 months since I started with the treatment for depression and anxiety (300mg venlafaxine, 3mg lorazepam and 5mg olanzapine), and the only thought that comes to my mind is how to reduce the lorazepam dosage.

 

Do you know where may I find a protocol for lowering the dosage?

 

Any CBT book that may help tappering off?

[[Be...]]

Hello t4m4g0tch1-

 

We recommend reducing 5-10% every 10-14 days. A symptom based taper holding when necessary works well for many folks.

 

The Ashton Manual is a great resource 

 

Here is a program where you can Create Your Own Taper Plan by Jim Hawk It may be helpful if you check out the Help function prior to using the program.

 

If you need more help just ask ...we are here for you! 

 

[[An...]]

Did they start you out on 3 mgs of ativan?

[[t4...]]

Did they start you out on 3 mgs of ativan?

 

It was 2.5mg during 3 months...

[[t4...]]

Buddies everytime I reduce the amount of lorazepam I intake I get very anxious about failing to sleep. Has any of you experienced something similar? Any help would be appreciated

[[Pe...]]

Hi t4m4g0tch1,  welcome to BB!

 

"Buddies everytime I reduce the amount of lorazepam I intake I get very anxious about failing to sleep."

 

First we really need you fill out a signature - that way we know what you're taking, how much, how long, and changes you've made along the way. 

 

At the top of the page, click on Profile, then Forum Profile.  At the bottom of that page there is a space to enter your data. Remember to click to save changes. 

 

So, by how much have you tried to reduce? 

 

"Has any of you experienced something similar? Any help would be appreciated"

Yes I have felt anxious about that and I would say many others have too.    I did not let it hold me back - in fact, my dose has always been at bedtime and still I was able to get a handle on tapering and steadily reduce.  As I went down, my sleep began to upgrade on its own and has improved with less and less of the lorazepam.

 

As you gain knowledge about this process, and build confidence in your taper -- making good thoughtful decisions for yourself, taking your time, and paying attention to your symptoms/how you feel along the way --  I think you'll be able to let go of some of that anxiety. 

 

For the record, I was a terrified mess when I found BB - I did not imagine anything but bad for my taper and it has been a rather smooth journey instead!  People can and do get off this drug with few issues -- keep the faith, t4m --  you can do this! 

 

PH 🌷