Ativan and Gabapentin taper

[[Ch...]]

I have been taking Ativan off and on since May 2018. I have been on a daily dose of .5mg once a day around noon since March 2019.

I have been on 600mg of Gabapentin at bedtime since October 2018 prescribed for insomnia.

 

I need help figuring out how to get off of both. I cry daily, I can’t focus, I’ve lost my sense of self, groundedness, and feel so hopeless that I’ll ever feel normal again. I have found a good psychiatrist but I’m in need of more support and suggestions of how to do this. She wanted me to start a taper yesterday with stop taking the Ativan and start on 5mg of Valium instead. Yesterday did not go so well and I only slept 4 hours despite taking Valium in the evening. It do not quiet any anxious thoughts it just made my body relaxed and sedated. So I was stuck in bed with my mind ruminating about tapering and Gabapentin mixing poorly with Valium. Ugh lol.

Do I start the Gabapentin taper 1st? Or the Ativan?

 

[[ma...]]

Hello ChickenMama Welcome to Benzobuddies!

 

We are glad you joined our community,  you will get plenty of support here.  I know what you are going through, I cried buckets going through this process.  You can do this!  and you will get your life back. I know it feels hopeless now, but it will get better.  Benzodiazepines should be tapered off slowly, you should taper one drug at a time, “I personally would start with the Ativan!.  I don't have any personal experience with Gabapentin medication but I know it will need to be tapered in a similar fashion to benzo tapering. I will leave you a link to a thread that discusses withdrawal from Gabapentin:

 

The rule of thumb is to reduce the daily dose by somewhere between 5% and 10% every 10 - 14 days.  You can taper 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

Gabapentin (Neurontin) Withdrawl Support Group

 

 

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

 

[[Ch...]]

Thanks! I appreciate all of that.

 

Hello ChickenMama Welcome to Benzobuddies!

 

We are glad you joined our community,  you will get plenty of support here.  I know what you are going through, I cried buckets going through this process.  You can do this!  and you will get your life back. I know it feels hopeless now, but it will get better.  Benzodiazepines should be tapered off slowly, you should taper one drug at a time, “I personally would start with the Ativan!.  I don't have any personal experience with Gabapentin medication but I know it will need to be tapered in a similar fashion to benzo tapering. I will leave you a link to a thread that discusses withdrawal from Gabapentin:

 

The rule of thumb is to reduce the daily dose by somewhere between 5% and 10% every 10 - 14 days.  You can taper 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

Gabapentin (Neurontin) Withdrawl Support Group

 

 

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