User name

[[Oc...]]

See post #2 for introduction. 

[[Oc...]]

I am trying to find ways to help my husband who has stopped taking Ativan for 5 months now and is suffering

[[me...]]

Welcome to BenzoBuddies!  We are glad you decided to join us.  You'll find a lot of support and information on this forum, which is the only one of its kind online.  Did your husband taper off, or did he c/t?

 

For those starting a taper, we generally recommend starting out at a rate of 5 to 10% every 10-14 days, then adjusting the taper to suit your own needs.  Note: very short term users may be able to taper faster.

 

Withdrawal symptoms, which vary widely but commonly include anxiety and insomnia, often occur during a taper and when newly off, but these are temporary and will get better in time.  In general, first tapers are easier, but cold turkeys or multiple withdrawals may be more severe and longer lasting.  Here are a few links to get you started:

 

The Ashton Manual, a concise reference for tapering and symptom issues.  Chapter III contains excellent descriptions of common symptoms such as muscle issues, anxiety, and hyper-awareness.

 

PostWithdrawal Support (during your taper)

 

Once again, welcome!

[[Oc...]]

He was taking 3 milligrams of Ativan when he started to taper after 4 months on. He tapered for 2 months and got down to either 1 mg or a half. He was feeling so bad he decided to just jump. Looking back he probably should of tapered a bit longer but he wanted to be done for good with this awful pill. He has had numerous symptoms and the first month he had involuntary jerks which caused panic attacks. Those went away but now at 5 months they are back.It is like all his healing went backwards. Would like to see if anyone has tried CBD to help. He has stayed away from any medicine and has completely stopped alcohol as well. I am really worried for him to try anything even the natural CBD after trusting our doctor and taking this terrible pill.

[[me...]]

Hello again,

 

I see you've found one of the cbd threads.  Cbd may help some, but please remember there is no magic cure for withdrawal other than time itself.

 

Jerks and spasms are very common in wd, because benzos are powerful muscle relaxants, and when discontinued there is a rebound effect.  Please see The Ashton Manual, Chapter III, link below.

 

[[Oc...]]

Thanks so much for the info! I spent an hour reading that chapter in the Ashton manual. Just praying my husband's sucess story will be soon. He tapered but only over a 2 month period. He is now wishing he had tapered longer.