I Want OFF

[[Oc...]]

I started taking Lorazepam about 10 months ago when I started taking an antidepressant from Mexico after retiring here. It was the same medicine as what I had in the US, but the ingredients must be different. After about 3 months I realized I had worse depression and also had started having anxiety and irritability. I went to a psychiatrist here in Mexico who prescribed the Lorazepam. Eventually I got the US antidepressant and felt better. By that time I started using 1mg  Lorazepam to sleep and still do.  Now I find myself anxious so much of the time I want to scream. I know not to take more, but still take it to sleep. I put up with feeling scared and anxious most days. I want OFF.

[Guest [ba...]]

Hello Oct619!

 

Welcome to BenzoBuddies!  Thanks for joining us!

 

From what you are sharing, it sounds to me like you have become tolerant to Lorazepam, and that the dose you are taking is no longer working for you.  That's common with benzos.  They work for a while, then bodies often adjust to the constant presence of the drug and more drug is needed to accomplish the same level of relief.  I understand the anxiety you feel.  I also used lorazepam for a time and had a similar experience.

 

It will take some time to wean yourself off of these meds, but it's definitely possible to get your life back.  We recommend a slow taper of not more than 5-10% every 10-14 days.  Many people taper slower than that.  It's important to listen to your body as you slowly reduce your dose.  Slow down or stop tapering if the symptoms get intense.  Resume when you are ready.

 

The Ashton Manual is an authoritative source on what to expect in withdrawal and recovery.  Dr. Ashton is an expert in the field. Section III explains and describes symptoms, and there is also a section with suggested taper schedules.

 

Here's a link to the Withdrawal Support section of the forum.  It's probably a good place to share your story and read about the experience of others.  Withdrawal Support (during your taper)

 

You mentioned anxiety as a symptom.  Here's a link to the anxiety support section of the forum.  Hopefully, you can employ some strategies to help comeback any anxiety that might pop up during withdrawal.  Anxiety

 

Please take some time to Create a Signature. This will help other members understand your history so they will be better able to support you.

Go to the top of the page and select Profile, then choose Forum Profile, insert drug history/timelines into the text box and click Change Profile.

 

Again, welcome!

[[Ma...]]

Hey, I Want Off, welcome to bb.  The moderator sent you an excellent post with links to many good threads.  Please fill out the link to your signature with your drug history.  That will give us the information to help as best we can.  Also on the Home Page, you can find, by scrolling down, the Taper Thread.  There are different ways to withdraw and you can read and ask questions to decide which will fit you best.  Under your avatar, look down, and you will see a search engine, put in what interests you, and years of experience will pop up.  Remember, all of us are different, from benzo's, to how we tapered, years, symptoms, so all of our perspectives are different.  We are here to help.  Good luck, welcome again, Mary.  💜