Too old for these pills

[[ne...]]

Hello,  I have been on Ativan for over 10 years.  I am not young.  I went on initally because of chronic illness.  Then, stayed on whele taking car of sick family member,  then my son passed away, and I took all could get to get through those horrible moments that just come in waves for months.  Now, I need to get OFF.  I have weened myself off of the day time pills.  It's the 2mgs at bedtime, that have been consistant 2mg for years.  I have paradoxal effect to all other Benzos, so can't

switch to taper.  I would like to cut them.  They are made so flimsy I cant judge the cuts.  HELP PLEASE  I need to finally do this.  I tried in December and it almost killed me.  Stopped making my brand, and I had to try to take new brand.  Oh please help..Thank you

[[ma...]]

Hello needoff Welcome to benzobuddies

 

We are very glad you joined our community. I am so very sorry for your loss, I know the pain of losing a son.  Check out the forum, you are going to be okay.  You will come through this, we can help you with support, encouragement and taper/withdrawal information.  In general it’s advised to cut your daily dose by between 5% and 10% every 10 - 14 days.  You can alter the schedule, whatever feels comfortable, the aim is to try to keep symptoms manageable.

 

Familiarise yourself with the Ashton Manual, It’s great for understanding the effect benzodiazepines have on our body.  It also provides tapering and withdrawal information.  You will find some valuable support and info on the forum.  Please feel free to browse the boards and post questions to any of the dedicated threads.

 

You might wish to post to the this support group

 

Ativan Tapering Support Thread members will be happy to share their experience and offer advice. 

 

I'll leave you a few links:

 

The Ashton Manual. 

Withdrawal Support

General Taper Plans

 

When you can, please 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

 

[[ga...]]

Welcome, needoff. I'm so very sorry for the loss of your son. I'm glad you found us.

 

Ativan is a short-acting medication. If you are only taking it at night, you could be waking with withdrawal symptoms as it leaves your body. I experienced that with Xanax, another short-acting benzo.

 

Some do cut pills and weigh them on a scale to get the right dose. People will help you learn to do that on the General Taper board (as magrita posted above). I learned to dissolve my medication (click here: Titration) and measure it with an oral syringe. I did not have to cut pills.

 

I'm not sure how old you are, but there is also an over 60 support group here: Over 60. There are a few younger members on there, too. It's OK. It's a very supportive and helpful group.

 

I recently finished my taper at age 60. I could not have done it without the information and validation I received on this forum. You can do it, too!

 

Gardie