Want to be my own best wisher return of well-beingness

[[ju...]]

I oriiginally. I had started taking benzo 30 years ago. first when my side effects to other psychotropic meds were seriously intolerable. I guess I thought Benzo could be used as a PRN, but as it  had turned out they became a placebo effect and my go to maintenance medication. I was hospitalized 3 years ago with a kidney injury, and abruptly stopped taking all of my meds other than the Benzos on the advice of the ER Doctor's orders.

I continued  on low doses 1mg/day of the Lorazapam and Ambien for anxiety, panic, and insomnia problems while the reversal of  symptoms of ataxia and creatinine high levels  returned to normal and  my prognosis was good. I could feel well after stopping caused from taking heavy lifter meds long term usage, and my brain functioning returned to average.

I am still taking the same dose of the Benzos  as prescribed for the above reasons. I would like to stop it and look at some other alternatives.

[[pi...]]

Hello justsayom.

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies! I'm glad your kidney issues improved and that you are ready to begin tapering off lorazepam. It's funny, or rather not so funny, how prn use can become regular use that leads to a physical dependency.

 

Since you have taken benzos for many years, a slow taper would be recommended to allow your nervous system to adjust to the dose changes. Normally the shorter acting benzo is tapered first.  I believe that some recommendations would be that you taper the lorazepam first and leave the Ambien until later so that you will be able to get sleep during the taper process. Once finished with the lorazepam taper you can address the Ambien.

 

Generally a reduction of no more than 5-10% every 10-14 days is suggested. I'll give you a link to the Planning Your Withdrawal Board for additional information.

 

You might also take a look at the Ashton Manual. Although it discusses crossing over to valium for tapering, this is not always necessary. Many people do a direct taper. There is a lot of good information about benzos, tapering and withdrawal in the manual. It was written by Dr. Heather Ashton, a pioneer in helping people withdraw from benzos.

 

We'll be happy to support and encourage you through the process so please let us know how we can help.

 

Planning Your Withdrawal (Taper Plans)

 

The Ashton Manual

 

pianogirl