My brief story - Anxiety last 8 months - comments appreciated

[[co...]]

Hi everyone,

 

•Joining the boards for information, how important is it that I taper off, withdrawal support, etc

 

•Started on Ativan in June 2011 (8 months ago)

 

•Ativan 1mg pills

- was taking 3 mg/day from June to November (then read some info about how these pills are not good to take and should get off of them)

- moved down to 2.5mg/day and then 2mg/day in December 2011

- moved down to 1.75mg/day in January 2011, only lasted for two days - went back up to 2-2.25mg/day

 

GOT SICK WITH FLU - took 3mg/day for the last two weeks because with the sickness my heart was beating faster so I felt more comfortable taking more Ativan.

 

What brought me here now - the last three days have been BAD... I was neglecting the CBT exercises and reading my help books, so now I am taking 3.5-4 mg/day the last 2-3 days.

 

Demanded to see the family doctor yesterday - prescribed a small dose of Cipralex (a branch of Celexa) 5mg for two weeks then 10mg afterward... he says it should cut down my Ativan use and even though Cipralex is for OCD/depression - it is great for reducing anxiety.

 

I have not started on the Cipralex yet, even though I am in possession of it.

 

Any thoughts? Anybody out there?

[[Bi...]]

coastalguy,

 

 

Welcoming you to Benzo Buddies.

 

You will find plenty of support here.

 

If you would like to add a signature: Signature

Also for tapering:

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?board=56.0General General Taper Plans

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?board=62.0Titration Titration Taper Plans

 

If you have any questions, let us know.

 

Billy.

[[Ti...]]

Hi Coastalguy,

 

Welcome to BB.

 

It is usually recommended to do a taper as cold turkeying can be dangerous and lead to protracted withdrawals as well as a worsening of withdrawal symptoms, it's a huge shock to the body.  You can refer to the Ashton Manual for tapering advice, it is a wonderful resource and most people tend to use it here.

 

http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/

 

Also, I would say most people here are not in favor of adding psych meds to the mix, however for some people it is necessary in order to help cope with the withdrawal symptoms.  I am one who needed to do so.  Taking an antidepressant or antiphychotic is a personal choice in which to be weighed as it to will have it's own withdrawal symtoms to deal with sometimes down the road, and from what I have learned on the boards here, are not fun to try and come off of in the middle of benzo withdrawals.  I didn't know this prior to getting on the med that I went on, so will now be waiting until I feel my benzo w/d are for the most part gone.

 

I'm sure others will chime in and give helpful information.

 

Wishing you a warm welcome and hope that your taper goes smoothly.   

 

*Hugs*

Tink