Anyone on both benzos and Zdrugs; reversing order of w/d ?

[[Tr...]]

Hi,

 

I know most people say to w/d (ie. taper ) regular benzos first, if you're on polypharm. and also taking Z-drugs; but I'm wondering if anyone here ever did it the other way 'round? I seem to be having to take more Z- drugs when I try to taper Ativan. For sleep, that is-- not so much for anxiety. So I'm wondering if anyone ever went back to their original Benzo dose, and then tapered the Z -drugs first?

 

Also, is "Passion Flower" dangerous if you're already on a med. cocktail? Stupid question, I guess... maybe I ought to wait until I'm really making progress before I add anything else to the mix! 

 

Desperate.  

[[Be...]]

Actually, with the z drugs being so much shorter acting, we usually recommend tapering off them first.  Maybe that will suit you better.  Hope so.  You might want to start a thread on the Alternative Therapies Board about Passion Flower.  I'll bet you'll get posts from some members who've either tried it or at least know something about it.  I know I've seen it mentioned from time to time.

[[Tr...]]

Oh! Thanks, Beeper. I had read somewhere else to do the Ativan first, so I am pleased and surprised. I will try it the other way, and see if I don't have more success! Thanks!!!!

 

Now as I am taking 2 Z-drugs, it's a bit more of a challenge, but I think I'll have to up my Ativan dose, and try to get off the Z-drugs; then reverse, and get off the Ativan. Just wish I had a doctor or someone helping me!

 

As for the Passionflower, I will do that, later. Have too much on my plate, right now. I have already seen a few posts about it, though.

 

I will have to redo my summary, profile.... whatever you call it, when I have the time. [/color]

 

 

[[su...]]

Hello TryingAgain,

 

As you can see from my signature line, had been prescribed Klonopin and Lunesta. When I started my taper from 5 mg of Klonopin I had become aware of the Z drugs. Lunesta being one of them. So what I did was I held my dose at 3.5 mg. Then I began my taper from Lunesta. I was at 3 mg of Lunesta. They come in 3 mg, 2 mg and 1 mg tablets. Because Lunesta such a short half-life of only six hours, I tapered off of Lunesta in two weeks. I would make a dose reduction about every two or three days.

 

I am so happy I did that. Because I have been Lunesta three since June 2009.

 

I hope this is helpful,

Summer

[[Tr...]]

Good luck on your next cut, Summer! 

 

As for me, I am still confused. I take so many drugs... I am still experimenting for the best balance, before I even begin to cut (though I'm starting to try it out). It's a good thing you were only taking ONE Z drug; I am taking 2 (in various combinations-- mostly, because of insurance problems, and not being able to see my "sleep doc" for a long time...

 

I also just discovered that I have a Vit. D deficiency, and I'm waiting for my OTHER doc to call back re: my dosage for that.).

 

Also, Daylight Savings Time has just wreaked havoc on my plans... it's good in the Summer, but not good in the Spring when one is trying to readjust and get "normal" sleep! I am in a bad place, and having to start all over again, as it were.

 

Well, I got some sun, yesterday... 

 

Anyone else here having DST and sleep problems?

 

Don't anyone send me info re: the best food sources for Vit. D, because I already know what they are; but because I also have stomach problems, I don't eat them, that often.

 

I think that towards Summer, I'll begin to feel better.

 

Well, I DID find out that increasing my Ativan back to where it was (temporarily) is the best way to cut the Z's down. Were it not for insurance and DST, I'd have a clearer idea of what to do! I'll be reporting back when things are "stabilized" (if that day ever arrives). 

 

Actually, I forgot to take my full dose last night (DST confused me), so I will try an slightly different plan, tonight. And I have to get up earlier tomorrow and Tues., so things will REALLY be different! I don't anticipate any sort of stability until maybe Wed.

[[bl...]]

I quit ambien years ago. I didn't have much problem at all and had been on it for years. The Xanax seemed to make up for it, pretty much. I think it was easier to do it this way since now I'm used to being slightly insomniac again.    Good luck!

[[Tr...]]

Thanks, blueorchidlady. Well, I thought I was increasing my Z-drugs because I wasn't taking enough Ativan, but then last night, I tried a particular combo of Z-drugs (before tapering) which affected me so that I didn't even need to increase the Ativan! (I mean, not any more than a "normal" dose for me). Go figure. I will try this combo tonight again, and see what happens. Almost off schedule, so I gotta go. Thanks for your good wishes.

 

Yeah, Ativan itself doesn't seem to be that much of a problem for me; it's Ativan in combo with 2 Z-drugs that messes up everything!

 

Take care.

[[Th...]]

I have 7 weeks left on my taper (I can't believe it! Yay!). Then I have to taper Neurontin 2400mg (boo!). I hope it goes well. Best of luck to you too!

[[Tr...]]

Well, thanks, TPV. I'm clueless on my taper now, as I'm kind of taking a little less of different drugs on different nights (insurance issues). But good luck to you.