Day 5 ativan free but feeling crappy

[[La...]]

Hi All,

I'm new to the board...not sure how things work yet but let me introduce myself. I am a busy mom of twin boys aged 3-1/2. I am recovering from a major depression, anxiety and panic disorder with agoraphobia. I started taking 1mg of ativan per day to help with the side-effects of my antidepressant, as well as to help me sleep. I was on it for about 9 weeks and started tapering during the last 2-3 weeks. My first taper from 1mg to .5mg was tough. First couple of days I didn't feel anything....I thought - this is going to be a piece of cake! Yeah right! The third day I was a mess....depressed, anxious, shaky, chills but by the 5th day I was feeling good again - I stayed here for 12 days then I tapered down to .25mg. At .25 I didn't notice any withdrawal symptoms to speak of, but I was only there for 4 days. My doctor told me to stay there for 5 days then stop completely. Well at day 4 I fell asleep and accidentally missed my 5th and last dose so I was feeling kind of jumpy the following day. The first few days when I jumped the ativan I felt shaky, hyper-sensitive to light and sound and a bit anxious but not too bad. Today is day 5 of being ativan free and it is the worst day so far! I was anxiety ridden today, super tearful, depressed, shaky, fearful, ears buzzing. I don't understand why I'm feeling this way since I wasn't on ativan that long really??? Help please!

[[Bi...]]

Ladyluck~,

 

Welcoming you to BenzoBuddies.

You will find plenty of support here.

 

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Others will be along to weigh in shortly.

 

Billy.

[[...]]

Hello Ladyluck,

 

Withdrawing from Ativan, and other Benzodiazepines, can cause some disturbing ,and scary symptoms even if someone has only taken them for a very short time.  But it is temporary.  Hopefully your symptoms will not linger for too long.

 

I can understand your concern; being a mom to 3 year old twin boys is no easy task.  We will help you, and support you in any way possible to see you through this.

 

the best to you

 

pj

[[ma...]]

Hello Ladyluck

 

Welcome to Benzobuddies, glad you found us. Well done in being free of ativan

 

I was anxiety ridden today, super tearful, depressed, shaky, fearful, ears buzzing. I don't understand why I'm feeling this way since I wasn't on ativan that long really??? Help please!

 

These are all classic withdrawal symptoms, we have a member on benzos for 9 days and suffering. so it doesnt seem to matter how long a person is taking the drug for, all i can say is it does get better, sorry for your suffering,hang in there.

 

Keep posting

 

((hugs))

Margarita

[[La...]]

Thank you all for the support - I find it extremely comforting and reassuring!!

 

I woke up this morning feeling anxious and shaky but tried to keep reminding myself that what I'm feeling is not uncommon (thanks to you guys and this forum) and it made me feel a lot better.

 

My mood has improved a lot since yesterday. My anxiety is better but seems to come and go. I feel tense and kind of shaky all the time...like I'm going to start twitching or something. Also I have been grinding my teeth like crazy lately and wake up with a headache and jaw ache. Sometimes the pain is unbearable. I am thankful that today my symptoms are quite bearable and I will make the most of this window.

 

Will keep everyone posted.

 

Thanks again everyone - I am really grateful for your support!

[[Ch...]]

Hi Ladyluck,

This is a good place to help you through withdrawal.  Astounding that only nine days use can cause this, but it can.  Your symptoms are very typical and it is comforting to know that's what's happening.  It helps to know what it is and why it's happening and that it will go away.

 

Some things that may be helpful are to abstain from alcohol, caffeine and sugar, drink enough water, eat well and reduce your stress as much as you possibly can right now...not easy as a mother of twin toddlers!!    If you can squeeze in some time for exercise, that will help as well.

 

Keep posting...lots of support and nice people here going through the same thing. 

 

Challis