Ativan dependency

[Denim503]

Hi,
I have been taking 1mg of Ativan for sleep for the past 15 years. Now I am trying to wean off and am reducing by 1/8th of a dose. I am planning to reduce every 2 weeks or so. Is this too fast, should I do it monthly?

[vicki595]

Maria-  I think what you're doing is fine but some do switch to Valium because of it's long acting effect. It's up to you. Personally,I'd do what you're doing now...and as long as your doctor is aware it's all good.

Yes,as long as you're tapering down it's great! It doesn't matter how long it takes;just keep going down.  You can ask the doctor about taking it every other day,as well. Sometimes that helps...

[sudie58]

i am very sorry to hear that about your husband, it must have been very hard for you,
your doing the right thing , dropping very slowly, and im glad your dr. is supporting you, i can see how you were prescribed it now, just for the times you couldnt sleep, but its easy to get to taking more, you will get off them . and feel better for it. drs. do use diazepam but they are longer acting and your dr. is helping you, look after yourself, god bless.

[Denim503]

Thanks for your kind suggestions. Love that dog!!! He/she is a beauty.

I neve felt worse taking Lorazepam, and started on it  (which I sorely regret) when my then-young husband became ill with Cancer, suffered for 6 years, then died, leaving me with two young boys to raise. I simply could not cope if I couldn't sleep, so I took it daily.

My doc told me that problem with it is that it doesn't work if you take it very night. He has a point. I really don't mind taking it occasionally, but everynight is stupid. I quite smoking years ago, took me a year and a half because I went at it very slowly, one cigerette less a day for a month. But it worked am I am hoping and praying this will work. My doc is very supportive and says the main thing is you are going down.

Thanks
Maria

[Denim503]

Thanks for your prompt reply Vicky. My doctor retired but felt that I could do it in three weeks. I now have a new doc ( a younger female) and she said to do it very slowly. I am trying to follow the Diazepam schedule of Dr. Ashton who advises 5% reduction every 2-4 weeks. However, as you know the Lorazepam cannot be cut 5%. All I can do is 1/8th.

At one point I was up to 1.5mg for a few months last year, but I have brought it down again to 1mg.  But I think I will take your advice and do a reduction every month. So far I don't have any wd.

Do you think it's better to go the Diazepam route, then you can reduce by 5%?

Thanks

Maria (Denim is my dog's name)

[sudie58]

hi, its good you want to come off the ativan, its unfortunately one of the harder benzos to withdraw from and requires supervision, but its also the benzo that folks really do feel great when its over, you , thankfully have been on a very low dose, so you will save yourself a lot of the worst fom that. your withdrawing slowly too, but as vicki says, it really is best if you tell your dr. and he can advise you, he/she will know a lot about ativan as its quite an old benzo, and very rarely prescribed for long term use, (in uk anyway) as its short acting, you can do this , best wishes, god bless, let us know how your doing.

[vicki595]

I've always believed the slower the better so I'd go down a little every month. Do you have a doctor on board to advise you? That would be the best and safest route for you.

Good luck!