5 months on Ativan

[Keldon]

I was put on 1.5 mgs of Ativan daily for Anxiety and insomnia postpartum. It's been 5 months and I've taken it everyday. Im very concerned about stopping the medication because of withdrawal symptoms. I'm terrified of having worse anxiety and panic attacks again. Are these types of withdrawals guaranteed to happen if I have taken 1 and half Mgs everyday for 5 months?  Thank you in advance for your help.

[Keldon]

I went to a doctor today and she put me on a schedule for weening off the Ativan. Because I'm not on a high dose it sounds like it will be easier than I thought. I should be off in 30 days. Honestly, it was not terribly helpful with the anxiety, but it is helpful with sleep. I'm concerned about sleeping well without it. But I'll se how it goes. Thank you for the advice.

[Rich99]

Yes do work with your doctor about a tapering plan.     I was on ativan and it was very addicting even after a week or two.    Your doctor may switch you to a longer acting benzo to make withdrawal more tolerable if you're ready to do so.

[mammo]

Hi.....you never want to taper off these types of medications without the supervision of your prescribing doctor. Not doing it properly with your doctor's guidance creates all the bad withdrawal problems. I'm assuming it's your idea to stop the meds, but are you sure you're ready?  Often due to the medication we get lulled into a false sense of feeling we no longer need it anymore because we feel so good.....but we are feeling good because of the medication.  Talk to your doctor for directions on how best to do this, and he can tell you what to do if while weaning off, it becomes obvious that you still need it.  Good luck and take care.