weening off of ativan

[bobbydip]

I have been taking ativan for almost six weeks,I take 1 mg three
times a day and I would like to know how to ween myself off off it,if there is anyone who can help me I would appreciate it.

[hinaman]

bobby forget the baloney you read here. Ativan is NOT addictive at all; at most you can become comfortable with it and thus in a way 'dependent' on it. But 'dependency' and 'addiction' are NOT the same thing (My uncle is dependent on insulin; is he "addicted" to insulin?? -- of course not)

Of course in general it's good to avoid drugs as much as possible, but I've been taking ativan on and off for insomnia for over 20 years with no problems. And sometimes I go for several weeks sleeping well; during that time I take no ativan.

[anacyde]

I weaned off of Ativan after six years on it.  I was only taking 0.5mg once a day, and it took a good month.  I cut those tiny little 0.5 pills in half, the result of which was often dust.  It is an extremely difficutlt medication to come off of, so I suggest taking it slowly and expecting anxiety symptoms and some really wild and screwed up dreams.  That will last 3-ish weeks per 1/2 mg you dose down at a time.  And please, do this only under the advice of a physician.

[Jack54]

Bobbydip, ativan is one of the most highly addictive drugs on the planet. You would probably have more support from another board such as anxiety or something in that area.

You have the right idea though, wean yourself slowly. You need to work with your prescribing doctor, who may need to give you some milder anti-anxiety medication while you are withdrawing from ativan.

I had to go through rehab about 25 years ago to withdraw from ativan.

Best of luck,

Jack

[SillyHeart]

Try the addiction or the anxiety message boards.  This is the heart board.