Ativan Withdrawal?

I have been on Ativan 3 mg daily for abt two years now. My family doctor said she was not comfortable prescribing this for me any more,even though I am also taking Lexapro (10mg) with it for Panic Disorder. I have mad an appointment with a psych for two weeks from now,and am worried that he will not perscribe for me this continuing dose. Should I start tapering off of the Ativan,and at what amount? (my doc just said to do it cold turkey...does she want me to die?!?!) Im very nervous and scared about this.

[no_fate]

You need to find a doctor or psychiatrists, tell them you've been on ativan for very long and your doctor wants you to get off it... but tell them u don't want to go cold turkey as the doctor recommends,

because u fear terrible withdrawal and possible withdrawal induced seizure.
Benzodiazepines must be tapered slowly.

dr. ashton was a specialist on benzodiazepines and has written extensive information on how to withdraw from them.
she suggested that people switch their particular benzo to the equivalent amount of valium... (because all benzos are very similar, it is quite easy for an ativan addict to switch over to valium)

once on valium it becomes easier to taper because you can taper slowler amounts.... 10mg of valium = 1mg of ativan.

on the website below there is more information on how to switch to valium and how to then taper valium properly
http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/

good luck

(if you can't make the ideal taper , don't panic. chances are you 'll be just fine. but you should try to make the ideal taper as described by Dr Ashton to totally minimize your chance on nastiness.)