Lorazepam Taper Advice Needed

[OverUnderBobo]

Hello All-

I need advice/help/reassurance on tapering off Lorazepam.

I was prescribed it about a year ago for migraines/general anxiety and insomnia. I would take it "as needed", but as of about 6 months ago have been taking it just about every night. Usually 1mg. Well, I decided to stop. Last Saturday night. I had some drinks at a party and didnt take it. Bad insomnia and felt awful the next day. Tried it again this past Saturday. Same thing. Really felt bad. So I took 1 last night.

I know this is a highly addictive drug, and I know I blew it, but am 100% ready to get off it. I have asked the pharm to fill my next rx for .5 mg. And am going to take that for a while, then maybe try to move to taking it every other night, etc. I dont really trust my current doctor as he is the one that kept oking the refills so am shopping for a new one.

Anyway, from what I've been reading the dosage I've been on and the amount of time on it (daily) is really not much compared to others I've seen.

Can anyone advise on a good tapering schedule and how long before I can go off of it altogether? Would it be dangerous to stop cold turkey considering how little I was taking?

[OverUnderBobo]

I am surprised as little as 1 mg for a short period of time can have that much of an affect...or is that dangerous

[PromisedLand]

I believe it is clear with the instructions they hand out with those things that you MUST consult with your doctor before stopping or changing dosage..not doing so can lead to serious consequences, and none of us here are qualified to really tell you the proper way to taper off of these things.

I know what it's like not having them and it's terrible.  I have anxiety issues and take them.
but you must see your doctor or at the very least your pharmacist for a good taper plan where he/she can help you manage it.

And yes...stay away from alcohol.

Jim

[OverUnderBobo]

Thatnk you, I'll be careful. Not looking for doctors to tell me how to taper, just more everyone else's experiences based on how much I've been taking and how long above.

Again, 6-7 months 1mg per night is what I've been on. I don't crave it per se, and want it to be done in my life, but the withdrwals in just 48 hours were pretty rough.

Please advise on anyone's experience with roughly the same

[IBKleen]

Hi,

Fidn a new doctor and taper off of it properly. We can not advise you here on a taper schedule--you need to do that through your doctor.

Please, please be careful with the alcohol. that is a lethal cocktail. And please do not stop cold turkey.

I wish you the best.