Ativan

[Deb1023]

What is considered long term in using a benzo (Lorazepam/Ativan), and what is considered a high dose?
Has anyone out there ever gotten off Lorazepam after 4-5 months of continuous use at 2 mg. (or higher?)
How did you handle it?  I am so afraid of the anxiety returning. Did you have to have help in your home?
I am afraid to be alone and my husband works long hrs. No one in family to stay with me or even stop in daily.
Can a person function & make meals, etc...Thanks! ~ Deb1023

[VicMX]

I was on 2 mg a day for 2 years. The doctor increased it to 3 Mg about 8 months ago. The tapering off process was real slow for me. He had me cut back .5 mg per month about 5 months ago. I have not taken any Ativan since Sunday which I had it finalized for 1 month at a dose of .5 mg. The first day was somewhat uncomfortable but I was able to tolerate it. Day 5 no Ativan and I am feeling somewhat better but a little cloudy. I spoke with my doctor today and he told me the half life of Ativan is 10 to 22 hours with it fully out of my system within 72 hours. He did tell me that I could feel withdrawl for 1 week to 2 weeks. But I have been on it for way to long. I am happy to be almost free from it. I recommend that you try and exercise drink plenty of fluids but not drink Alcohol until you are free from it unless you Alcoholic then don't drink at all. Eat walk just get out and live life as I am trying to do. Good luck.. I will add a note tomorrow.

[VicMX]

I was on 2 mg a day for 2 years. The doctor increased it to 3 Mg about 8 months ago. The tapering off process was real slow for me. He had me cut back .5 mg per month about 5 months ago. I have not taken any Ativan since Sunday which I had it finalized for 1 month at a dose of .5 mg. The first day was somewhat uncomfortable but I was able to tolerate it. Day 5 no Ativan and I am feeling somewhat better but a little cloudy. I spoke with my doctor today and he told me the half life of Ativan is 10 to 22 hours with it fully out of my system within 72 hours. He did tell me that I could feel withdrawl for 1 week to 2 weeks. But I have been on it for way to long. I am happy to be almost free from it. I recommend that you try and exercise drink plenty of fluids but not drink Alcohol until you are free from it unless you Alcoholic then don't drink at all. Eat walk just get out and live life as I am trying to do. Good luck.. I will add a note tomorrow.

[Deb1023]

PS . Yes, I am going to do the taper under professional care, and she is willing to allow me to go as slowly as I need to go. I will have the pills compounded.

[Deb1023]

Thank you cj! ~
Would you mind sharing what dosage of Ativan you were on and how long you took it?
I do plan to go extremely slow when I taper off. Overall it sounds as though your taper wasn't intolerable. Were you able to function pretty normally? I realize that everyone is different, but I'd still like to know if you needed help or were alone quite alot if that's not being too nosey. I read too many bad things about Ativan withdrawal, and I shouldn't have because the images stuck and caused fear that isn't helping me one bit.
I have seen a therapist twice, and see her again on Tuesday. I have a ton of Cognitive therapy books and cds, and they are of a little help.
How often were you taking the med? How did you do your taper? I take it am. afternoon, and bedtime, so am uncertain which to cut first or whether to cut the am & afternoon and leave the night one to help with sleep or what? Any advice is much appreciated! Deb1023

[cj29]

Medications affect each and every person differently.  For me, to minimize withdrawals, tapering slowly is the best option.  Are you doing this with the advice and consultation with your doctor?  When I came of off ativan, I had a little more anxiety and a few other symptoms, but did it extremely slowly, so it was not as bad.  Throughout all of this, have you been doing any talk therapy to confront and learn about your anxiety?  Keep us posted!