Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

how long does it take to get off Ativan?

I've been taking ativan for a few months. once day at night.  I went on Lexapro which has really helped. Once the lexapro kicked in, I was ready to go off the ativan. I've never taken it for that long before.  as it turns out, my thyroid went wacky and that's what triggered the anxiety to begin with. but I am predisposed to anxiety, so being on lexapro is okay.  it's the ativan that is not okay.  I normally would take it every blue moon when I couldn't sleep.  a night here or two at the most. no problems. but I think I'm having withdrawal symptoms.. mainly, not sleeping through the night, shakiness and muscle twitches. it's really annoying me now.  I cut my does in half and took that for a week, then cut that half dose in half and took that for a week. I think I weaned too fast. how long does it take to get over the withdrawal symptoms, anyone have any experience with that? hopefully some encouraging news? thanks.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
When I came off of it after around 3-4 months, I did exeperience some withdrawal effects, but as Michael said, I did it under the supervision of my doc.  If you have concerns, ensure you are constantly expressing them to him/her.  Sometimes going slower can help.  Please keep us posted.
Helpful - 0
547573 tn?1234655710
Namaste,

First of all, stopping any medication should be done under the direction of a healthcare provider.

Your weanig schedule, however, appears to be in keeping with what a physician would have done.

That said, I don't think you're suffering from any physical withdrawal symptoms, but perhaps a rebound effect that afflicts many people. Essentially, consider that you were taking a medication for migraine headaches for a period time, after you stop taking the medication you don't suffer from withdrawal symptoms, but from rebound effect which, in some cases, make the headaches worsr they were before.

Unfortunately, this is just something you have to work through. The amount of time it takes varies from one individual to the next, but I'm sure your symptoms will subside without further action.

If however, they fail to go away or are overly botherssome, contact your healthcare provider for assistance.

Michael(Jikan)
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community

Top Anxiety Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?