Ativan Withdrawl?

[jasna65]

was using Ativan o.5 mg for a year, and I am experiencing strange symptoms such as horrible pain and pressure in my jaw and buzzing in my ears. I also have anxiety and skin crawling.
I have had so many tests done on my body, all coming back normal.
Many listed symptoms of Ativan withdrawl, I think this may be due to the Ativan, however, I have used such a small amount, 0.5mg, once a day. I cannot find information how to taper off this small amount? My Doctor has prescribed Diazepam, what would be the best formula to taper off the Ativan?

I wonder if your symptoms are even related to medication. Those are also symptoms of bruxism. Bruxism is common in people with anxiety. In nocturnal bruxism, people usually aren't aware of the grinding during the night. They feel discomfort when they wake and wonder what it's from. Maybe a night guard can help?

[evewisewoman]

Hello there,

Even though you have been taking a small amount of Ativan you say 0.5 mg,
you have taken this drug for a whole year. Just found out by looking at one
of my medical resource books that Ativan is the product name for Lorazepam
which I've heard through the grape vine, so to speak, that it's rather hard
to taper off of. I took lorazepam myself many years ago during my depression to help me sleep. " Lorazepam belongs to a group of drugs known as the benzodiazepines, which help to relieve anxiety and encourage sleep. Lorazepam is used for the short term treatment of excessive anxiety. In those with anxiety and insomnia, taking a dose at bedtime can help with sleep. ... lorazepam can be habit-forming if taken regularly over a long
period of time.  For those reasons, treatment should be reviewed regularly."
All the information about Lorazepam or Ativan has come from a book called
The Canadian Guide to Drugs and Supplements. The book is a product
of the Canadian Pharmacists Association and it's published by Reader's Digest, last copyrighted 2008. The ISBN number is 978-0-88850-951-2 .

Stopping the Drug  ( also from the above mentioned book)

" If you have been taking the drug continuously for less than 2 weeks, it can
be safely stopped as soon as you feel you no longer need it.
However, if you have been taking the drug for longer, consult your doctor,
who will supervise a gradual reduction In dosage. Stopping abruptly may
lead to withdrawl symptoms. "
So because you have taken Ativan or Lorazepam for about a year,
you will definitely need your doctor's guidance in supervising a gradual
reduction in dosage.
" When sleeping drugs are suddenly withdrawn, anxiety, convulsions and
hallucinations sometimes occur. Vivid dreams and nightmares may be a problem because the time spent in dream sleep increases.  Sleeplessness
will recur and may lead to a temptation to use the drug again. So you see
how important it is to have your doctor's assistance to tapering off the
Lorazepam. Do not try doing this yourself. Your doctor has the knowledge
and medical experience to do this safely.
So you say your doctor has prescribed Diazepam. Has your doctor already
given you a prescription for Diazepam ? Are you already taking the Diazepam ?  Are you aware that Diazepam is also a drug in the benzodiazepine group of drugs just like the Lorazepam.  Do you mind if I
ask if you're suffering through a depression or if you suffer from anxiety?

Possible Adverse Effects of Diazepam
Common ones
Daytime drowsiness
Dizziness/unsteadiness
Rare Ones
Headache
Blurred Vision
Forgetfulness/Confusion
Rash

Lorazepam and Diazepam are both in the benzo diazepine group of drugs.
Both of these drugs are habit-forming if taken regularly over a long period
of time. * For these reasons, courses of treatment with diazepam are limited
to two weeks whenever possible. "  
Just try not to take these type of drugs over a long period
of time. When I was taking the Lorazepam, it was a low dose, but it was
only for a few months and yes, I'm no longer taking Lorazepam to help
me sleep and with my doctor's help I was able to stop taking Lorazepam
altogether.  I wish you well. Eve

[SuboxoneReform]

You're doctor is very smart, as Diazapam has the longest half-life and will last longer while assisting you in titrating off the 0.5... I was on 0.5 Clozepam and it was not a fun experience- the jaw pain/twitching etc. is very common! Everything feels so loud, intense, the anxiety is almost unbearable. I think you are in good hands with your doc! :) good luck