Lorazepam withdrawal
Posted , 3 users are following.
Was prescribed this to tie me over whilst the Mirtrazapine kicked in. I am now in just over 3 weekss into 1mg per day, except for the weekend just gone where I took 0.5 mg on Saturday and Sunday. Its not been a long time but already feel a dependancy on it and would like to taper a little bit now.
Any advice? I am currently taking 1mg at about 8am. and this will see me through the day. I was thinking drop to 0.5 mg per day and take at the same time in the morning, or when I need to. The med was clearly meant to help until Mirt kicked in, which I am not sure it has. So tricky decisions. The doctor suggested I do the drop to 0.5 mg if I am feeling stronger mid week if the Mirt is starting to help.
The Mirt was 15 mg for 2 weeks. Then 30mg for 3 weeks and during this 3 week period the 1mg per day Lorazepam.
1 like, 3 replies
Rainboy h9000
Posted
Having had experience with this particular drug in the past, I am inclined to say that because you are feeling ready in yourself to cut down to 0.5mg, then it would definitely be worth doing and see how you are affected.
Fortunately, 1mg per day is a lower dose than you could have been prescribed, so your GP is acting in your best interests. Lorazepam is a Benzodiazepine that has a 'kick'. It does the job, but wears off more quickly, unlike other 'Benzos' like Diazepam that remain in the system considerably longer.
The plus side is that you will feel the good effects of Lorazepam more quickly, but on the flip side, they will not last as long as some other drugs in the family. This is one of the reasons that it is particularly addictive, and if you are someone who is on a higher dose for longer than a maximum of four weeks (less for some people), then the withdrawal symptoms can be quite severe because the brain very quickly gets used to the drug and if it is deprived of it suddenly, it really will give your body a tough time.
You can avoid that by following your GP's advice. Clearly the Lorazepam was a short-term 'bullet' fix to bridge the gap until the Mirtrazipine begins to take full effect. I'm thinking that the higher dosage of 'Mirt' you are now on, still needs to build up in your system before it becomes fully effective, so I wouldn't write it off as not helping just yet.
Unless you have any problems sleeping, it would probably be best to take your half-dose at the same time in the morning that you have been doing, simply because your metabolism has by now got accustomed to receiving the drug at that time. If you try to change the time of dosage significantly, you may find it hard during those extra few hours, because your body will notice.
I do hope that something I've said makes sense to you, or at least offers you some moral and emotional support or comfort. I also hope that you are getting some help to deal with the underlying causes that required you to be prescribed these meds in the first place.
Remember, you are not alone. I know that won't relieve your symptoms, but it helps to know you are not weird or weak. On the contrary you are strong, otherwise you wouldn't have started a discussion. Your situation affects so many people in the UK, it's almost like a hidden epidemic. But you have an illness just like any other, and you are to be applauded for dealing with it so positively.
Sending my very best wishes.
h9000 Rainboy
Posted
I have taken the half pill today and will see how we go. A strange night last night so a bit flat and tired today. I hope I can go easy on myself a bit today.
I have started to wake soon after going to bed, maybe around an hour after taking the 30mg of Mirt with a restlessness where I feel I want to clap my hands together, or shout out (which I did last night) just to clear it. Seems to last about 10 minutes then I go off deep into sleep until the morning. This was a side effect when I started Mirt, which went off but has been nightly for a few nights and is not going yet. I woke a bit out of it thinking about something that I had dreamed as if it was real. Took a while, of doing the basics, making the kids pack lunches etc to become more normal. Then took the half Lorazepam at 8.20am and then this made me highly strung for half an hour or so before it settles. Now 2 hours later have done some work and feel calm but still very washed out. I will try to keep things as steady and light as possible today.
I have had a rough road with this but still in the midst of it would rather be off the Lorazepam now as I know how nasty Benzos are to get off. So if I can maintain a half dose for 5 days before seeing the doctor next I hope can start to come off it completely.
Rainboy h9000
Posted
After reading your reaction, I am more convinced than ever that you are on the right course and have the strength to see it through. The way I see it is this. You have managed to be a good and loving Father by seeing your children off to school with a packed lunch.
Compare yourself to parents who do not suffer from your disability, but have little time for their children and basically let them fend for themselves. What a massive positive that is, and a great example. You ought to feel a sense of pride in the way you are coping, which I believe is a lot better than you may think.
It often takes someone on the outside to see more objectively how well someone is progressing or otherwise. I just wish you continued success and for you to stick with your plan.
Best wishes Buddy.