Stopping Lorazepam after 20 years. Just started 2 days ago.

Hi there,

Augh.. not good stopping these things..I'm tapering too and the insomnia is killing me..

I would suggest you print out the ASHTONS MANUEL..you can google it..it has a tapering schedule that is very good and safe to use.. I'm sure the doc will see how much kinder it is to do it this way and it's an excepted method of withdrawal.. it does a lot of different benzos and ADs ..if you print out a schedule he/she can see you are serious and as such should be allowed to withdraw this way.. I'm down to 7.5 mg from 30 of Ozexalpam but it's been laborous lol..

Hope this helps.

Hi there is no easy way to get off these drugs however lorazepam is short acting so the withdrawal hits very fast.The advice is to cross over to a longer acting benzo like diazepam.When established taper off the diazepam slowly so as to minimise withdrawal symptoms.A lot of doctors are not very educated on benzo withdrawal so as Gina advised download the Ashton Manuel and show it to the doctor.Too quick a withdrawal will lead to protracted withdrawal syndrome.At the end of the day it is you that has to suffer withdrawal so tell them you want to take it at your own pace and take control of your taper yourself.

Yes I just got the news this morning.  The doc doesn't give a crap that I had a panic attack that sent me to the ER last week.  I had already tried to cut down on my meds and that was the result.  ACDF in 2012; I still have pain, burning, etc. So I have to take the pain meds.  TiZanadine works for about 3 hrs and then nothing.  I was trying to cut back on the XaNax.  Now it seems I have no choice.  Doing some research I have found that Xanax is at least a shorter 'detox' duration.  About 7 days.  Good luck with your doctor.  I feel like mine was heartless, but I realize their hands are tied because of the abuse and the FDA.  Valerian helps with sleep.  They have it in capsules and you can get it in the sleepytime extra tea.  

Thank you everyone. Left message with AZ pain Specialist and no call back today. Going in for a nerve block in lower back Thursday to see if it helps neuropathy. Not expecting miracles. Taking 2.5 mg of the Lorazepam instead of 2mg being I was on 3 last week. Third night tonight. We will see... they wonder why they have people needing help or doing other sorts of self medication, drinking and all other kind of stuff I see online. Proper cut down of the meds would be way better. I will show the doctor on the 18th the Ashton's Manuel. I did not know how much this 3 mg a night for 20 years was bad. Never even looked up the drug or how addicting it was. Just got refills every 6 months from my doctor and it never crossed my mind. So sad the these doctors did not realize this..... Or maybe they do..... Sleep well everyone.

That's good Rubyslippes..

I'm glad something is getting done.. yes, nothing is said until it all turns sour and then they demand you do things unreasonable especially when your not at your best.

I hope you get some success in getting what you need and a slower taper..it is always good to go armed with some info on what is happening to yourself.

My fingers are crossed for you,

Gina xo

Just take it as slow as you need to.Do not allow your doctor to rush it.Take control yourself trust me it is in your best interest to do so.Remember you can do it and do as much research you can and then stop.Also be very careful with supplements as they can increase withdrawal symptoms and prolong them.

Lets hope the doctor will not let me run out and not help me. What happens then. I have about 30 2mg pills left.

 

Okay, I am officially on 2 mg now. Down 1 mg in 2 weeks. Will see doctor on the 18th and hope I can wait the 14 days to go down to 1 and a half mg. it kills ya, but I just lay there and think how important it is to get off the Lorazepam. Pray and ask God to get me through. Thanks for all the help and good luck to those who are getting off the benzos.  urgggggghhhh

 

Another update... I am now on one and three quarters mg of Lorazepam. Just lowered to that from 2 mg last night. Thanks to Tizanidine be upped to 4 mg by doctor it really helps. After 20 years and I did not do the diazepam transfer. I am truly amazed. I actually slept okay last night. I only hope the Tizanidine is not addictive or bad for me. Hope to be down to one and a half mg of the Lorazepam by the end of October. Wish me luck. Thank you so much for the outreach of all of you and I hope others do as well. Thank you!

 

I've taken tizanadine for about two years. No weird side effects and I only take one. And I'm the queen of weird side effects.

Okie dokie! down to one and a half mg of Lorazepam. Was on 3 mg for 20 years and started my taper on August 25th, 2017. The Tizanidine really helps. No Diazepam at all. I think going to 1 mg will be a couple more weeks or so. See my pain doctor on the 16th. At least they let me keep my 4 pills of 5/325 hydrocodone for my other pain issues. Been very honest with them. I am sending good thoughts to everyone that is trying to lower or come off of some type of Benzo. Believe in yourself even when you feel down. Enjoy your day! Gay