Ativan Withdrawal

Here is my story. I've been on Ativan since December, taking it to help with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. I was initially taking 0.50mg Ativan every six hours and was able to get off it without any withdrawal symptoms after the first two rounds. However, from the third round, things got extremely difficult. At one point, I found myself taking it twice a day, approximately every seven hours, without any issues.

When the time for my chemotherapy treatment came around again, I had to increase the dosage back to 0.50mg every six hours for roughly six days. I attempted to quit cold turkey but soon realized that I was addicted— I started experiencing withdrawal symptoms like shaking, weird thoughts, strange dreams, and generally not feeling like myself.

Right now, I am taking 0.50mg every eight hours. However, I am uncertain about the duration I have to continue this to feel stable. I am also unsure about the best time to attempt this. Moreover, I might have to increase the dosage back to 2mg daily because I still have one tough chemotherapy treatment left.

My doctor only prescribed me 90 pills for the month, so I am desperately in need of some guidance. I worry that the fluctuating dosages will only force me to start the process all over again. I am eager to get off Ativan soon, but all the horror stories I have heard are scary.

Has anyone been successful in withdrawing from Ativan with minimal withdrawal symptoms?

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Hello, Holly! How are you?

Yes, there are always people that are able to do that, I did it a few years ago, after being on it for a few months for anxiety. It really varies from person to person.

Usually, the best thing to do is to taper off of it slowly, your doctor should be able to help you with that. A sudden withdrawal can create the risk of seizures, as well as the other withdrawal effects that the FDA lists, such as anxiety, depression, headache and diarrhea.

Can anyone else that's taken it for awhile and stopped chime in?

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I have started a slow taper down to 1.5 and I still have two more chemo treatments left. I am planning to see a psychiatrist on Monday and I am hoping he can help. I get scared each time I go down to planning 1.25, especially if the doctor on Monday approves this plan. So far, I have not had many withdrawal issues yet. Thank you for your response.

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Why stop using it if it helps? You have enough going on already. Addiction to Ativan can be managed. Take what makes you feel good. Remember, tomorrow is another day; live for today.

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I am tapering off of Ativan 0.5mg. After 3 weeks I’m on 0.25mg in the afternoon. I stopped the 0.25mg of Ativan in the morning first and now on day 6 I feel like I’m having withdrawal symptoms in the morning. Is this normal? How do I get off the last 0.25mg?

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