Lorazepam Taper Off

I’ve been on 1-1 1/2 mg of Lorazepam for about a year and a half. I'm tying to taper off and looking for a safe reduction process. A couple of weeks ago I had tapered down to 1/2 -3/4 mg and ran out. I couldn’t even get out of bed. Heart racing, stomach knotted a total mess. My Dr office told me it was withdrawal and just wanted me to ride it out but eventually gave me a 2 week refill. My neighbor had to pick it up for me as I was basically incapable.

This didn’t feel safe for me so I called a couple of RN friends with experience in the field and a friend who is a retired addiction counselor of 30 years. They all told that what my Dr initially said was very bad advice and dangerous and that I would need a 6-8 taper schedule of 25% every 2 weeks. I’m sure I’m going to have to fight with my Dr to get the needed meds to do the taper. I’m 70 years old.

Looking for some sound and safe advice/direction here. Thanks.

BTW 4 1/2 years ago I decided to wean myself off of the fentanyl patch I had been on for 5 years, I ended up in the hospital for about a month and almost in ICU, don’t want that experience again. Thanks

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Sorry to hear what your going through, it's very dangerous to taper off any benzo that fast. Have you heard of the Aston Manual? It was developed by a doctor in the UK. Please look it up, make a copy and take it to your doctor. I know what your going through, my last doctor forced tapered my off of valium in a month and a half. I was on 10mg three times a day for muscle spasms. I still have problems from being tapered so fast, I was on the valium for 13 years. Good luck ??

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I take 1mg of Lorazepam mostly at night usually 2-3 times a week and it seems to help with anxiety. Now I am wondering if I stop taking it, if I will have withdrawal symptoms? Sometimes I go for 5 days without taking one. I have been doing this for 8-10 years. Should I be concerned? I am a 73 year old male in excellent health who doesn't drink or smoke any more.

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Re: Chronic Pain Sucks (# 1)

Thanks I’ll check it out.

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Re: JB (# 2)

I would think given the low amount and infrequent use you would probably be ok. Though I have read that wd symptoms may not start for 4-5 days but full symptoms can start 10-14 days out. Best to check with an expert.

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As a senior I had mine increased from this crazy world we now live and don’t care I’ll take it rest of my life and I don’t worry unless there is a war and we can’t get our meds then we are screwed. Been taking a benzo 15 years or so as needed. Most people I know who take them are older and don’t mind. If someone fears of their medicine, the problem gets worse. I cannot imagine what the withdrawals are like and don’t want to. I have RA and many issues living in chronic pain and they want to fill me with DMARDS with all their side effects I say no. I’d rather have pain then anxiety otherwise one cannot function. Are you young? Best of luck. Prayer helps as well.

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