Lorazepam Taper Off
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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
5 Replies
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.
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.
Re: Chronic Pain Sucks (# 1)
Thanks I’ll check it out.
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.
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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