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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by J on May 4, 2001, at 12:59:16
I've managed to taper my Ativan dosage from 4mg to 2mg without any noticeable problems. Here's my regimen so far:
3.5mg - 2 weeks
3mg - about 10 days
2.5mg - 1 week
2mg - 1 weekI haven't noticed any depression or anxiety withdrawal effects so far. I'm hoping I can taper at .5mg/week for the rest of the way.
This is my second attempt at stopping Ativan. I had to abort the first one because I went too quickly. I tried decreasing by 1mg every 4 days. The first day I went completely without a dose, I got tremor, convulsions and sweating. I couldn't speak properly; my tongue felt like it was locked to one side of my mouth. It was a very unpleasant and scary experience. I looked and felt like a heroin addict going through withdrawal.
I learnt my lesson about benzos after that. After taking 4mg for 1 1/2 years, I just have to be patient.
Keep fighting,
J.
Posted by Mr.Scott on May 4, 2001, at 15:31:55
In reply to The Ativan Withdrawal Chronicles - Down to 2 mg, posted by J on May 4, 2001, at 12:59:16
Take it slow and have perseverance.. it's always the last few milligrams that kills me. But We're all different. I did it with Xanax (Hellish), Klonopin(not fun fun), and Tranxene (which was nothing).
Keep on Keeping on
mr.scott
Posted by Alan on May 5, 2001, at 0:35:38
In reply to The Ativan Withdrawal Chronicles - Down to 2 mg, posted by J on May 4, 2001, at 12:59:16
> I've managed to taper my Ativan dosage from 4mg to 2mg without any noticeable problems. Here's my regimen so far:
>
> 3.5mg - 2 weeks
> 3mg - about 10 days
> 2.5mg - 1 week
> 2mg - 1 week
>
> I haven't noticed any depression or anxiety withdrawal effects so far. I'm hoping I can taper at .5mg/week for the rest of the way.
>
> This is my second attempt at stopping Ativan. I had to abort the first one because I went too quickly. I tried decreasing by 1mg every 4 days. The first day I went completely without a dose, I got tremor, convulsions and sweating. I couldn't speak properly; my tongue felt like it was locked to one side of my mouth. It was a very unpleasant and scary experience. I looked and felt like a heroin addict going through withdrawal.
>
> I learnt my lesson about benzos after that. After taking 4mg for 1 1/2 years, I just have to be patient.
>
> Keep fighting,
> J.
*********************************************
Hey there, keep going slow. The last 2 Mg need to go slower yet - as slow as it takes. I've been off and on for 20 years and when I taper, I use Neurontin to help with the withdrawl. Want to consider it? Maybe 200MG 3 X a day? Works for me!!
Then cut back on the neuontin. The stuff is a mood stabiliser anyway.....
Best of luck!Alan
Posted by JohnX on May 5, 2001, at 1:06:51
In reply to The Ativan Withdrawal Chronicles - Down to 2 mg, posted by J on May 4, 2001, at 12:59:16
> I've managed to taper my Ativan dosage from 4mg to 2mg without any noticeable problems. Here's my regimen so far:
>
> 3.5mg - 2 weeks
> 3mg - about 10 days
> 2.5mg - 1 week
> 2mg - 1 week
>
> I haven't noticed any depression or anxiety withdrawal effects so far. I'm hoping I can taper at .5mg/week for the rest of the way.
>
> This is my second attempt at stopping Ativan. I had to abort the first one because I went too quickly. I tried decreasing by 1mg every 4 days. The first day I went completely without a dose, I got tremor, convulsions and sweating. I couldn't speak properly; my tongue felt like it was locked to one side of my mouth. It was a very unpleasant and scary experience. I looked and felt like a heroin addict going through withdrawal.
>
> I learnt my lesson about benzos after that. After taking 4mg for 1 1/2 years, I just have to be patient.
>
> Keep fighting,
> J.J,
I experienced difficulties withdrawing from Klonopin poop-out. Severe tingling in extremities, tension headaches, insomnia, anxiety. Really ugly! Going slow is the key as you pointed out. After my Klonopin tolerance issue, I devolped severe mood swings (Klonopin is an anti-convulsant and can treat bipolar).
Anyways, there are a few meds that are worthwhile to test to dissipate withdrawl side effects:
1) Neurontin (non addictive anti-convulsant; anti-anxiety relief for many)
2) Clonidine/Guanfacine/Lofexidine/Inderal. These are anti-adrenergic meds that are often used to treat benzo or opiad withdrawl.Best to you,
John
Posted by J on May 5, 2001, at 10:30:32
In reply to Re: The Ativan Withdrawal Chronicles - Down to 2 mg » J, posted by JohnX on May 5, 2001, at 1:06:51
Well since everyone agrees that the last 2mg will be the worst, I'll be very patient at this stage -.5mg/2weeks. I don't need any additional meds as yet, but if I do I'll check out the Neurontin and stuff. Thanks for the advice everyone.
J.
Posted by Daveman on May 6, 2001, at 1:33:27
In reply to Re: The Ativan Withdrawal Chronicles - Down to 2 mg, posted by J on May 5, 2001, at 10:30:32
J:
Have you considered switching to a longer-acting benzo? I used Klonopin to taper off Xanax. I was having interdose withdrawal symptoms on Xanax, but found I could dose once daily at bedtime with Klonopin. The withdrawal, done slowly (.25 per week), had minimal problems (some tremors and tinnitus mostly).
Dave
> Well since everyone agrees that the last 2mg will be the worst, I'll be very patient at this stage -.5mg/2weeks. I don't need any additional meds as yet, but if I do I'll check out the Neurontin and stuff. Thanks for the advice everyone.
>
> J.
This is the end of the thread.
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