Feel like giving up

[Callie67]

I’ve been trying to taper off Ativan while starting Zoloft, but I’m also recovering from a concussion, so anytime I feel anything I don’t know what’s causing it. I’m tired of anxiety and the sickly way I’ve been feeling the past few months. I don’t want to die but I want to give up if that makes sense. But then I’ll never feel better. The only choice I really have is to plow through but it’s so hard!

[ChicagoGirl1961]

Persevere. The Zoloft takes flew weeks to kick in, and coming off the Ativan will likely lead to increased anxiety and being down about things more than usual at least in the short term. I hope youre slowly tapering down .rather than stopping abruptly to help reduce the discomfort that comes from stopping this med. You've got they right mindset if you have accepted that you just have to plow through this. It may be rough now and for a while longer, but it will get better. Good luck and be well.

[Callie67 in reply to ChicagoGirl1961]

Thank you. I know I need to plow through but then I get scared to. Right now I’m only tapering .25/every 2 weeks but wondering if I should go slower. I’m just so anxious to be off and feeling better. Thank you for the kind words.

[ChicagoGirl1961 in reply to Callie67]

Sometimes slower is much better. Tapering is not a one size fits all proposition. Although a certain amount of discomfort is to be accepted, if after making a cut you are in great discomfort then the cut was to much. Some people take many months to taper, and in the extreme a year is not that uncommon, it all depends on the individual. Typically the higher the dose the longer the taper. I hope your physician understands this and is willing to work with you. You may also want to research Dr. Heather Ashton's recommendations for tapering. I think you may find what she says very enlightening, and I believe her method is probably far more effective than the tapering schedules that most physicians prescribe. Coming off of a benzodiazepine is very difficult, and coming off very slowly can help reduce rebound anxiety and resulting potential depression.

[Callie67 in reply to ChicagoGirl1961]

It’s kind of unpredictable how I react. Sometimes I get symptoms for a week then feel “tolerable” the last few days of the 2 weeks. I was really hoping starting Zoloft might offset those symptoms, but then that has its own side affects. I’ve kind of looked up her method but I don’t know if I want to introduce another benzo. Right now I take .5 Ativan am/pm. My psychiatrist is definitely patient and understanding, very curious what she’s going to say when I see her tomorrow.

[ChicagoGirl1961 in reply to Callie67]

Sounds like you may be fortunate and not have severe withdrawal like some of us do. Zoloft should help in time, if not then a different ssri. It sounds as though you are in good hands with your doctor. Hoping all goes well for you!

[Callie67 in reply to ChicagoGirl1961]

Thank you!