Lorazepam withdrawal

[Ketzel]

I'd heard some of the negatives of benzos, but it was so helpful, I believed, that I stayed on it too long. I have a doctor, but I think I need a better one. I should never have been on them for three years and the taper was much too fast. Now I feel like junk. Sweats, chills, headache, back ache, nauseous. I'm not going to tell you folks never to go on them, but I highly urge you to try other non-narcotic avenues. I put a call in to my doctor yesterday and today. Last night, I called a hotline. The man I spoke with had been on benzos for 8 years! He understood what I was going through, and told me part of his horror story with the withdrawal. The tapering should be months, not 2-3 weeks the way my doctor did. Very frustrated and hoping that sharing this here, will prevent others from falling into this trap. Wish I never started on them no matter how much they seemed to help. I'm wondering if any of you have used thc for anxiety? It's legal in some US states.

[Agora1]

Hi Ketzel. my doctor left me on a small dose of Xanax, once a day for 30 years.

It is true that the longer you are on a benzo, the longer it takes to wean off.

It took me 2 years, safely and slowly weaning off. I don't regret going on benzos

only that I was left on it too long. It was worth every struggle in getting off it and

finding other methods in reducing anxiety. I'm me again. xx Good Luck to you :)x

[brokenlight]

I’m sorry you’re going through that.

I hope the withdrawal effects settle down soon.

I was on Lorazepam for years & weaned myself off after hearing new studies about how long term use could cause early dementia.

Cannabis has been a helpful alternative for me. (CBD & THC products, vape cartridges, edibles, & flower.)

I also have an as needed prescription for Hydroxyzine. It’s not anything like Ativan, but it helps some.

Best of luck to you ✨

[Ketzel in reply to brokenlight]

Thank you, interesting. I'd never heard of hydroxyzine. I wasn't sure if (I have a vape cartridge) the thc would be helpful or hinder, so I haven't had any since I've felt these symptoms.

[brokenlight in reply to Ketzel]

It may depend on what type of strain you’re trying.

I don’t do well with straight sativas because they increase my anxiety.

Indicas or a balanced hybrid works best for me.

[Ketzel in reply to brokenlight]

Yes, the place I go to is named after both because they combine. Called Insa