Has anyone gone off of 0.5 ativan/lorazepam cold turkey?

[Starrlight]

What was it like? What helped you handle the change? I think I need to try to live without it at some point.

Thank you.

[Hidden]

My body is so sensitive, so I can't go off anything cold turkey. I found that out through a few other anti-depressents. Not the one your asking about. I get mine compounded into a liquid form so I can go off 10% at a time. Compounding cost more, because normally you have to fill your script and pay that pharmacy, then take it or send it to a compounding pharmacy where they charge. I don't have a lot of money, but I have to do this. I have the most sensitive body. I found this usefill information on medication forums. They exist and people on there will talk about exactly what you asked.

[Starrlight in reply to Hidden]

(((((((((Caringrose)))))))) thanks 🙏 😊 I have never heard of compounding before. I’m very sensitive to meds too.

[Hidden in reply to Starrlight]

No problem. Oh, if you do it, when you go in with your bottle, the compounding pharmacist may just say, OK we will reduce by x% or they may want a script from your doctor indicating this in a specific way (different than how a regular script is written). Ask the compounding pharmacy how it has to be written by the doctor. Believe it or not, doctors are absolutely CLUELESS about compounding medicines. (((hug)))

[Starrlight in reply to Hidden]

(((((((Hug)))))))

[Hidden in reply to Starrlight]

((((HUG)))) YOU CAN DO THIS.

[Starrlight in reply to Hidden]

((((((Hug)))))

[Hidden]

I used to take it twice a day for a long time. It helped with the anxiety and it wasn't easy sometimes to not depend on it. It helps me to know self soothing techniques. Knowing when to take time out for yourself, take a warm bath or shower, meditate to some relaxing music when it's been a stressful day. And trying to do some deep breathing and pace yourself when you feel a wave of anxiety coming on. About a month ago I started just taking a small dose of Klonopin at bedtime to help with sleep. If I feel really tired I try skipping it.

[Starrlight in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for sharing Googoodollsfan.

[Marysblue]

Hi,

I would say take just a half of one for a while and then take a fourth and go off slowly.

There are natural supplements for anxiety you could Google and find out about.

[Starrlight in reply to Marysblue]

I would and I did try but it’s impossible to cut them, they just turn to dust.

Thanks 😊

[Marysblue in reply to Starrlight]

Ask your dr.

[Hidden]

Yep trying to cut a tablet in half with a knife usually ends up with it on the floor.

I came off diazepam which was prescribed with hyperthyroid which creates the same symptoms as anxiety with depression. I was told to cut them down gradually and there is a website you can refer to if you just type in how to reduce your dose of lorezepam. I took half the dose at night every night for a week. Then took one tablet every other day, for a week, then would take one occasionally twice a week. It is the fear of how you feel when you have been used to have support. Alternatives are valerian, which is calming, and may be bought as a patch. My old cat has a valerian oil which is rubbed on her head and it calms ehr down for a long journey. It's brilliant. Thinking of using the same for myself! Green tea and banana tea are natural ways of helping nerves. Sure you will find the right advice from a How to medical website to withdraw your medication slowly.

[Starrlight in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the info Blackmerlin!

[Hidden]

.😀💙

[BlueLlama]

I’ve never been on that, but I did quit the low dose Prozac cold turkey (doctor told me to), and it had severe effects. Not good either. Also quit caffeine cold turkey. My body was so messed up in withdrawal that I lost 11 pounds in a week. Recommend slowly weaning off of any drug.