I have been taking lorazepam .05 for approximately 15yrs. Trying to come off it by going cold turkey. I have completed 60 days so far but getting headaches at night before bed. Then I go to bed about 11:00 and up an hour later. Cannot sleep but usually about 4:00am I force myself to try to get some sleep. Up at 8:00 and afternoon sleepy but most times cannot doze off.
Any advice from the group for a smoother transition?
My dear Rs59 I would never have recommended someone coming off a benzomedication cold turkey. After having been on it for 15 years, I'm surprised you
haven't had more issues. Since we are not doctors, I would say to give your doctor
a call to see if there is something they can give you to make the weaning process
a little easier.
I came off 30 yrs of a small dose of Xanax which took me 2 years under the care
of my psychiatrist. Please get some help from a professional. I wish you well 
xx
Thanks
My psychiatrist had me on the Dr. Heather Ashton method of weaning offbenzos. I was fortunate in that he specializes in Benzo Withdrawals.
The sleeping issue was the last and hardest part of the weaning.
I will say, I feel amazing since then. Keep us updated. Wish you well xx
I’ll research the Ashton method. Thanks
I’ve made it thru the transition and glad to say it’s well behind me. Tough 90 days but complete. You r all correct not going cold turkey but I was 30 days into it and knew toughest days were behind me. Thanks all for great advice, much appreciated
If you haven't taken it for 60 days, you have already completed "withdrawal". Generally, going "cold turkey" can be Very risky medically, but it sounds like you did it, and don't plan to restart. Congratulations on this BIG success.🙋♀️
I smoked for 32 years and quit cold turkey.. man it was rough.I admire your spirit for trying to do the same with your medication. 60 days is a pretty solid accomplishment. Our minds are powerful weapons in our struggle for inner peace. I have every faith you could keep up the good fight and beat this but there is also no shame in other methods.
I personally do not enjoy visiting doctors and hospitals but they did the schooling and understand the medicines of our world better than I do. Even if you choose not to follow their advice, it is still worth learning so you can make the best choice by being the most informed.
Wow, cold turkey that must have been tough. I'm doing a much slower taper and don't feel well with that.
From what I've read it can take some time after being off it to feel " back to normal" Something's I have read say up to 12 months. That's just from my own research. Best to ask your Dr or pharmacist
Hope you feel better soon
🐬
I suggest getting back on it temporarily and then tapering yourself off of it slowly to give your mind and body time to readjust. You have already found you can quit it so now do it slowly. You could also have elevated cortisol, I take ashwagandha, phosphatidyl serine and magnesium glycinate before bedtime to lower cortisol along with melatonin for deeper sleep.
U could very well correct. The headaches at night are excruciating to day the least. Daytime headaches not that bad but its still a problem.
I see the Dr next week but I can’t believe she had me on this all these years. I’ve had issues with falling and crushing a vertebrae and blacking out with my wife performing CPR to restart me.
I guess we all need to beware of the consequences of meds. Anxiety or not this withdrawal is worst. I’m sure the Dr could have handled it a different way. Thank you
Recovery- when to come off meds? 
Has anyone gone off of 0.5 ativan/lorazepam cold turkey? 
Second week coming off venlafaxine 
Coming off Sertraline 
