3 week taper

[Moon_Glitter]

From 4 mgs of ativan, taken daily for a decade.

This seems to quick to me.

Anyone with some insight or experience with This?

Thank You

[Agora1]

Hi Sunontheice, I do have some experience with getting off Benzos. I was left on a small dose of Xanax for over 20 years when that no longer worked I was placed on Ativan which didn't do anything even at it's highest dose (which was done in the hospital). I decided I needed to get off Ativan. My psychiatrist specializes in withdrawing from long time medications. He follows the Dr. Heather Ashton Method. (It can be found on the Internet) It includes her safe and proven way of weaning safely and slowly. It took me 2 years to get off Ativan, cutting every 2 weeks and using Valium (a longer acting benzo) to switch over to. Never going back up on the dose but continuing cutting until all I was on was Valium and then weaned off that. I believe you are correct in saying it's too quick because of the dose and length of time you have been on Ativan.

Maybe you could mention to your doctor or therapist the Dr. Ashton's Method of Benzo Weaning and see what they say. If they will support you. Good Luck, I'd be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have. xx

[Moon_Glitter in reply to Agora1]

Thanks for your response, I have an appt with my doctor this week, I'm going to ask about going slower and try a cross taper with the valium. Fingers crossed. Thank you for offering your help also. I'm sure I'll need it. Not looking forward to withdrawals. X

[Agora1 in reply to Moon_Glitter]

Sunontheice, don't worry about the withdrawals, at least you are going to a positive place. The results were amazing for me. I wish you well. xx

[Moon_Glitter in reply to Agora1]

Thank you Agora1. I did go into abrupt withdrawals. I won't go into details, I don't want to scare anyone, as we all handle things differently, my experience was frightening to say the least.

I booked an appt with a Psychiatrist, who put me back on a 2mg regiment of the ativan. And upped my celexa. It saved my mind. The physical part was painful and bizarre. But for me the mental anguish was the worst. The darkest place I'd ever been too. I didn't realize such a dark void could even exist.

On a brighter note: I'm feeling a little better everyday.

It's been an experience for sure. X

[Agora1 in reply to Moon_Glitter]

It wasn't easy that's for sure but so worth the effort. I'm glad you got there. It can only get better from here. Good Luck. I'm always here if you need a little extra support. xx

[Moon_Glitter]

Thank you very much, I appreciate your kindness.