Ativan Withdrawal

Updated

Here is my story. I've been on Ativan since December, taking it to help with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. I was initially taking 0.50mg Ativan every six hours and was able to get off it without any withdrawal symptoms after the first two rounds. However, from the third round, things got extremely difficult. At one point, I found myself taking it twice a day, approximately every seven hours, without any issues.

When the time for my chemotherapy treatment came around again, I had to increase the dosage back to 0.50mg every six hours for roughly six days. I attempted to quit cold turkey but soon realized that I was addicted— I started experiencing withdrawal symptoms like shaking, weird thoughts, strange dreams, and generally not feeling like myself.

Right now, I am taking 0.50mg every eight hours. However, I am uncertain about the duration I have to continue this to feel stable. I am also unsure about the best time to attempt this. Moreover, I might have to increase the dosage back to 2mg daily because I still have one tough chemotherapy treatment left.

My doctor only prescribed me 90 pills for the month, so I am desperately in need of some guidance. I worry that the fluctuating dosages will only force me to start the process all over again. I am eager to get off Ativan soon, but all the horror stories I have heard are scary.

Has anyone been successful in withdrawing from Ativan with minimal withdrawal symptoms?

4 Replies

Earliest Newest Votes
1

Hello, Holly! How are you?

Yes, there are always people that are able to do that, I did it a few years ago, after being on it for a few months for anxiety. It really varies from person to person.

Usually, the best thing to do is to taper off of it slowly, your doctor should be able to help you with that. A sudden withdrawal can create the risk of seizures, as well as the other withdrawal effects that the FDA lists, such as anxiety, depression, headache and diarrhea.

Can anyone else that's taken it for awhile and stopped chime in?

Was this helpful? 0
2

I have started a slow taper down to 1.5 and I still have two more chemo treatments left. I am planning to see a psychiatrist on Monday and I am hoping he can help. I get scared each time I go down to planning 1.25, especially if the doctor on Monday approves this plan. So far, I have not had many withdrawal issues yet. Thank you for your response.

Was this helpful? 0
3

Why stop using it if it helps? You have enough going on already. Addiction to Ativan can be managed. Take what makes you feel good. Remember, tomorrow is another day; live for today.

Was this helpful? 0
4

I am tapering off of Ativan 0.5mg. After 3 weeks I’m on 0.25mg in the afternoon. I stopped the 0.25mg of Ativan in the morning first and now on day 6 I feel like I’m having withdrawal symptoms in the morning. Is this normal? How do I get off the last 0.25mg?

Was this helpful? 0

More Discussions:

Can I have withdrawal symptoms from only 2mg of Ativan given to me at the hospital?

I was in the ER for a panic attack and they IV'ed me with 2mg of Ativan. That was on Saturday morning and it is now ...

4 REPLIES
withdrawal from vyvanse

My son had a terrible experience on wyvance. He has phyciatic systems to include halluciations. The doctor took him off ...

428 REPLIES
Withdrawals from soma, morphine, xanax, oxycodone - help please

I have been in pain management for years, lost my doctor along with other patients, and primary won't fill or says s...

299 REPLIES
withdrawal from klonopin 1mg daily

I have been on kolonopin 1 mg daily for 14 months now I am depressed and very anxious most of the time I want to get off...

292 REPLIES
withdrawal symptoms lipitor

How long before muscle aches and weakness subside after discontinuing Lipitor ## Had been on 10mg for 4 years. recently ...

204 REPLIES
Withdrawal from Vyvanse experience

I have been on Vyvanse for 4 weeks and I am now tapering off. I was going to quit cold turkey , but I wke up this mornin...

159 REPLIES
Withdrawal from stelazine

I have been on stelaine for 25 years with short breaks but I am trying to stop it and getting nasty withdrawal effects. ...

87 REPLIES
Withdrawals from oxycodone 30mg

I have been prescribed oxycodone 30 MG's for about 4 years 1 to 2 a day. I decided on the 11th of this month enough ...

34 REPLIES
Withdrawal Symptoms Belviq

I've taken belviq twice a day for 3 months (i think- one bottle worth). I didn't refill the RX and now, 4 days l...

30 REPLIES
Withdrawal from Imipramine

Last dose of Imipramine (25 mg) taken on Monday July 2nd 2012. Under a doctors guidance. Slow, very slow taper. Took 5 m...

23 REPLIES