Ativan and Ambien

[[Buddie]]

Oh dear, I'm so sorry to hear it didn't work out with the Valium but its good to hear your doctor is supportive of your struggles.  How are you feeling now, have you stabilized?

I wish I could tell you what to do but I don't have experience with tapering or Valium, so I think asking this question on the Valium support thread would be smart.

I just want to let you know that if the Valium doesn't work out, many members have been successful tapering directly from Ativan.

[[Buddie]]

Hi [...],

Yes i have stabilized in as much as I am functioning and can do all my daily takss and am still working. I would love to taper from the Ativan but I just do not feel good on this medication and i cannot see staying on long term. Also i have no idea how to titrate down and cutting pills is not for me. The evening dose of valium works fine it's when i went to the morning one that all hell broke loose. I am also trying to continue to work though this so the gentler on my system the better. Do you think someone will answer in the Valium thread? Is there anywhere else you suggest I put it?

Thanks,
[...]

[[Buddie]]

Ativan comes in liquid form from the manufacturer if you're interested in going that route.  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=LORAZEPAM

Lets give it another day on the Valium thread for someone to respond, if no one does, I'll try reaching out to someone on your behalf.  In the meantime, are you considering going back to your evening dose of Valium?

[[Buddie]]

Hi [...],

I started the crossover last night and it was fine (it always is at night). It doesn't help me sleep but the next morning I can go longer without my Ativan morning dose. I just feel a little more relaxed, but then when i go to that morning valium crossover dose a week later. OOF. 

Thanks for the support, P!

[...]

[[Buddie]]

[...],

I am going to start a new topic and retell my story so i can hopefully get some advice as i am really struggling right now.

Any advice on where i should put it so it gets seen by people who can help me either move over to valium or taper ativan. Also wondering if i need to updose before tapering as i am still unstable.

thanks,
[...]

[[Buddie]]

I'd start a thread on the Withdrawal Support (during your taper) board, that's the most active.

I see oregonkatz is working with you on the Valium support thread, are you still considering updosing or have you worked out a plan with her?

[[Buddie]]

Hi P,

I am not sure about updosing yet. I feel awful again instead of stable. I can't tell if that's from cutting the evening dose of ativan in half and the valium not covering it or if it's just the whole thing. I think her advice of holding longer on the crossover for each dose makes sense and i will do that. I just worry that I feel so sh*tty and I haven't even started tapering yet. That is what is scaring the hell out of me right now, but we know there is so much at play here including the Ambien. I just don't know what to do .

[...]

[[Buddie]]

Are you feeling any better?

[[Buddie]]

Hi [...],

I am feeling a little better. It changes day to day and even hour to hour. Work is always a good distraction.I am doing the evening Valium 2.5 crossover and it's been going ok but my sleep is really bad. I actually took a low dose (25mg) Trazadone last night and it helped me cut down on Ambien by 5mg and I also slept better (I think). Being on A, V and A it's hard to know what is causing what. I still wish I didn't have to add Valium to the mix but I don't see how i can cut down on Ativan given I'm so unsteady on it. I also think the Ambien is messing everything up cause I'm on a long acting benzo and 2 short acting ones. How can that not be messy? Oh I also started Propranalol (10 mg) and that helps with some of the heart racing (my Pots is terrible). I am seeing my Pdoc tomorrow and will see what he says. He will follow(ish) Ashton with me but doesn't really believe I can't taper in a quicker fashion. Sigh...

[...]

[[Buddie]]

I'm glad you checked in, I can see how difficult it is to know what is causing what, I'd sure like to see you get off of the Ambien, it really did a number on me.  The internal trembling, dark thoughts and anxiety it caused for me was horrific. 

I'm worried about your appointment, if your doctor doesn't fully understand this process and you don't have a clear idea of what you'd like to do I'm afraid you're going to be sent down a path that isn't the best for you.

I'm glad you got on the Propranolol and I know many members do okay with Trazadone, but understand how symptoms come and go and vary in intensity.