I don't know who I am anymore

I'm joining because I would like help and support to taper off Ativan.

I've taken xanax, ativan, klonopin, and valium.  Always ended up with Ativan

I've been taking them for 20 years now.

I take 1mg three times daily

Haven't started taper, I am currently tapering another psychiatric medication

Hi GenesisX and Welcome to Benzobuddies

You are making a great decision to taper of benzodiazepines !  You should taper one drug at a time!  We can give you plenty of help and support, also taper/withdrawal information.    In general it’s advised to cut your daily dose by between 5% and 10% every 10 - 14 days.  This is depending on how you feel, whatever feels comfortable, the aim is to try to keep symptoms manageable.   

Check out the Ashton Manual, It’s great for understanding the effect benzodiazepines have on our body.  It also provides tapering and withdrawal information.  You will find some valuable support and info on the forum.  Please feel free to browse the boards and post questions to any of the dedicated threads.

I will leave a few links for you:

The Ashton Manual. 

Withdrawal Support

General Taper Plans

You might wish to post to the this support group, 

Ativan Tapering Support Thread We have caring supportive members who will be happy to share their experience and offer advice. 

Please add a signature (history of meds/doses etc) it will help members give you relevant advice.  Go to the top of the page and select PROFILE then choose forum profile then insert drug history into the text box and remember to click change profile

Welcome aboard

Magrita

Welcome, GenesisX!

We’re here to support you!!

SaraSue 

GenesisX

I have been advised to try to get off benzos first as it’s easier to get off things like phenothiazines and SSRI when benzo free.

The perceived wisdom is also to do one drug at a time. 

That’s why it’s worth putting in the signature box all you take.

Folk aren’t being nosey just want to help.

Welcome to the BB .....I am sure someone will help you with Ativan.

I took one once and fell over.).

Yours

Dick

GenesisX

I have been advised to try to get off benzos first as it’s easier to get off things like phenothiazines and SSRI when benzo free.

The perceived wisdom is also to do one drug at a time. 

That’s why it’s worth putting in the signature box all you take.

Folk aren’t being nosey just want to help.

Welcome to the BB .....I am sure someone will help you with Ativan.

I took one once and fell over.).

Yours

Dick

Thank you, I added my psych meds to my signature.  Forgot that part 

I appreciate the welcomes and support!

-Genesis

Genesis

Many of us have a healthy fear of psychiatric docs.

However your regime is way out side my field of knowledge.

I hope the Ativan reduction helps.

You must hate being on so much other stuff and I hope your psych will work with you and you feel supported on this site

Best wishes

Dick

Genesis

Many of us have a healthy fear of psychiatric docs.

However your regime is way out side my field of knowledge.

I hope the Ativan reduction helps.

You must hate being on so much other stuff and I hope your psych will work with you and you feel supported on this site

Best wishes

Dick

Hi Dick

Thank you for recommending getting off the benzo first.  I glanced over the Ashton Manual and saw that there as well.  I will probably start there next, just hesitating a little bit.  I'm always scared of benzo withdrawal.

My psych dr won't work with me.  I am doing this alone, but I'm really grateful for finding this site with everyone in a similar situation, so I don't feel so alone.  I hope I can be a friend and support others through this as well.

I hope you also feel supported here and if you need to talk please feel free to talk to me!

Hi! Get well soon! You and me!

Hi Bazil4uk!  Thank you so much, I hope we all get better soon