During taper

Hi everyone, I am on 1 mg Ativan for about 15 years. In the past few years I had some health issues, which just recently I realised was due to benzo: forgetfulness, fatigue, joint pain, tachicardia. I started a taper in january and am now at 0,66 mg. I joined BB because taper is not a simple thing, and I need support to learn how to deal with withdrawal symptoms. It looks like the lower I go the sxs are harder.

Welcome to BenzoBuddies!  We are glad you decided to join us.  You'll find a lot of support and information on this forum, which is the only one of its kind online.

 

For those starting a taper, we generally recommend starting out at a rate of 5 to 10% every 10-14 days, then adjusting the taper to suit your own needs.  Note: very short term users may be able to taper faster.

 

Withdrawal symptoms, which vary widely but commonly include anxiety and insomnia, often occur during a taper, but these are temporary and will get better in time.  In general, first tapers are easier, but cold turkeys or multiple withdrawals may be more severe and longer lasting.  Here are a few links to get you started:

 

The Ashton Manual, a concise reference for tapering and symptom issues.  Chapter III contains excellent descriptions of common symptoms such as muscle issues, anxiety, and hyper-awareness

 

Withdrawal Support (during your taper)

 

Once again, welcome!

Merl,

 

Welcome!  I did not taper (forced CT).  However, withdrawal symptoms - I can try to support you!

 

We are healing.

 

SaraSue 

Keep plodding along and congrats on getting a third off already.

Dick

Hi! We will be happy to support you!