Stress Center Peer Support

Hi guys. Can anyone help. My doctor told me to just take 1 mg. but I have been taking 1.5 He said to drop it to 1. Has anyone got off this stuff before? Do I just do what he says? Isn't that too radical. I have been on it for 7 mos. Please let me know your thoughts or experiences.........thanks

Hey Calendergirl,
I was on 1.5 mg of Ativan and dropped to 1mg. I take one-half tablet in the a.m. and one-half in the p.m.
It was a little hard because I was jumpy and anxious. But you can weather it out. Just stick to it. I am waiting for the day when I can be totally off it.
Good luck,
mteacher

My sister was on 3mg a day (not AS her DR directed), and when she came off of it, she switched over to Valium with the help of a Psych doc, and did a very slow wean. She was on way more than you, and for about 2 yrs. so she was a different case. I think the reason for the switch to Valium is to cut the doses to smaller amts. and do it slower, also the half life of Valium was longer and would keep her from feeling too much side effects. It took her 7 months, but she has been free now for over a year. I know it can be done, so best of luck. I'm not sure how small of a dose Ativan comes in, but I'd ask my doc for a prescription for the lowest dose, and quarter that pill and take it as slow as possible. With Benzos, sometimes the wean can take longer than you were even on it if you are sensitive to the side effects. There are people out there who swear they can reduce by .5 every week and feel fine. Best of luck.

Thanks so much for your reply......both of you. I truly appreciate it.