Stress Center Peer Support

I am taking Ativan 4-6 Mg a day then Ambien CR at night. I know that this is too much. When I try to decrease the Atiavn dosage I get physical withdrawal symptoms within 7 - 9 hours. My doctor asks me if I can decrease my Ativan dosage but how can I tell if the anxiety I'm feeling is a withdrawal symptom or is genuine anxiety, when anxiety is a symptom of withdrawal from the medication?

Hi Wojo, I have a weblink that gives information about getting off of a benzo - which is what ativan is. I take xanax so I understand what you are saying and experiencing. The website is http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/bzcha02.htm. I have it saved to my favorites as it gives alot of insight into withdrawal symptoms but also how to safely get off of these meds. I know they recommend a very slow tapering to minimize the withdrawal symptoms. Definately, do it only with your doctor's supervision! Take care.

Hi, Wojo,

I also took an SSRI, Zoloft, and it took me almost two months to completely feel good again. Just keep working at it, and you'll feel better. It will be a battle, and don't let anyone tell you differently.

Charting my feelings daily helped me.