Posted by JohnX on May 5, 2001, at 1:06:51
In reply to The Ativan Withdrawal Chronicles - Down to 2 mg, posted by J on May 4, 2001, at 12:59:16
> I've managed to taper my Ativan dosage from 4mg to 2mg without any noticeable problems. Here's my regimen so far:
>
> 3.5mg - 2 weeks
> 3mg - about 10 days
> 2.5mg - 1 week
> 2mg - 1 week
>
> I haven't noticed any depression or anxiety withdrawal effects so far. I'm hoping I can taper at .5mg/week for the rest of the way.
>
> This is my second attempt at stopping Ativan. I had to abort the first one because I went too quickly. I tried decreasing by 1mg every 4 days. The first day I went completely without a dose, I got tremor, convulsions and sweating. I couldn't speak properly; my tongue felt like it was locked to one side of my mouth. It was a very unpleasant and scary experience. I looked and felt like a heroin addict going through withdrawal.
>
> I learnt my lesson about benzos after that. After taking 4mg for 1 1/2 years, I just have to be patient.
>
> Keep fighting,
> J.J,
I experienced difficulties withdrawing from Klonopin poop-out. Severe tingling in extremities, tension headaches, insomnia, anxiety. Really ugly! Going slow is the key as you pointed out. After my Klonopin tolerance issue, I devolped severe mood swings (Klonopin is an anti-convulsant and can treat bipolar).
Anyways, there are a few meds that are worthwhile to test to dissipate withdrawl side effects:
1) Neurontin (non addictive anti-convulsant; anti-anxiety relief for many)
2) Clonidine/Guanfacine/Lofexidine/Inderal. These are anti-adrenergic meds that are often used to treat benzo or opiad withdrawl.Best to you,
John
poster:JohnX
thread:61622
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010424/msgs/61668.html