I've been taking Ativan (lorazepam) just about every single night for the past 17 days. Usually i would take 0.5 mg, maybe 2 or 3 times i took 0.75 mg on bad days and similarly 2 or 3 times i took 0.25 mg on better days. I am a bit concerned about taking these so many days straight and I think i want to try to carry on without them.
With my dosage of on average 0.5 mg per night over 17 consecutive nights, should I have a taper plan in place? Or should I just stop?
My immediate thought is maybe take 0.25 mg tonight, 0.25 mg tomorrow and then nothing the next day. Not sure if this is wise?
It really depends on the person. Most likely with only 17 days, you shouldn't experience withdrawals. But if you do, it's no big deal as you can take 0.25 once you feel it, if you do.
There are also very helpful things you can take to ease withdrawals and just to use for anxiety in general. However, I loved taking ativan and with these substitutes, you definitely don't get the same relaxation, but it is definitely something.
L-Theanine is a great thing to take. It helps you calm your mind. People call it the natural xanax. I don't agree, but I do know it works. I recommend at least 400mg when you take it because 200mg you wont feel.
Also, 200mg Magnesium Citrate and 200mg Calcium together is also a great muscle relaxer and helps a lot for anxiety.
Combining those three should help you taper and even use on a daily in place of ativan!
God Bless you!
You shouldn't experience any withdrawal side effects after taking the medication for 17 days only. If you do, there are two ways to proceed: (1) reduce the dose by half, stay on it for 3-4 days and then try to live without the drug, or (2) replace lorazepam with 5 mg diazepam, stay on it for a few days and then try do taper diazepam (2.5 mg -> 0 mg). However, the majority of people with no history of benzodiazepines misuse should have no problems with stopping taking them after 2-3 weeks.