Is this crazy insomnia normal for ativan withdrawal

Mental health
1

Hi guys,

Just wanting some input and whether any of you have been through really severe insomnia for benzodiazepine withdrawal. I'm going on 5 days now with only 1-2 hours sleep. I am tired beyond belief and are having a hard time believing my sleep will improve. 

Have any of you been through similar issues coming of the benzos?

2

Hi mike 

I had it coming off quatiapine it was horrible how much were you taking a day ? 

3

Hey Mike : 

It is normal to have insomnia when you are withdrawal from benzos but you should wean it off slowly , not cold turkey. What dosage are you on ? I was once on Ativan 3 mg and weaned off in 6 months . 

4

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the comments

I have tapered over the past couple of months so I was on 1mg a day at night - tapered down to .5 for 3 weeks or so then down to .25mg for roughly 2 weeks then stopped just 5 days ago. I was getting some sleep on those tapers but not now. Guessing because there is no more in my system. Obviously, I'm thinking the worst now that I am not sleeping. How long do you think it would take to get some sort of sleep back? Can understand everyone is different but god this is hell haha. Sorry to hear that carl, how long did your insomnia last?

5

What was your dosage mike?

6

1 mg that’s equivalent to 10 mg diazapam . I think you should go to your dr and tell him about the insomnia problem . From what I Have heard from my friend who tapered off lorazepam completely, she said she could get some sleep after 3 weeks of zero Ativan . But I guess everyone is different . 

Do you have any withdrawal symptoms ? 

7

Hey magmag,

Withdrawals after the first 4 days weren't actually too bad. A little anxiety and shaking but noticed today I have been a little worse. heart racing, palpatations and slight chest pain but so far nothing unbearable. It's just great to he off the drug. Are you in a similar situation?

8

Hey Joe,

I was on 1mg per day but got down to .25 quarter of a pill over a period of 3-4 months. So finished 5 days ago. Just waiting to get some rest and sleep now but it is hard.

9

Yes, I was. The worst thing is my panic attacks came back . That’s why I am on Valium now on 15 mg. Need to wean it off soon .

10

Thanks, I'm sorry to hear you've got panic back magmag. You'll definitely come through. Getting off those benzos is definately best. I have heard of people feeling so much better when the withdrawal is complete. It's just getting there is soo hard.

11

Feeling good as in anxiety ? 

12

How long were you on it mike ?

13

How long were you on before starting to wean I meant 

14

Hey Carl, I would say 5-6 months. Felt myself improving from the panic and anxiety around June so felt it was the right time. Unfortunately the symptoms I'm trying to escape have returned (to be expected from withdrawal) but no where as bad as I when i had the initial panic attack in December of last year.

15

I mean feeling good in what aspect . 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

16

Are you on any other medication?

17

One other. Fluoxetine which I started not long after my first panic attack.

18

How many mgs are you on and how are you finding it ? I’ve recently just gone back on to it also I’m on 20mg last 10 days I’ve started 

19

Hi Mike, it doesn't surprise me, what you're describing as your body is trying to adjust. Has your doctor stopped them altogether and what dosage were you on?

20

Sorry to butt in but did u taper under medical supervision? Duloxetine is hell to get off but there are support groups esp for this drug.