Posted by myco on March 28, 2009, at 16:45:17
In reply to Re: to get off ativan can you switch directly valium, posted by Drew stat on March 28, 2009, at 16:37:15
Well yes and no. That is designed for hardcore users who have been on there for years...I think that is what Dr. Ashton's specialities (or one of them) is...providing information and guidance to correct the overuse of benzo's...usage that sees some patients on them for many years. Withdrawal after that long can be hazardous to some patients health.
What symptoms are you experiencing when coming off or trying to come off ativan? Are you using it as a sleep aid entirely? For panic/anxiety as needed? Have you become "psychologically" in need of it...i.e. taking it throughout the day regardless of situations?
You may just have to choke up some of the pain when coming off...you can use tiny bits of valium or restoril to help cut the side effects you get from ativan if you want to come off quick. You can also add another anxiolytic such as neurontin or lyrica or seroquel or various herbals/sups to help ease the tension. Considering 4 weeks is all youve taken it for...your withdrawal will not likely be as severe as it could be so you could probably go more aggressively at the taper...just watch the sides as you go. Start cutting down then when you feel like sh*t add a lil valium or whatever anxiolytic you choose then wait a few days then go again. It's gonna be bumpy but a low dose after 4 weeks will be ok...I doubt youre gonna run into seizures or anything. Probably nasty insomnia and rebound anxiety/sweats etc. You could probably do this in a week or 2 just take it at the speed you can handle.
> Yeah i have read that. it just seems like its too long I mean i have taken the drug for 4 weeks and it could take me 6-7 months to get off?
poster:myco
thread:887428
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090322/msgs/887433.html