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How To Withdraw From Ativan Slowly With Out Any Side Effects?

Posted on Sat, 30 Aug 2014

Question: Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX Neurologist: I took 300 mg of Gabapentin and between 1.5 and 2 mg Ativan on Sat, Sun and Monday (once each day). I would like to stop now but am concerned about any withdrawal effects or seizures I might get from stopping the Ativan. I don't have a history of seizures, but am concerned. Is it safe to stop...I didn't take anything at all yesterday...but feel muscle aches and nerve pains today in head and all over body. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You can reduce the dose slowly and stop.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I have noted your symptoms and current medications.

You can safely stop ativan. However, do not stop it abruptly. Reduce the dose of ativan slowly and stop it.

For example, take 1 mg daily for 2 days and then 1 mg on alternate days for 2-3 days and then stop.

Please continue Gabapentin for now.

I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.

Wishing you good health,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 minute later)

Doctor...I already stopped as of Monday morning (US time)....it is now Wednesday morning (US)....are you suggesting I go back on both meds. and then come back off? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Then, we would wait and watch.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back with more information.

If you have stopped it for more than 48 hours, and you do not have withdrawal symptoms, then, we would wait and watch.

If you notice any untoward symptoms, please let me know.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 minutes later)

I am having nerve pain in my head and body...but I am hoping over the next few days when the medication is totally out of my system, this will fade. I am most worried about having a seizure from withdrawal. Do you think I'm OK if I stay off the meds. regarding having a seizure? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Chances of seizures are low.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

The chances of seizures are low, especially as you have used ativan only for three days and also, it has been more than 48 hours after discontinuing the medication.

Your symptoms would improve over time, as the medicines go out of the system.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 minutes later)

Thank you. So, if a seizure was going to happen, you are saying it would have happened already? And...I shouldn't worry...correct? Thank you again

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you are correct.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

Yes, if you were to have a seizure, it should have happened by now. From now on, it is highly unlikely.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar