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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Lorazepam
Question: In1992 I was put on Lorazepam and am now trying to withdraw from it. About 8 weeks ago I was taking 4mg per day per week and for the first four weeks I reduced by 1/2 mg. per day per week and the first 4 weeks went just fine. When I tried to reduce to 1 1/2 mg. per day per day (taken at night) I really started having secondary insomnia problems awakening around 2:30 AM-3:00AM with very severe exhaustion and major depression the next day. I have tried 6 more times to reduce to 1 1/2mg. and finally after 7th attempt I was able to sleep well on 1 1/2mg for one night. However, 5 more attempts at that level resulted in a return to the same problems. Yesterday, my doctor told me I could take Melatonin for the short run. I did and slept like a baby. I also take Duloxetine, Mirtazapine ( 7.5Mg after dropping from 60 mg. per day), and Serzone. I will be getting sleep apnea surgery (right sinuses) in 5 days. What can I do to continue my quest to get off the Lorazepam, and then some other drugs? I am 68 yrs. old and would like to enjoy the rest of my life. Thx!, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX and thanks very much for your question.
Congratulations on your decision to wean off lorazepam. As you may know, benzodiazepines such as lorazepam should rarely be used more than a few months due to dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal. They carry side effects like sedation and memory loss. So trying to get off it is definitely a good decision for you!
You have been on lorazepam a very long time, so the taper off of it will unfortunately also have to be considerably long. This is to avoid withdrawal, which can cause seizures and even death, so this is a very serious matter. I typically do not decrease the dose more than 10% every two weeks for someone who has been taking it as long as you have.
You are currently taking 1.5mg daily. I would not decrease more than 0.25mg (half a 0.5mg pill) every two weeks. This is a long taper, but this is what it takes to avoid withdrawal symptoms including insomnia, irritability, confusion, tremor, seizures, and even death. Hopefully after a few months you will finally be off this medication safely.
Please remember to rate and close this answer when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX and thanks very much for your question.
Congratulations on your decision to wean off lorazepam. As you may know, benzodiazepines such as lorazepam should rarely be used more than a few months due to dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal. They carry side effects like sedation and memory loss. So trying to get off it is definitely a good decision for you!
You have been on lorazepam a very long time, so the taper off of it will unfortunately also have to be considerably long. This is to avoid withdrawal, which can cause seizures and even death, so this is a very serious matter. I typically do not decrease the dose more than 10% every two weeks for someone who has been taking it as long as you have.
You are currently taking 1.5mg daily. I would not decrease more than 0.25mg (half a 0.5mg pill) every two weeks. This is a long taper, but this is what it takes to avoid withdrawal symptoms including insomnia, irritability, confusion, tremor, seizures, and even death. Hopefully after a few months you will finally be off this medication safely.
Please remember to rate and close this answer when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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