I am currently trying my best to "cold turkey" withdraw from Lorazepam (generic for Ativan). Does anyone have any advice to ease the symptoms of withdrawl (sweats, nightmares, feeling very jumpy, etc.)?
2006-07-11 04:18:44 · 23 answers · asked by nshzhill 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Thanks to all who have answered question so far, but the doctor at state funded clinic MADE me cold "cold turkey" and took my pills, so now what do I do?
2006-07-12 03:41:19 · update #1
go "cold turkey", rather than cold "cold turkey", sorry but my head is working faster than my fingers.
2006-07-12 03:42:30 · update #2
Never stop cold turkey.....reduce your dosages....talk to your doctor about why you want to stop taking the medicine.
2006-07-11 04:20:47 · answer #1 · answered by housefullofboys3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First from experience never go cold turkey on these drugs. Tell the doctor about your symptoms and express how you would like to get off the medication, but this way isn't working for you. If one doctor does not agree to this, demand to see another. I have been on several medications that are addictive and even when you slowly lower the dose your body will still go through withdrawal.
2006-07-24 12:50:45 · answer #2 · answered by danadee l 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
since you are now being forced to go cold turkey, my best suggestion would to go to a hospital where they can moniter you and if you do have a severe attack they can medicate you. If thats a possibility, i really think you should consider it, even just for a few days...after 3 days the withdrawls (physical) decrease emensely and you will just have to work on the psychological urges and there are many ways to do that. I had to detox from benzo's and i know how hard it is. Email me at reneenetrop@aol.com if you'd like someone to talk to about it and feel free to add me to your yahoo but email is the best way to get my attention.. *hugs* good luck
2006-07-24 18:32:39 · answer #3 · answered by Fade__Out 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You never go off medicines cold turkey (unless you had a doctor like the one I had at a pain clinic) Slowly decrease the dose, then skip days and keep increasing the number of days you skip until you are no longer taking them. You can end up in the hospital if you go off completely at once.
2006-07-11 04:28:42 · answer #4 · answered by nighttimewkr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take over the counter diphenhydramine at night for a more restful night's sleep. Relaxation techniques may not work at this time but perhaps in a couple of weeks, they could help you cope better. Vigorous exercise for 30 minutes to an hour everyday could help jump start endorphins. Force yourself to do this. Substitute the old habit with a more healthy habit like herbal teas, valerian tea, 2-4 cups of coffee only a day, reward yourself for every day with chocolate 2 small pieces. You should be fine after 2 weeks max. I believe in you.
2006-07-24 19:38:46 · answer #5 · answered by firestarter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Continue taking them, but reduce you daily dosage. Then take them for 5 days a week for 2 weeks, then 3 days a week for 2 weeks, then 2 then 1. After that, take one only when the symptoms become unbearable. You will be able to space the days further and further apart over time until finally you will just not have any withdrawal symptoms.
Good luck to you.
2006-07-11 04:33:22 · answer #6 · answered by a_phantoms_rose 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try and not go cold turkey. speak to your doctor, but i would split the pill in half than 1/4 do the reducation for 2 weeks until you are off of it.
2006-07-24 14:27:02 · answer #7 · answered by Rock_N_Roll_Chicky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sorry but you cannot go clod turkey.
Cut each of your doses in half and keep cutting down.
If you are taking it illegally then check yourself into a hospital. They will be able to help you deal with the withdraws.
I have been on and off Ativan for quite sometime the last was 3 years ago. I was on 6 milligrams a day. You just have to keep cutting down until you are off of it. That is how my Dr had me stop taking it.
2006-07-11 04:24:18 · answer #8 · answered by rranderson1968 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Discuss your concern/problem with your doctor and you should not be driving after you took the Ativan tablet! It is very important to have a follow up exam by your doctor to determine the effectiveness of the medication. If medication is less effective after a few weeks, check with a health care professional.
2016-03-27 01:05:25 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not a good idea to go cold turkey! My suggestion would be to go back on it and wean yourself off slowly and if needed with your doctors help! Best of luck!
2006-07-11 06:27:08 · answer #10 · answered by KMCTP 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do not quit cold turkey!!!! If you are prone to anxiety attacks try cutting the dose by 1/2 a milligram every 2 days
2006-07-11 04:23:48 · answer #11 · answered by Girltoronto 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋