Help tapering off ativan.

[Jndls1982]

I am a 23 year old. I have been taking ativan for about 1 and a half years. I want to taper off the medicine because I think that it is making me have more anxiety. I take 0.5 mg three times a day. What I have done so far is cut the pill into four seperate pieces and started taking 3/4 of the pill instead of the whole pill. It is a small pill so I can't really cut it into smaller peices. But if anyone has a better idea, It would be appreciated. I know I am not taking a huge amount compared to some people, but I need help.

[encoreunfois]

Hi Jndls
Good for you for realising your position.
Suggest you read the thread on benzos, klonopin,xanax.
Google, download, print and read "The Ashton Manual" - it's very manageable - but dont try to go too fast. About a 10% reduction per fortnight............... and ativan is no good to taper off - you need to change over to valium - explanation as per Ashton.
I tapered off Ativan - had been taking 3 mg of ativan - crossed over to an equivalence of valium of 30 mg and tapered down slowly - took me over 6 months - but its very manageable - watch Donna above!
Good luck
encore

[Jndls1982]

Won't switching over to valium just get me hooked on valium? Can I just slowly lower my ativan dosage every 2-3 weeks?

[Jndls1982]

Also, My doctor prescribed me hydroxyzine for some withdrawal symptoms. I don't know if I should take it...I haven't yet and I probably won't until I know a little more about it.

[rosebuddy]

valium stays in your system much longer than ativan so its easier to taper. with ativian you go and up and down every 5 or 6 hours. Once you crossover to valium, you can taper it without such bad side effects. Hydroxyzine is atarax and you can find information about it on line. I have tried to taper off of xanax which is like ativan andi had a lot of uncomfortable side effects. Now i am trying the ashton method. I hope you will check it out: Dr. Heather Ashton, Ashton Manual.