Gradually Reducing My Ativan Dosage After a Decade
I’m 36 years old and currently taking a total of 4mg of Ativan each day—1mg in the morning, 1mg at 3 p.m., and 2mg before sleep. Additionally, I am prescribed Celexa and Wellbutrin. Having spent nearly a decade on Ativan, I feel prepared to eliminate my reliance on benzodiazepines altogether. I plan to discuss tapering strategies with my physician, but I’m eager to hear about your experiences and successful approaches with tapering durations for others in similar situations. My research has pointed toward a method involving a cross-taper to diazepam before gradually lowering the dosage. However, I am uncertain if this method is commonly practiced as a standard treatment. I would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences you can share regarding successful tapering from benzodiazepines. Acknowledging my physical dependence on Ativan is what concerns me most as I begin this process.
Answers (1)
2/18/2026, 12:20:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's commendable that you're seeking to reduce your reliance on Ativan after almost a decade. Tapering off benzodiazepines like Ativan requires careful planning due to the risks of dependence and withdrawal. Here’s a structured approach you can consider as you prepare for this journey.
Main Points:
- Tapering off benzodiazepines should be gradual to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Transitioning to a longer-acting benzodiazepine like diazepam can help with the tapering process.
- It’s important to monitor your symptoms and adjust the plan as needed.
Explanation: Benzodiazepines, including Ativan (lorazepam), can lead to physical dependence, especially when used long-term. When planning to discontinue, a gradual tapering method is recommended to reduce the likelihood and severity of withdrawal symptoms, which can include anxiety, insomnia, and, in some cases, seizures. A cross-tapering method, such as switching to diazepam (Valium), is sometimes used because it has a longer half-life and can make the tapering process smoother.
A common approach might involve initially switching to a daily equivalent dose of diazepam. For example, 4mg of Ativan is approximately equivalent to about 20mg of diazepam. Once you are stable on diazepam, you can begin to reduce that dosage gradually.
Next Steps:
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Confirm with Your Physician: Discuss your plan with your healthcare provider to devise a personalized tapering schedule that takes into account your specific situation, other medications, and overall health.
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Establish a Tapering Schedule: A common recommendation is to reduce the dosage by about 10-25% every 1-2 weeks, but your doctor may tailor this based on your response. Monitoring how you feel during this process is crucial.
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, mood, and any potential withdrawal effects to report back to your doctor; this will help adjust the tapering plan as necessary.
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Stay Connected: Focus on finding support through friends, family, or support groups, as this can help during the transition.
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Practice Self-Care: Engage in healthy coping strategies such as regular physical activity, mindfulness, and good sleep hygiene to help manage any anxiety as you taper.
Remember, the goal is to do this safely and comfortably. With careful planning and support, many people successfully taper off benzodiazepines. You're not alone in this, and it's great that you're taking a proactive step towards your mental health.
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