New to the group

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Hi, I am new to the group. I have been on Ativan for 4 1/2 yrs for anxiety,sleep and depression, and did not know all of the issues of coming off this drug. I found out that Ativan is a Benzodiazepine which is related to Benzene somehow in its structure. Benzene is a major cause of AML (Acute Myloid Leukemia). My Mother died from this type of leukemia. I just started to put all of this together two weeks ago because I have built up a resistance to the Ativan and it is not working very well any longer. I am really concerned now for my health. I started to wean off this passed Sat. from 2 mg to 1.5. I am seeing side effects already. How long before I know when to decrease to 1mg? I want off of this now. I was on Zypreza last year for a year and came off of it within a month by myself and I don't know how I did it working full time. I about went over the edge. Does anyone know if either of these drugs can cause early menopause and osteoporosis? I am 42 yrs old

and I am wondering if it is because of the Zyprexa? Does it really take as long to come of off the Ativan as you have been on it? Will your health return or will this med really harm you? Just a note: My sleep has changed this past week coming off, by waking up several hours early, so last night when I woke up I took two L-Theanine which is an amino acid for relaxation and it did help me go back to sleep. I have started the calcium and mag. because of the osteoporosis with other full spectrum vit. I am planning on talking with my Dr. about coming off in several weeks. I already spoke to his nurse last week and she wasn't very encouaging. Thank you for listening and if anyone has info to share I would like to hear from you. Kelle

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