Re: re: how to get off Ativan

January 4, 2006

Hi Lynn,

Welcome!

<<My name is Lynn and I just joined the group, looking for help with

my ativan addiction, to stop taking it, and many physical problems

that I have, some of which may be related.

I've been taking ativan to sleep for at least eight years, and, before

that, valium for about five. I take at least 2mg a night, usually 2

and a half. I can't sleep without it.

For the past few years I've also been more and more depressed and

lethargic, although I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatique Syndrome

because of two viruses in my system and of course symptoms, and I take

care of my mother full-time who has many problems, including dementia.

It is hard to sort out what causes what.

For the last two weeks my eyelids have begun to droop, and one doctor

suggested it may be related in part to the ativan. I am totally

exhausted and do not feel rested.>>

***Of course you can't sleep without it. The drugs have destroyed

your body's natural ability to become tired and sleep. It is highly

likely that nearly all of your physical symptoms, and certainly the

chronic fatigue, depression, lethargy, and difficulty thinking, have

also been caused by the long-term use of these drugs.

<<When I cut down the ativan to even 1 and a half milligrams, I cannot

sleep. I need something to act in its stead while I am trying to cut

it down.>>

*** covered this already. Extensive experience has shown that

cuts of no more than 5-10% have the best chance for success. You will

also need to support your body's healing process with appropriate diet

and supplementation. Please read carefully all the materials you were

sent when you joined. They contain much of the info you need to get

started. Feel free to ask questions about what you've read.

There is no way to wean off a drug like ativan after such long-term

use without experiencing some insomnia and other discomforts. There

are things that can ease the discomfort, but nothing can make this

process easy. However, it CAN be done, and you will be able to regain

a level of health and well-being you have not experienced for years.

IMO, it's worth it.

Regards,

Kim

co-moderator

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