AboutBarbara Judge Expertise Outpatient pharmacy and general health. I have recently completed a Pharmceutical Care Certificate Program offered by Purdue University (Spring 1999 completion). I have personal experience dealing with terminally ill persons and their needs, as well as their families` needs. I graduated in 1984 from Pharmacy School and have been a Licensed Pharmacist since then. I have 18 years retail pharmacy experience. Prior to my pharmacy training I have 3 years hospital experience as a Nurse`s Aide.
Expert: Barbara Judge Date: 4/13/2005 Subject: Ativan Withdrawl
Question Ms. Judge
About two months ago my Dr. prescribed Ativan to help me sleep as I was having some difficult times. Recently the prescription ran out and I spent three of the worse nights of my life with a grand total of six hours sleep over the three nights. On a pharmacists suggestion I tried to use Valerian root as an alternative. I went back to the Dr. and received 15 more .5 mg tablets and 15 more 1 mg tablets. Last night I took a .5 mg and slept very well. I only use the Ativan at night for sleeping.
Do you have any suggestions for tapering off or any suggestions for alternatives to help me while I taper?
Thank you,
Bailey
Answer You are already on the right track, it is best to taper off the Ativan. Taper your dose by splitting the tablets in half and taking only half a tablet. I know they are very small tablets, but if you are careful you should be able to break them since most are scored. Reduce your dose every 3 to 4 days until you are not taking them any more. You may still have a few bad nights to get through, but they shouldn't be as severe as the ones you just went through. If you have no other medical conditions which would make it unsafe for you to use them you could also try over the counter sleep products, most which contain antihistamines for their side effect drowsiness. You should not take these if you have glaucoma, diabetes, thyroid disease, or difficulty urinating, or along with certain other prescription medications.
