If you have been taking Ativan (lorazepam) and are considering discontinuing it, you may be wondering how to do so safely. The first and most important step is to speak with your doctor, who may suggest a gradual reduction plan, commonly known as a taper. A taper involves slowly lowering your Ativan dose over time. This strategy helps you avoid the adverse withdrawal effects that can arise if Ativan use is suddenly stopped.
What Are the Risks of Stopping Ativan Cold Turkey?
Ativan and other benzodiazepines are often regarded as some of the most challenging medications to quit after dependence has formed. When someone becomes dependent on Ativan, their body adapts to having the drug in their system. Abruptly removing it can lead to distressing symptoms. Dependence on Ativan can develop in as little as two to four weeks with consistent daily use. By gradually tapering, it is possible to lessen the severity of these withdrawal symptoms.
Stopping Ativan without tapering may trigger withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Appetite loss
- Sweating
- Irritability
- Muscle aches
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Tiredness
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Coma
Quitting suddenly can also create powerful cravings to use more Ativan, often in response to the discomfort from withdrawal. Furthermore, without appropriate medical monitoring, there is a strong possibility that continued use will lead to addiction.
Ready to Break Free From Addiction?
If you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait—start your journey to recovery today.
How To Stop Taking Ativan Safely
If you want to discontinue Ativan, it is essential to do so only under the guidance of a medical professional. Attempting to stop on your own without proper supervision can be unsafe.
- Prescription Use: If you are currently prescribed Ativan by a physician, speak with your doctor about reducing your dose gradually.
- Unauthorized Use: If you have been misusing Ativan without a prescription, it is advisable to get help from an addiction treatment program. These specialized programs aim to make the detox process as safe and comfortable as possible.
In many cases, discontinuing Ativan involves tapering: decreasing your daily dose of Ativan step by step until you can quit entirely.
Tapering Methods
There are several tapering methods for Ativan, including switching to other benzodiazepines, using tapering strips, dry tapering and micro-tapering.
Changing Benzodiazepines
One way to taper off Ativan is by reducing your dose of Ativan itself. However, Ativan has a relatively shorter half-life (10–20 hours), which can sometimes result in “breakthrough” withdrawal symptoms, even during a gradual taper.
Alternately, a doctor may recommend switching to a benzodiazepine with a longer half-life, such as diazepam (Valium) or clonazepam (Klonopin). Medications with a longer half-life leave the body more slowly, which can help keep withdrawal symptoms at bay over an extended period.
Tapering Strips
Tapering strips are prescription items that provide smaller, precise dose increments and a structured schedule for daily medication reductions. Currently, tapering strips are not available in the United States. However, in locations where they are approved, tapering strips allow clinicians and patients to fine-tune the taper rate each day to accommodate individual needs.
Dry Tapering
Dry tapering is a homemade approach that has surfaced online. It involves manually breaking or shaving off tiny pieces of an Ativan tablet to achieve smaller dose reductions than typically prescribed. This method is not endorsed by the medical community because:
- It is nearly impossible to ensure that each fragment contains an even amount of medication.
- There is no clinical evidence confirming its safety or effectiveness.
For these reasons, medical professionals recommend consulting a doctor for a verified taper schedule instead of experimenting with dry tapering on your own.
Micro-tapering
Micro-tapering is another non-medical approach found on the internet. Similar to dry tapering, it often involves dissolving Ativan tablets in liquid in order to divide the medication into extremely small doses, such as 0.2 mg or lower. This method is also discouraged by healthcare professionals because:
- Mixing the medication with liquid can compromise the drug’s stability.
- No scientific data supports its effectiveness.
- Liquid mixtures may not be sterile.
It is safer to pursue a tapering schedule with a qualified medical provider.
Example Ativan Taper Schedule
A medical professional will develop a taper schedule based on your individual needs. Everyone’s taper is different, so the schedule below is merely an illustration of how a gradual taper might look.
- Week 1: 4 mg daily
- Weeks 2 and 3: 3 mg daily (25% reduction)
- Weeks 4–8: 2 mg daily (25% reduction)
- Weeks 9 and 10: 1.5 mg daily
- Weeks 11 and 12: 1 mg daily (25% reduction)
- Weeks 13 and 14: 0.5 mg daily
Again, you should always speak with a doctor before stopping Ativan. A tailored plan that accounts for your personal medical history, dosage, and overall health is crucial.
Find an Ativan Detox Center in Oregon
If you or a loved one is facing an Ativan dependence, it might feel overwhelming to take the next step. However, support and professional assistance are available. The Recovery Village Salem offers medical detox services that can help people reduce and stop Ativan in a structured and secure environment. Depending on the individual, the detox process at our facility typically takes between five and ten days.
Call today to connect with one of our Recovery Advocates and learn how our Ativan addiction treatment programs can guide you or your loved one toward a healthier, more stable life.
