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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Of Ativan

I have been taking Ativan for approximately 23 years. I started when I had cancer. Now I am thinking I shoulds get off of it but told. you can t go cold turkey I have no side effects and feel good on 3 or 4 one mg taMy E-bles every day. What is your opinion?
Fri, 15 Dec 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
It is EXTREMELY dangerous to stop taking a benzodiazepine like Ativan cold turkey. Drugs and substances that interact with GABA receptors like Ativan or alcohol become very dangerous when you stop them abruptly. The brain is especially used to maintaining certain levels of chemicals and neurotransmitters. Right now your body and brain need Ativan to just function at a normal level. As soon as you stop taking that, your body freaks out and says "Where is the Ativan I'm used to!!?". This alters your brain chemistry to the point of complete dysfunction. Stopping Ativan abruptly could cause you to get very ill, give you seizures and could even kill you. The best way to wean off of it is to speak with your doctor and get a schedule of pills to take and when. Do not stop Ativan cold turkey.
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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Of Ativan

It is EXTREMELY dangerous to stop taking a benzodiazepine like Ativan cold turkey. Drugs and substances that interact with GABA receptors like Ativan or alcohol become very dangerous when you stop them abruptly. The brain is especially used to maintaining certain levels of chemicals and neurotransmitters. Right now your body and brain need Ativan to just function at a normal level. As soon as you stop taking that, your body freaks out and says Where is the Ativan I m used to!!? . This alters your brain chemistry to the point of complete dysfunction. Stopping Ativan abruptly could cause you to get very ill, give you seizures and could even kill you. The best way to wean off of it is to speak with your doctor and get a schedule of pills to take and when. Do not stop Ativan cold turkey.