How long does Ativan withdrawal last, and how to manage it?

Question

Hello doctor,

I tapered off Ativan, and I believe the taper was too rapid because I had been using it for seven years. The taper began 42 days ago, and 25 days ago, I increased my dose because my smell sensitivity and withdrawal symptoms were extremely severe. I am still experiencing smell sensitivity; it is intermittent but very frustrating and irritating.

I am wondering how long it will take before my brain stabilizes. It is exasperating because I cannot cook or use shampoo without issues. It feels slightly better, but not entirely resolved. I need advice because I am experiencing numerous panic attacks, and my psychiatrist is not helping; they attempted a taper that was too fast. I have been on Ativan for seven years.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

As per your mentioned symptoms and history, when you quit any benzodiazepines suddenly, this kind of anxiety symptom may appear. Therefore, you need to withdraw benzodiazepines such as Lorazepam very gradually; otherwise, the anxiety may worsen.

As you tried to quit, the sensitivity to smell occurred, so it will take at least two weeks to improve. You need to withdraw from Lorazepam very gradually.

I suggest you follow the steps below:

You should begin daily physical exercise to reduce anxiety attacks.
One option is to stop Lorazepam, which is an immediate‑acting anti‑anxiety medication, and start a long‑term anti‑anxiety treatment so you will not face such symptoms.
Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, if any.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Begin psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to understand and manage anxiety.

As you have been taking Lorazepam for a long time, you need to withdraw from it very gradually. Do not attempt to taper the medicine quickly, as it will increase anxiety. Begin expressing your emotions, as anxiety is sometimes secondary to ongoing mental stress.

I hope that this answers your query.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

Once you start quitting Lorazepamand the problem starts again, it will take some time to improve. Yes, you started the same dosages again, but it will take some time to improve. Smell sensitivity will also come back.

Yes, certain symptoms improve faster, and certain symptoms take time to improve.

Smell sensitivity will be all right within a few months. Ask your psychiatrist to switch to long-acting anti-anxiety medication and then withdraw the medicine. Yes, it is very annoying, but it will be all right.

I hope that this answers your query.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.