Tapering Off Ativan | Schedule & Methods

Ativan is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means it has a lower potential for abuse than other drugs but can still lead to dependence and addiction.

If you do build up a dependence through abuse or long-term use, stopping Ativan can be difficult. Unpleasant withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur, especially if you try to quit cold turkey.

To help make this withdrawal process easier and ease the side effects, healthcare providers may put you on a benzodiazepine tapering schedule where you take a lower and lower dose of Ativan over time.

Ativan Tapering Schedule

Ativan is the brand name for lorazepam and is a benzodiazepine (benzo) that is typically used in the short-term treatment of anxiety and panic disorders, insomnia, and seizures.

What your tapering schedule looks like depends on your specific needs, your history of Ativan use, your medical and mental health history, and if you have a history of substance abuse.

An example of a tapering schedule for Ativan can look like this:

• week 1: 35 mg per day
• week 2: 30 mg per day
• week 3: 25 mg per day
• week 4-8: 20 mg per day
• weeks 9-10: 15 mg per day
• weeks 11-12: 10 mg per day
• weeks 13-14: 5 mg per day
• week 15: discontinue/stop taking Ativan entirely

You may need a slow taper or a fast taper. It depends on your specific situation and what your doctor thinks is best. A taper can last anywhere from 8 weeks to 6 months.

Benzodiazepine Tapering Methods

There are three general tapering approaches. Which one your healthcare provider recommends depends on your specific needs.

Same Medication For Tapering

Your doctor may recommend you continue to take the same medication (in this case Ativan) but slowly wean you off your daily dose. In general, benzodiazepine tapers recommend a dose reduction of 10-25% every couple weeks.

Switch To A Long-Acting Benzodiazepine

With this approach, your doctor may recommend a medication with a long half-life (like diazepam/Valium or clonazepam/Klonopin) and have you taper with that instead of Ativan. This method is used for Xanax (alprazolam) tapering as well.

Use Additional Medications

Your healthcare provider may have you take different medications that help ease or prevent the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

You may also see the return of symptoms that had you taking Ativan in the first place. This is often called rebound anxiety. Antidepressants or sleep medications are often prescribed to ease those symptoms.

Regardless of the approach to avoid Ativan withdrawal, tapering can occur in an inpatient or outpatient setting. In an outpatient setting, the tapering schedule is usually slower as the doctor isn’t there to monitor you as often.

Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms

Trying to stop taking Ativan after you’ve built up a physical dependence can lead to very serious benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.

Because of Ativan’s short half-life, these symptoms can occur fairly quickly and may include:

• anxiety
• irritability
• insomnia
• nausea and vomiting
• panic attacks
• cognitive impairment
• seizures
• headaches
• lethargy
• confusion
• constipation

Ativan Addiction Treatment

If you’ve taken high doses of Ativan or have a substance use disorder related to Ativan, a tapering schedule can be even more difficult. Professional addiction treatment can address both the physical and mental health aspects of Ativan addiction.

Medical Detox

In a detox program, medical professionals help you withdraw from Ativan with tapering or another method. If withdrawal symptoms occur, professionals can treat them right away and help prepare you for inpatient or outpatient treatment.

Inpatient Treatment

With inpatient care, you stay at a residential facility 24/7 and participate in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and group therapy. You may also receive medical care, which may involve tapering.

Outpatient Treatment

With outpatient treatment, you receive treatment sessions (group therapy, peer support, behavioral therapy) multiple times per week. Tapering may be part of this treatment as well.

To learn about our outpatient treatment options, please contact us today.