For the past 2 and a half years I've been taking 1.5mg of ativan every day. I recently decided to taper down because I'm concerned about how long term use will affect me.
In the beginning of July I began a much too fast taper and cut 1/3 of my dose in about a 3 week span. All of my symptoms worsened, including tinnitus and hyperacusis, and I even developed some new eyesight symptoms.
I then reinstated, and the symptoms only mildly improved. I have been in a near constant state of panic since mid July. Since then I've contacted my doctor and we've discussed a slow substitution taper form valium. Over the next few weeks I will replace my ativan with an equivalent dose of valium. Then, over the next year or so I will attempt to slowly taper from the valium at around 5% per cut.
Last night I replaced my evening dose with valium and I am already experiencing worsening tinnitus and hyperacusis. This is even before a dose reduction. My ears feel like they've been severely sunburned and are more sensitive to noise than they've been in over 2 years; it was so bad I struggled to sleep with the window open. My facial symptoms that I thought had gone away are now returning, and my tinnitus is piercing through my skull.
I am also experiencing severe anxiety and depression about my symptoms and this situation in general. No matter how I look at it I don't see a happy future in my life.
Any advice or support is appreciated. Thanks.
In the beginning of July I began a much too fast taper and cut 1/3 of my dose in about a 3 week span. All of my symptoms worsened, including tinnitus and hyperacusis, and I even developed some new eyesight symptoms.
I then reinstated, and the symptoms only mildly improved. I have been in a near constant state of panic since mid July. Since then I've contacted my doctor and we've discussed a slow substitution taper form valium. Over the next few weeks I will replace my ativan with an equivalent dose of valium. Then, over the next year or so I will attempt to slowly taper from the valium at around 5% per cut.
Last night I replaced my evening dose with valium and I am already experiencing worsening tinnitus and hyperacusis. This is even before a dose reduction. My ears feel like they've been severely sunburned and are more sensitive to noise than they've been in over 2 years; it was so bad I struggled to sleep with the window open. My facial symptoms that I thought had gone away are now returning, and my tinnitus is piercing through my skull.
I am also experiencing severe anxiety and depression about my symptoms and this situation in general. No matter how I look at it I don't see a happy future in my life.
Any advice or support is appreciated. Thanks.
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