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MMemories: withdrawing from Lunesta


MMEMORIES

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Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia Ativan.5mg taken when needed

4/15-22-took Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 1.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 1.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23. Ativan .5mg

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

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MMEMORIES This is my signature above. Anxiety & crying, insomnia depression some of my problems from withdrawing from Lunesta.

I have used Ativan for the anxiety problems 2 times to deal with these problems while in public. I have been staying home. Please give me help with this withdrawal.

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment

Thanks Platinum Star my phone & tablet can'take do the signature.

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment

Hi M.M.  Welcome. It seems that you have been bouncing around a little, with your dosing which could explain the symptoms you are now experiencing.
These symptoms are common in withdrawal.
We recommend  a 10 % dosage reduction every 4 - 6 wks, with the 10 % calculated on the last dosage.

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?
 
If you can manage to put your drug and withdrawal history, in your sig, that would be great. Just scroll down the link C.W kindly provided. There are detailed instructions there. 
Here's the link for tapering Lunesta:  Have a read through, and come back with any questions you might have.
Tips for tapering off Z drugs for sleep (Ambien, Lunesta, etc.)

 

A couple more links that might help explain a little more :
What is withdrawal syndrome?

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Ali

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia Ativan.5mg taken when needed

4/15-22-took Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 1.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 1.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23. Ativan .5mg

Edited by MMEMORIES

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment

 

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia Ativan.5mg taken when needed

4/15-22-took Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23. Ativan .5mg

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment

Memories. Your signature has come through. Thank you for that . Did you read the links ? Do you have any other questions, at this time?  We are here for you , and don't hesitate to ask any other questions that you might have . 

Ali

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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Thank you Platinum Star. I read the links. I would like to change numbers on my signature to read 2.85mg, 2.80mg lunesta

Very anxious this week. I took .5mg ativan to go to church Sunday, &?.25mmg ativan to have dental work 4/11.so I could quit whimpering & being so anxious. My anxiety had been much improved on the 2.80 from 1.5mg I took the 2nd week of Maynow I am back to anxiety, whimpering. Help!

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment

It's Ali.   :)    If you change the signature, it will be more clear. 

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

Link to comment

Thank you Ali for all your help.

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment

Someone has been putting a great deal of stress on me in the last six months. I have been fighting this person, putting myself to sleep with Lunesta, and using ativan for short periods to get myself through anxious times. I am withdrawing from Lunesta and having crying spells. Using SAMe supplement today & some Kava stress relief tea.I would appreciate help.

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Welcome MMemories,

 

I've merged this with your other Intro thread so people will see it. 

 

We recommend a gentle taper, reducing by no more than 10% of your current dose each month.  This allows your brain time to adjust as you go, and lessens any withdrawal.  From your signature it looks as though you have been changing the dose (either up or down) roughly each week.  That will cause your Central Nervous System a lot of destabilisation.  So before you taper any further, it's probably a good idea to stay at one dose for the next month.  It is also important to take the same amount each day and to not skip doses. 

 

Then, when your w/d symptoms have settled you can look at tapering again, but in a more stable manner. 

 

Many people find Fish oil and Magnesium useful during withdrawal.   Non-Drug Techniques to cope with emotional symptoms.

 

Have a read of those and then you can come back to this thread to discuss things further.  This can be your journal to record your tapering and healing progress, and to ask questions. 

 

Welcome to SA,

Karen

2010  Fluoxetine 20mg.  2011  Escitalopram 20mg.  2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS.  Effexor 150mg. 

2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants.  Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. 

Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms).

8 month hold.

2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent).

2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well.
Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea.

2023 Now on 7 micro-beads of Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops.

 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.'  Dr Gabor Mate.

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Karen,

I started withdrawal from Lunesta 3 mg. 4/15 when I called to renew my prescription & I was told I was on a dangerous substance & would need to see nurse practitioner to get renewal. I immediately split pill in half. 4/23 I got off lunesta for a week to fly on planned vacation to visit my son. Then I went back on half a pill for another week.

I started 2.85 15% cut 5/8. I will stay on 2.85 till my body has adjusted.

I hope to get prescription renewed in June.

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment

I started withdrawal when my doctor'said office said it was a dangerous substance I had used every day for 2 months.I needed to see nurse practitioner to get renewals for next 2 months On 4/15. On 4/23-4/31 were vacation visiting my son.

dil. I Will stay 2.85 Mg for a month.

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment

Took ativan.5mg on 4/27,28for sleep

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment

I started withdrawal when my doctor'said office said it was a dangerous substance I had used every day for 2 months.I needed to see nurse practitioner to get renewals for next 2 months On 4/15. On 4/23-4/31 were vacation visiting my son.

dil. I Will stay 2.85 Mg for a month.

took ativan.5 4/27-28 for sleep, anxiety

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment

 

 

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia Ativan.5mg taken when needed

4/15-22-took Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23. Ativan .5mg

4/27.5mg Ativan

4/28 Ativan.5mg

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment

 

 

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia Ativan.5mg taken when needed

4/15-22-took Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23. Ativan .5mg

4/27.5mg Ativan

4/28 Ativan.5mg

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment

I am obviously old & stupid about learning this site!

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment

I will stay on 2.85mg Lunesta for now.Thanks for your help ali & Karen

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment

I will stay on 2.85mh Lunesta. Thank you for your help Ali & Karen & welcoming me to SA.

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment
  • 6 months later...

I will stay on 2.85mh Lunesta. Thank you for your help Ali & Karen & welcoming me to SA.

I completely withdrew from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan in June.

12/7 Ativan .5mg 2 months

12/7 Lunesta .80mg 1 month

Trying to withdraw

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Just to clarify, do you mean that as of 7th December, you had been on Ativan for 2 months, and Lunesta for 1 month?  And that you have recently updosed your Lunesta  from .8mgto 3mg? 

 

1.  Can you tell us why you updosed, and how it has affected you? 

2.  What symptoms are you currently having? 

3.  Is either drug giving you worse effects than the other? 

 

The first step is to be good and stable before starting to taper.  Then you'll need to decide which to taper first - probably the benzo.  However I'm not very experienced with benzos, so you could get help with that in the benzo forum. 

 

It might also pay to re-read this:  Tapering Lunesta 

2010  Fluoxetine 20mg.  2011  Escitalopram 20mg.  2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS.  Effexor 150mg. 

2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants.  Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. 

Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms).

8 month hold.

2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent).

2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well.
Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea.

2023 Now on 7 micro-beads of Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops.

 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.'  Dr Gabor Mate.

Link to comment
  • 10 months later...

Lunesta 3mg cutting to 2.85mg 

Ativan. 5mg cutting 10%

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment

Lunesta 3 mg taken for 3 years for insomnia 

Ativan.5mg taken nightly, before 3 months taken when needed

Lunesta 3mg taken for about 2 years for insomnia, ativan .5mg taken when needed.

4/15-22 Lunesta 1.5mg

4/23-31 Lunesta 3mg

5/1-7 Lunesta 1.5mg

5/7-15 Lunesta 2.85mg

5/15-23 Lunesta 2.80mg

4/11 Ativan .25mg

4/23 Ativan .25mg

6/6 Total,withdrawal from Lunesta 3mg & Ativan .5mg

12/7 Ativan .5mg for 2 months

12/7 Lunesta 3mg for 2 days, then .80 mg month before that

Link to comment
  • ChessieCat changed the title to MMemories: withdrawing from Lunesta

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