Ativan taper with Zoloft

Hi Callie and welcome to the A/P!

Ativan and Zoloft are different, but compatible Rx's, so you will have no trouble with your SSRI (Zoloft) start up while discontinuing your Bezodiazepine. These two meds are commonly prescribed together, so no worries whatsoever.

Also, it sounds as if your doctor is both weaning and starting you up slowly and gradually, which will ensure that you have a successful time with your transition.

The use of coping skills will further help you to feel your best during this time, so be sure and check out our Resources for great material to add to your regimen of anxiety management techniques.

Post with us anytime as well. We care, understand and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat

C.,

Here is the link to the Resources!
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

...and yes, it is not unusual to have some start up effects with the SSRI, especially around an increase...so you will want to really use your coping skills (meditation, great job!) during this time...

...or even delay your last step off until you have reached the prescribed therapeutic level of your Zoloft...then finish your wean of the Ativan at that time. (another option would be to have a low dose benzo to take PRN (as needed) if you run into a challenging spot if you choose to wean before your start up is complete and you are free of the start up difficulties)

Best wishes and know we support you in whatever direction you take. Keep us updated, so we can keep you in support!

S.C.

what makes Ativan and zanax so much harder to taper and quit is the short half life. if you continue to have a hard time and your dr is agreeable you can stop Ativan and switch to an equivalent dose of klonopin or better yet valium. their half life is very long and stay in your system much longer before you body wants another dose. I was on klonopin for 4 months and quit with a schedule from my dr. it wasn't unpleasant nor that hard but took 4 months to complete the taper. the key is to go slow and don't cut down too soon. lucky my dr knew her stuff on this. it also helped me that my antidepressant started working during this period and greatly eased my anxiety. you can do this and be proud of your self when you succeed.

great your dr has a plan and must be experienced in this area. I truly loved Ativan and it worked so well but I was glad I didn't use it for 4 months straight as I did klonopin. it would have been much harder to stop/taper . sorry I cant help with your Ativan taper. I do know how to stop klonopin as my drs system really worked amazing. I took Zoloft and when I t kicked in I felt really good. hope you do too.

I was not taking any benzo when I started Zoloft and it took between 2 -3 weeks to work . I started on 50mg . when it started working it was like magic-I felt wonderfull. slept like a baby-no anxiety or depression. it worked for 6 years. my search for a replacement was a nightmare and I had to try 4 diff meds till one worked. I was in terriable shape this time and needed a benzo big time.. horriable insomnia that not even ambien would touch. this is why I stayed on the klonopin for 4 months. wasn't cause I wanted too and I knew I was risking addiction. so glad I was able to get off it and found a nother ssri that works. even tho Zoloft is a medium strength ssri-many drs are now starting their patients on a low dose like you are on and slow ly work up. it takes time but its the best way to avoid start up side effects and issues. you are getting it from both ends with the Ativan taper also but its for the best in the long run. benzo withdrawl is most unpleasant when done adruptly. I agree the Zoloft needs to work before you get to the point of lower Ativan cuts. the last cuts can be more difficult to manage