I want to stop taking Benzos...help!

I’ve been prescribed Xanax for over 4 years and was just recently switched to Ativan. Ever since, I feel awful! I’ve known for a couple of years that I’ve wanted to quit taking them, but my anxiety is quite severe. Since I switched over to Ativan I seem to be experiencing withdrawal-like symptoms….(cold sweats, severe headaches, night sweats, lethargy, severe anxiety). I have a stockpile of Xanax left over from my prescription so sometimes I’ll take the Xanax instead of the Ativan. I’ve done some research and I know that Ativan kicks in slower than Xanax, and also that Ativan is about half as strong as Xanax mg for mg. I don’t abuse these meds in any way, but they really have become like a crutch or safety net for me. I panic if I leave the house without them and I feel better just having them with me. I don’t have a lot of medical support, as I am an out of state college student and I can only get back home (where my parents’ insurance covers it) to see a doctor once every 6 months. I have enough Benzos to gradually cut down my dosage. Its just awful because I feel crappy if I take them, but worse if I don’t. If anyone has any experience with long-term benzo use and withdrawal I’d really appreciate any suggestions you can offer.

I understand where you are coming from and the only main way I have found to really help, is to stick with your ativan and give it a week or so. If that does not help, you really need to talk with your doctor as soon as you possibly can and really express your problems and concerns with him. I hope this helps you in some way and I will be praying for you