Ativan question

GI822 · Post by **GI822** » Thu Aug 14, 2008 9:47 am

I went back to the doctor today and told him I am still experiencing panic attacks so he prescribed me .5 of Ativan twice daily. I'm nervous to take it. Does anyone else out there take it and does it help you relax???

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 4:50 pm

I have been taking the same dose of Ativan for about a week now, one in the morning and one at night. It seems to calm me down.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 6:24 pm

I took Ativan for quite awhile with NO ill effects; this is a reasonable dosage, too.

I would only caution you that if your anxiety persits and you continue to need a benzo, ask your psych. about klono. Similar to xanax, the calming effects of ativan are fleeting (for xanax a couple hours; ativan 10-12 max.). Klono., on the other hand, takes longer for your body to metabolize so it's not in and out of your system quite so quickly.

I've been on all three- first xanax, then ativan, now klono since Jan '08. I've been gradually tapering my other meds (NO ambien cr or zoloft anymore

) and will begin klono in about 6 weeks.

If you're unable to function w/out the benzos, by all means take them... strictly following your dr.'s orders, of course; and ALWAYS be an advocate for your own health- my psych. proved to be a complete ninny, but right now he's wrapped around my finger and I don't have the time to find another (a very L O N G story and not worth mentioning right now).
Best wishes,
fischee

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 6:37 pm

I take Ativan. I like it! It calms me down. everything just seems slower on when I take it. i get tired too! I take it at night time because it makes me tired and I have a hard time sleeping.For me personally, It really peaks after an hour or longer. I'll put it under my tongue to feel it faster and swallow it to feel it longer. Thats for me , personally. . Im sure everyone is different but I love my Ativan. Good luck and don't be scared. . I know how you feel though because when i was first taking it I was scared too. Than I just took it and all it did was calm me down and make me sleepy.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 7:06 pm

Thanks, everyone. I was hoping to hear postive responses. I've been reading previous posts about how not to take it and it's harder to come off then heroin. I was prescribed klono before and only took it once. I didn't like the way it made me feel. So I am going to go to the drug store tomorrow and pick up the ativan and try it out.

Thanks, again.

Barb G. · Post by **Barb G.** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 7:39 pm

AARG! If I ever find the jacka$$ who made that heroin comment, I'll probably get kicked off the boards. Good for you, keep us posted on how you feel.
Emily

Out of curiousity, how severe would you rate your anxiety? There have definitely been times in my life when nothing short of a horse tranquilizer would relax me (I am being sarcastic just in case the heroin idiot reads this

), but recently I've gotten a better handle on dealing with stress and am beginning to use natural supplements for my anxiety.

Also, given your understandable hesitation for meds (we've all been there), how would you feel about trying an herb/supplement? I can't remember if you were on the forum about NaturalCalm, but this has helped relax me around bedtime (it has calcium and magnesium- two minerals essential to the nervous system and often found depleted in people suffering from chronic anxiety). B-complex is also crucial for a healthy nervous system (soloray is a common yet high quality brand). I've said this numerous times before, so bear with me if you've heard it... I actually have a relative who combats seasonal depression with bi-monthly shots of B-complex. The AWESOME thing about both of these products is that you can take them safely in conjunction with the ativan.

My biggest blessing in reducing my benzo has been a pharmacudical (sp) quality of passion flower. It's called Body Calm Supreme and can be bought at <A HREF="http://www.trbhealth.com/;" TARGET=_blank>http://www.trbhealth.com/;</A> I also noticed they now have a liquid formula for sleep called Apothe Cherry; I used the capsule awhile back and liked these, too. If you spend a little bit of time navigating the website, there's some really good info on nutrient depletion and how this can lead to increased stress/anxiety.

*OH- I do take both the klono and the passion flower but not at the same time. You might want to ask your dr or pharmacist about this though (my pharmacist is a goddess and knows FAR more or is at least willing to acknowledge the benefits of herbs/supplements and then research possible interactions with prescription meds.). What works for me, may be too strong for you (did I mention I've been on one benzo or another for !9! years?).

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 7:52 pm

OOOH I want to try this calm supreme stuff!!! I was wondering if i could take it while taking Ativan and than you mentioned it at the bottom. Never leave anything out yay!! I'll ask a pharmacist too. So this stuff helps with anxiety? I think i will buy this stuff

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 4:53 am

Yes, it does, but I'm on 2mg. It does help very much. You won't need it for long. Be careful that you don't start taking them like candy like i did. Depend more on the tools they give us to cope. I know a lot about meds, ask me anything,

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 5:19 am

I never really thought of taking natural supplements but after reading your post, fischee, I think I might try it. Even the name NaturalCalm, sounds relaxing lol. Thanks for the info, I appreciate it!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 5:50 am

Stress Center Home Stress Center Community Forums Everyone Welcome Prescription Medication Discussion Ativan question

GI822, I just want to add to what fischee, said about supplements. About a month ago I had anxiety/depression so bad that I could not even leave my house. I went to my doctor she give me valium and lexapro, I just could not bring myself to take them. Not that I think they are bad, are anything like that. I just have a fear of meds. I have been taking B- complex and fish oil. And now I feel 100 % better, I still have anxiety not like it was. For about a week now I have been walking 20 min, there’s was no way I could have done that a month ago. And I have a sister she works in the ER and she takes Ativan, when she has a bad night in the ER. I hope this makes you feel better Susan.