Ativan or Xanax question

Keeping the Faith · Post by **Keeping the Faith** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 6:25 am

When you take these at night to help you relax, do you feel kind of groggy in the morning?

I'm finding myself to feel that way and wonder if anyone else is experiencing this.

Thanks!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 7:35 am

YES! I've only taken Xanax once and, granted, it knocked me out and helped with the anxiety but I felt like I had a med hangover the next day! I prefer Valium. I still feel pretty groggy in the morning but I don't feel all spacy like with Xanax. I've never tried Ativan.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 1:29 pm

I've used Ativan and had the reaction you describe. Can't use it! Xanax leaves me with no side affects at all. No drowsy, no dizzy, no groggy or spacy next morning. It just helps with the problem. (Even so, I'm scared to use it or any medication. It's a last resort) Have you tried half of one tablet? It might lessen the side affect.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 4:50 pm

My understanding (and experience with a friend) is that Ativan can be highly addictive, so I'd ask your Dr. about that.
I've used Xanax for over 10 years and it has been helpful without the instant fatigue, jittery feelings, or addictiveness I've seen with other meds I've taken. It's not a solve-all (no pill is), but I like it over Clonapin and all others I've tried (which is about the whole pharmacy!). I take a 1/4MG per time as needed (1/2 if it's really intense). It can make you sleepy if you overuse.
Since your issue seems to be problems sleeping, I'd recommend using Melatonin. It's naturally made by your body to help you sleep and some of us (especially with a lack of exercise, exposure to sunlight, being under florescent lights often, etc) have a shortage of it. There are a variety of strengths available over the counter and they've been great for me because they're natural, non-addictive, able to be taken on and off, and don't have side effects like EVERY sleep aid I've taken. Talk to a nutritionist or Dr. about that--I take my Xanax throughout the day, listen to calming audio at night, and take a small dose of Melatonin before bed. As we seem to be hyper-sensitive to drugs, start with a low dose-you can always add more, but if you start high and feel "druggy" and over-tired, it can spook you out of taking it. By simply cutting mine into 1/2s or 1/4s, I've gotten a much more gradual response than a full pill.
Good luck!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 01, 2010 1:51 pm

Please do some reading on these benzodiazepines. Benzowithdrawal.com is good place to start.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Mar 13, 2010 3:32 pm

Xanax has been a lifesaver for me so far. .25mg as needed does the trick just about everytime i take it and go to work and drive. sometimes i notice i get a bit sleepy or tired but thats a small price to pay to feel normal again. Also u cant have benzo withdrawl unless u been on them for a while

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 2:45 pm

Songwriter85, i've been on xanax for 12 years. It is HIGHLY addictive as ALL benzodiapins are. And you just can't stop taking them without tapering off with the help of a doctor, I know i've tried and also belong to another support group for the Benzo addiction. I pray no one has to take these awful meds. The side effects are WAY worse the actual attacks! I've been on Lybriam, Atavan, Klonopin... pretty much every benzo out there because when it stops working the Dr throws me on another one because like I said, you CAN NOT just stop taking them. I have known people that have died from heart attacks from d/cing. But the taper is hard and long. I can't wait to get off this ugly horrible drug! Just wanted to let others know that Benzodiazpines ARE addictive if taken for more than 4 weeks.