Ativan question

acgolf · Post by **acgolf** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 3:00 pm

Originally posted by Cinny:
but has anyone had blurred vision from it? it works for me, but I think that it messes my eyes up. Also on wellbutrin, 150. freaks me out. Not sure what to do.

Yes, I experience blurred vision from time to time. I also take Ativan. 1mg 3 times a day, but my Dr. said that blurred vision is one of the physical affects that can be experienced with anxiety.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 7:25 pm

When I first started having my panic attacks about 3 years ago, I would be in and out of the hospital constantly thinking I was dying.. They gave me ativan to take for about a week to calm the panic attacks down and it worked amazing with no side effects! the only thing you need to be cautious about, some doctors may not tell you but ativan is not meant to be takin in most cases for long periods of time bc you CAN get addicted. My memaw (God rest her soul) became severely addicted to Ativan and she just got worse from being so addicted, she couldnt function with out it.
Now I'm not saying this couold or will happen to you, so don't worry or freak out over it

I'm just saying it's something to be cautious about and maybe after youve taken it for a week or so and things have calmed down for you, maybe you could ask your doc to put you on something different for long term.
Good luck

!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Apr 04, 2009 1:40 am

Ativan is best used for short-term usage since it can be additive and it's effect goes down over time which means you need to take more. Some people do use it for long periods of time, but in my opinion, you shouldn't use it daily for longer than 3-6 months. You should consider an Anti-Depressant for long term usage since they are designed to be taken daily for 2-5 years or even longer. (I've used Remeron and Lexapro for Anxiety, but there are numerous meds that might help you). Then you use the Ativan only when you really need it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 5:39 pm

Hello GI822, I am a newbie on the subject of Ativan but it does seem to help and I just got a script of .5 mg as well. My throat was so tight from anxiety I went to the ER on April 15th. It was an anxiety reaction. They wanted to give me Xanax but Im afraid of Meds so I said no. Any way long story short I did not feel scared of the ativan, I took one and then six hours later I took another and I slept for twelve or so hours but I was exhausted from being up for 38 hours too. I have been trying not to take any more because I only have ten left. But take it from a med fraidy cat, they work. Just breathe it will be all right trust in the Lord as well. Good luck to you. :}

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 5:44 pm

AWWW I agree with the fear of meds thing buut I just tried ativan for the first time and have no complaints. My only complaint is I dont want to use mine all up and not be able to get more. Good Luck to you and God Bless.

Originally posted by maigan_lynn:
Ativan has been the biggest help for me! I had previously been prescribed something like xanax and it took 10-20 minutes to actually kick in....well, when you're having an anxiety/panic attack, you're full throttle by about 5-10 minutes. It just wasn't working for me. So my Dr. Suggested Ativan and it's perfect for me. I HATE taking pills and I will fight off the anxiety whenever possible but for the times when it's really tough and I can't do it alone, I pop that little pill under my tongue and away I go. I don't find it really makes me sleepy though. Makes it easier for me to fall asleep when i'm ready but I'm never afraid I'll pass out or anything.
The first time I ever had to take it I was terrified. My husband was away with work and I was having an anxiety attack right before bed....and the thought of trying a new medication made it 10x worse...so the first time I took it it was an awful experience. My body full out rejected it. I cried for hours because I was so scared. But I tried it the next time I had an attack, and it worked like it was supposed to.
I have to travel to Cuba in a couple months and I have wicked travel anxiety....I'm hoping my ativan friend will help me out!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri May 08, 2009 9:12 am

Ive been on Ativan for months now...personally I dont think it does anything for my panic attacks. I get them very frequently and they last a long time. The Ativan does not PREVENT the panic attacks...only supresses them when they happen. The only good thing I seem to get out of them is that they take away the nausus feeling that I have all the time...I think that Ativan is not the answer for my panic attacks.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 27, 2009 5:09 am

My first post here! I am in week 9 of the program. I have been taking Ativan for almost 6 years now. 1mg at night. I tried twice with Dr assistance to ween myself off. Neither time worked. I had to take a week off work just a few months ago and just sat at home freaking out. So I went back to the 1mg, and lead a normal life. I hope one day I can get off of them. I quit smoking several years ago and it was not as bad as my experience weening off of this drug.

OTOH(on the other hand) I frankly don't care if I am addicted and stay at 1mg the rest of my life. My life is 100% better on it, and I'm not giving that up for anything. I've never needed a bigger dosage, and it's always worked well for me.

I do like the program, the biggest thing it has done for me is help me get rid of the constant chatter in my mind of constant negative stuff. I don't do that anymore, and that is a huge plus in my life.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 27, 2009 12:32 pm

hello olhippiechick, i can relate to your situation. i take ten mg of valium twice daily. and 3 days ago i ran out, but i'm feeling pretty good. there's just this feeling of wanting to pop that pill every time i feel a little anxious. it's causing me to figure out other ways to curb my anxiety. which is good i guess. however, i will be getting my refill in a couple of days. i say if taking a certain medication improves one's quality of life, then there shouldn't be an issue with it.
stay safe,
pep