A few questions about Ativan

[gothic_beauty]

So, I have suffered from panic attacks for some time now. However, they have recently gotten so bad that after a lifetime spent in adamant opposition to all forms of medication, I have decided to take the plunge and give it a try. I went to my doctor, who prescribed Ativan. I have heard that it is pretty safe, and I have a low dosage (0.5 mg) but I am still very nervous about taking it. I have a few specific concerns that I was hoping to address.

First of all, is Ativan best to take regularly or as needed? I am hoping to take it only for the worst of my panic attacks. On the other hand, I am afraid that such a decision might cause a shock to my system: if I am in the throes of anxiety and take the drug, won't the abrupt sensation of calm be hard on my body? Also, if I take it once and then do not take it again for several days, I fear that it will cause all sorts of strange withdrawal effects , or a rebound effect, in which my anxiety levels after the drug wears off become worse than they were before I took it in the first place. I have heard of instances of this happening, and I don't want it to happen to me.

Secondly, how long does it take to feel the effects of this drug? I have heard that for some people, it takes quite awhile. I can just imagine my panic rising as I wait for it to work, fearing that it will not work at all.

Thirdly, how long can the effects of the drug be felt? Will I get a good long period of calm, or will I be tempted to re-dose within an hour or two?

Finally, like almost everyone else who has a fear of medication, I worry about side effects. I have done a lot of reading about the various side effects of Ativan, from drowsiness to dizziness to worse, and I don't know which I will experience. I know that it is different for everybody, but I'd love to hear some feedback from anyone here.

Again, I realise that my reaction to medication will not be identical to anyone else's, but the more I know, the less scared I will be. If anyone could share their stories with me and reassure me that this drug will not kill me and may actually help me live my life without the constant terror of anxiety attacks,  I would be grateful. Thanks!

[ymouszanon]

Ativan, a trade name for lorezepam, are very safe.  It's in a drug class called benzodiazepines like clonazepam, diazepam, etc.  This drug class replaces barbtiturates for sleep and anxiety back in the 1960's.  The main reason was that people who were suicidal could easily over dose on barbiturates(for example Seconal)and die.  It is really hard to over dose on "benzos", UNLESS you mix them with alcohol and some certain other drugs.

Most people feel the effects of Ativan almost immediately being the fastest and shortest acting of the benzodiazepine group.  I would try to take them as needed.  Once you get on a regimen of 3 or 4 every 6 hours, they are the most difficult drugs to witdraw from(yes, ironicallyy worse than heroin)

Here's a thing you can do for nothing when having a panice attack.  Breathe into a paper bag.  Why?  because panic attacks come about because your emotions have an effect on your breathing.  You build up to a panic attack because you are inhaling oxygen and not exhaling enough carbond dioxide.  this imbalance brings on the panic attack.

good luck, try not to stay on it too long on a regular basis.

[prexamodi]

right now its making me feel so damn good I am so clamed and relaxed it gives you good n happy feeling it makes you very happy and helps you focus on other things more you feel less talkative and makes you anti-social but overall it is helping me so much with my anxiety and panic attacks I have been having for years Ativan 1 mg has helped me so much! Be safe for whatever purpose you are using it for do not abuse it.  

[prexamodi]

right now its making me feel so damn good I am so clamed and relaxed it gives you good n happy feeling it makes you very happy and helps you focus on other things more you feel less talkative and makes you anti-social but overall it is helping me so much with my anxiety and panic attacks I have been having for years Ativan 1 mg has helped me so much! Be safe for whatever purpose you are using it for do not abuse it.    

[10sJoe]

I've enjoyed reading your comments. I have had insomnia in the past 5 weeks due to anxiety about some heart palpitations I have recently developed.  Now my anxiety seems to be centered around the feeling that I will not be able to fall asleep.  It has gotten into a vicious cycle.  I may go 3 nights without sleep, then sleep two nights, etc.  I've tried different teas, melatonin, soft music, but nothing works consistently, just some of the time. My doctor prescribed 0.5mg of Lorazapam 2 weeks ago, but I have been hesitant to take any meds for this. Last night the anxiety was so bad I took one, and 90 minutes later I was less anxious, but still not sleepy, though I had not slept at all the night before.  I eventually fell asleep, and this morning I feel less anxious than recent mornings.  I am hoping not to have to take another dose tonight. If I feel drowsy during the day, at this point I will welcome it.

[RosieVeg]

Littleden why are commenting on a drug you have no knowledge of?? It takes a full hour for Ativan to work but you can feel it to start working in about 1/2hr but it depends on if you have food in your stomach and how bad your Anxiety is at the moment!! You might not feel better for an hour so I would take as soon as your anxiety starts to get bad!! Or even better use them for when you know your going to be panicky or very anxious! Then you avoid it all together!! I have taken them for years on/off. They are not addictive in the sense as a druggy,meaning your body gets used to them over time and only if you take more then 1 a day! And if you rely on them instead of working with a counsellor, psychiatrist. Good luck I'm off to take one now! I'm pretty bad. Be safe!

[littleden]

I take 0.5 mg of Lorazepam every night at bedtime. My anxiety built up slowly over the years since retirement in 1998. we do not have a pension so relay on SS and investments which we have watch erode from 2002 -2008. Then in 2010 our 20 year old grandson died suddenly from a ruptured appendix. He had seen a doctor the day before who sent him back to the college dorm. That was when it started. My attacks only occur at night around  2 in the morning. I feel find when I go to sleep and then it happens. When I wake up with the attack and take the medicine it takes about 20-25 minutes to calm down and go back to sleep. If I try to work thru it that takes about 4-5 hours. So my issue is I can wait to see if I wake to a attack or go ahead and take one and sleep very well sometimes thru the entire night without a bathroom call. At my age I think the benefits outway the risk.
DMT