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!

[sonnyjolee]

Will taking Ativan and then going to play playing tennis relieve the anxiety..Is exercising good for the anxiety...

[GDV]

Hi, I am taking Ativan also, I do not have panic attacks, but I feel anxious a lot. I had hoped it would calm me but my mind still runs. I started taking 1mg three times a day and I guess since it did not live up to my expectations I am not sure what it is doing. It does keep from the edge because after awhile with nothing I focus on when is this going to stop.

I am worried about the addiction part too, so I started taking it only twice day 1mg each time. I do sleep pretty well. I tried Xanax and it did nothing for me, it was like my anxiety just burned through it........it is good to hear others are having good results, we just need to keep looking till we find our perfect fit.

[ttrejo12000]

I am on both Klonopin 2mg three times a day and Ativan 1mg as needed.  I too suffer from agoraphobic panic attacks and my safety net is my home.  You have to have a mind set that this medication is like a life line and know that when you take it sublingually your attack will pass as quickly as it came.  It sounds like you might need to increase your dose to 1mg,

[MLuke1962]

My doctor just started me on 0.5 Ativan for pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction related to pelvic pain.  He also gave me daily Cialis to take.  Honeymoon is next Friday.  Has anyone taken Ativan for performance anxiety issues??? When is the optimal time to take it before sex??

M

[inapacm]

My brother is experiencing similar but more extreme side-effects of trying to tapir his use - he's been on 1mg 2x day for 18 months.  He was gradually cutting it down starting last fall but got to .25 mg and in his words started losing his mind.  Note- he was prescribed this for bouts of uncontrollable vomiting- never had anxiety issues nor insomnia.  
Like you, when he experienced the extreme effects of withdrawal, he upped his dose again but still hasn't stabilized.  He went to a psychiatrist (retired AF) who told him he should be fine since he's never seen combat.  
The doctor that prescribed it originally won't see him because he was trying to take himself off the drug himself, therefore, he's "non-compliant."
I'm at a loss as to how to find help for him.  He's been sobbing for days-can't sleep can't eat ...  My uneducated opinion of this drug?  Use caution!

[mizchara]

Im on Ativan 2mg and i sit at work all day do you think i can take it while at work...its says every 12 hours