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!

[nursegirl6572]

Hey, thanks for the update!  

I had initially responded to your first post with this comment:

"Everyone is different for sure, but when any habit-forming med is taken on a regular basis (even once a day), there is a risk for withdrawals if stopped abruptly.  I do get what you're saying about the half life and how the med works, but you're still putting it in your system regularly."

I agree it's unfortunate that your doc gave you the info he did.  This is not uncommon, as many docs would tell you the same thing.  This is why it's so important to do a little bit of your own research when possible.  I get it though, you were kind of misled and that's unfortunate.  

A good rule of thumb (for future reference), regardless of half life and such, a habit forming med is going to cause tolerance and dependency if it's taken with any regularity.  In some cases, even taking something every other day, if done regularly, could also cause some issues.  Basically, your body gets used to it, and when you stop, w/ds ensue.  This is why these shorter acting benzos are best taken only when needed )here and there), or as a short term course of treatment (a few weeks or so).

The medication itself is not inherently bad, it's the misinformation and poor management of these meds that ends up being the problem.

Sorry you went through what you did...take care!!

[toddone46]

I'm updating this post because the information I posted I feel is incorrect.  I had listening to the doctors on this not being addictive when taking it only once a day, and also the fact that I would stop taking it for a day or two to lessen my tolerance and the only effect was loss of sleep.  

But a few weeks ago I went to a sleep specialist psychiatrist and he put me on Trazodone for sleep, and told me I should wean off the Ativan because it's not good to take it everyday and it provides no long term solution.  So I did and after the 3rd or 4th day of reduction my anxiety was through the roof.  I upped the dose back to 0.5mg and normalized again and then gradually reduced the dose (shaving the pill with a razor) over just a few days until this past Wednesday where my last 0.25mg dose.  I was fine until Saturday night when I started getting panicky.  Then this morning has been really bad, i.e. very panicky, anxious, stomach pain, diarrhea, no appetite.  I was not "panicky" like this ever, before taking Ativan.  This is tough. And I'm very disappointed that the doctor who told me to take Ativan once a day and said I wouldn't get physically addicted was just dead wrong.

The sleep spcialist doctor said you can get phsyically addicted by just taking it once a day.  He said you should only take it as needed, no more than 2-3 times a week.

So I stand corrected.  Be careful on this stuff, it's nasty.

[tweaty23]

thank you . i did comment above , i was taking once a day... definitely getting withdrawal symptoms.

[bookworm58]

I'm glad to find this discussion about Ativan.  My 19 year-old daughter has an anxiety disorder.  Right now she's taking 75mg of Zoloft.  Her therapist just prescribed her Ativan as a "rescue pill" to take as needed.  My concern is this: when she's in the throes of a severe anxiety attack, she cuts, and has suicidal thoughts.  I feel, because of this that I need to keep control of the Ativan and just let her have 1 pill at a time in her possession, so she won't feel the urge to take more.  When she uses that 1 pill, I'll give her another one to have for the next time.  Is my concern justified?

[nursegirl6572]

You should be fine, since you haven't been taking them regularly.  You may feel a little increased anxiety when you reduce back down to your typical amount, but you shouldn't have any w/ds.  Are you in therapy?  That's very important.  How about any other meds?  Like an antidepressant?  Just be sure you're talking to your doctor so that you continue to address the anxiety.  As long as you continue taking them as directed, and only when needed, you shouldn't have any worries about dependency.

Hope you feel better soon!

[ckyrule]

I just had a few bad weeks out of the blue. 1 mg a day for three days then none for a week then 2mgs one day then two days off then another 2mgs. I'm allowed up to four a day but no way am i going there. No not taking it everyday.

[ckyrule]

I just had a few bad weeks out of the blue. 1 mg a day for three days then none for a week then 2mgs one day then two days off then another 2mgs. I'm allowed up to four a day but no way am i going there. No not taking it everyday.