I have been taking .5 mg Ativan for three weeks now for a breathing anxiety. My lungs and sinuses are clear, but I was aware and frightened for every breath I took all day long. The Ativan was prescribed in the emergency room one morning when I could not handle it any longer. I thought I was going to suffocate. Also, my breathing never became labored or short, so I knew it must be anxiety. The Ativan has gotten rid of the breathing fear.
One week ago my doctor prescribed 20 mg Paxil in addition to the Ativan, and will see me again in one week, hoping to take me off the Ativan. This morning, I awoke normally, but soon after started having heart palpitations so severely, i was afraid to sit down, thinking I might die, but also afraid to move around...I slowly moved through my morning routine, feeding the cats, making my partner his lunch for work, etc. I had control of my breath the whole time thankfully, and kept the phone with me and unlocked the door in case I needed to call 911. The palpitations went away within 30-40 minutes, but returned about an hour later as I laid on the couch. This 'session' lasted only about 5 minutes.
Last week I had a 12 hour bout with vertigo, spinning and everything, from a caslcium buildup in my inner ear. Fortunately my Dr. appt. was the next day, so he figured that quickly. My residual vertigo effects, headache and slight dizziness have lasted through today.
I see my doctor in ten more days. Do I wait and see how I fare from now on? I do not want to be alarmed if this can be a normal reaction to starting this regimin. Thank you all for any comments.