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Ativan question

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Posted 7/13/2015 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH PANIC AND ANXIETY AGAIN FOR THE LAST 2 WEEKS. MY DOCTOR HAS OKD THE USE OF ATIVAN .5 MG 3X A DAY. I USUALLY TAKE IT 2X A DAY. I WILL TAKE 1 AROUND 3 IN THE MORNING AND THEN 1 AROUND 11 OR NOON. IN THE MORNING I SLEEP VERY RESTLESS FROM about 5-7 AND IF I NAP I WAKE UP WITH PANIC ATTACKS. COULD IT BE THE ATIVAN THAT IS CAUSING THIS? SHOULD I ASK MY DOCTOR FOR AN INCREASE IN DOSE? LAST YEAR WHEN I WENT THROUGH THIS I WAS TAKING .5MG 4X A DAY WITH AN OCCASIONAL .75MG AND THINGS WERE OK.
Posted 7/13/2015 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
First off You should definitely contact your doctor about the medication and ask him why you are experiencing these anxiety symptoms. None of us can really know the reason you are having problems with sleeping.

Also, please do not capitalize every word in your post. It's a Netiquette not to do this on forums. If you capitalize it is very difficult to read. Please edit your post. Thank you.
Posted 7/13/2015 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi lmazy,

I am sorry to hear that you are struggling currently. Sleep issues just exacerbate the anxiety I know...and it's miserable.:(

In addition to your benzo...please remind me what other tools you are using to manage the anxiety? Are you using a daily A/D? In therapy and practicing coping skills?

I am not sure that adding more of your Ativan is the move you want to make...unless you have exhausted all your other options and are still struggling...

...but as Melodee mentioned, this is best discussed with your prescribing doctor.

Wishing you the answers and relief you need soon!

S.C.
Posted 7/13/2015 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
In regards to capitalization...

Yes, it is considered polite to avoid the use of all caps...

...with the exception being those who have vision issues and can't read lower case as easily.

No need to edit this time...just be aware for future posts.

Thank you .:)

S.C.
Posted 7/13/2015 3:21 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Back lmazy1, Happy to see you but sorry you have a increase in anxiety. I agree with the above advice and think it best to talk to your doctor if the ativan doesn't seem to be working, maybe he can give you another type of benzo.

Please take a look at the resources for some helpful self help links to get you over this difficult time.
Posted 7/13/2015 9:43 PM (GMT 0)
Ativan is only good for a short time. It helps relax if you are in a bad panic attack. It's not to be taken as an anxiety med daily. You should speak to your Dr about prescribing an anxiety med. that you can take daily. The Ativan does not give you anxiety. It helps calm you for a short period of time but does not take the anxious away. I only use Ativan if I can't calm myself down completely only if I'm in a huge panic.
Posted 7/14/2015 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
Benzodiazepines are taken daily by some...but what member Bam is referring to, is the same thing I mentioned in my post...a daily A/D (antidepressant) used for anxiety relief.

These meds are often SSRI's...antidepressants pose less of a dependency or tolerance risk than a bezo.

Talking to your doctor about this option...and looking into therapy and self help like we talked about before are really worth exploring as an alternative to upping your Ativan...especially in the long term interest of your recovery.:)

S.C.
Posted 7/14/2015 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
I am on Celexa 40 mg daily, I have my first appointment with my therapist this week, and my main coping skill is prayer. I take the Ativan mainly as needed but have a hard time figuring out when that is so for me a schedule works best. My mornings are the worst which appears to be quite normal.
Posted 7/14/2015 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
Okay...you are hitting all the right marks then...

...and I am sure that when you get going in your therapy, you are going to make some great progress, and start feeling better soon. :)

Hang in there...Check out our Resources for possible new coping skills to add to your arsenal...and keep posting with us.

We'll keep you in support!

S.C.
Posted 7/14/2015 6:55 AM (GMT 0)
I am sorry...but SC I remember you mentioned a while ago that you've never been on meds your entire life so I was wondering how you would know what advice to give regarding medications. I think if you were on them or had experience taking them, I can understand you giving direction/advice on these forums but you are one of those lucky people who were able to handle anxiety without any medication. I am not saying it is wrong to give out advice. It just strange to see you give advice on them when you've never been on them.

As for Ativan, I take it as needed and have been on it for over 15 years. I have had no problem with it as long as it is a small dose. It really depends on the person. Everyone's body reacts differently and not everyone would be comfortable taking Ativan on a daily basis. In my case, this was the only med that worked. If there are other meds available, you should consult your doc.
Posted 7/14/2015 8:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome back to the forum.

Sorry to hear you are having problems with your anxiety at the moment which is causing you sleep issues which can then have a knock on effect to how you are feeling during the day.

I see that you are on Celexa 40mg how long have you been on that? Sometimes these types of antidepressants can poop out and stop working so an increase or change in medication is required so I agree that speaking with your doctor about your options would be a good idea.

I am pleased you are stating therapy it is that I feel which you will benefit from most and CBT is particularly effective so see if that is something which your therapist can offer. I would also look into Mindfulness Meditation as that is also proven to be effective in treating anxiety and you will find some links in our resources thread and loads of videos are on youtube so check them out if you have the time.

Keep us posted on your progress we are here for you.

Hibee
Posted 7/14/2015 9:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Melodee


SC is not giving personal advice re medications she is just suggesting that medication is something which is an option and something which can be discussed with a doctor.

Hibee
Posted 7/14/2015 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
Melodee,

If you have further questions regarding my qualifications to advise members, I will be happy to answer them in e-mail.

It would take up valuable forum space for me to list my resume of research, books, articles, experience and personal interest in learning ALL aspects of anxiety management.

However, for you, or anyone else who is interested, I will be happy to elaborate if you contact me personally.

S.C.
Posted 7/14/2015 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, sorry you are having high anxiety right now. I was dealing with a similar issue just a few months ago. I agree with other member's comments suggesting that Ativan cannot be your daily anxiety med. I was taking ativan 2 -3 x a day .5 mg in my peak. I am allergic to SSRIs therefore I had to rely on cognitive therapy with the use of benzo as needed. I am feeling much better today. My doc uped my dose to 1 mg once day and when panic strikes I feel much better, for longer. It seems to nip that attack in the butt instead of still fighting off the aftershocks of major attacks. My .5 dose only lasted for such a short time. So for me, the fix was uping my dose. I know I take 1 mg maybe once or twice a week now. Just talk to your doctor. Mine explained the whole science behind the benzo and also told me how important it was to lay off the caffinee, to take it easy, plan, in conjunction. Hang in there!
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