[SleepsWithButterFlies]

what do you think of it?

[darkeyes]

Excellent med. when used as directed, and not abused.
Most pdocs. (actually a law where I live) will not give more than 15 tablets, per scripts, or 1 refill.
It can become addictive (most meds of this category can be) and I can't stress enough, take only as directed by the prescribing doc.
Hope all is well, please take care.
DE

[dottie]

It is an excellent drug. It is sometimes given to patients preop.As D.E. said ...use only as directed. Make sure you are drinking enough water during the day. Before 6PM...or you'll be up all night going to the facilities!

[Butterfly_Faerie]

I found it really helpful for my panic attacks when I used to get them alot.

[lenjan]

MMMMMMM, Ativan. Loved it. Got taken away when I was suicidal and it has yet to be reintroduced, sigh.

[SleepsWithButterFlies]

Thanks DE...DOTTIE, SUNDANCE, CANDY I take Valium but have been kicking around moving to Ativan for sleep I used it a few times...I am not talking every night ...I tried one that was under the tongue and it did the trick I was out...I think it was 1 mg ....I wonder if one can just move from Valium to Ativan...hmmmmmm? Dottie, why would one have to go to the bathroom so much? THANKS ALL

[Azalysa]

Hi, Sleeps!!

I was switched from Xanax to Ativan to take as needed for anxiety and like it MUCH, MUCH better!! I'm prescribed 1 mg and even a half of that will take the "edge" off. (Took that dosage yesterday when I went out publically for the first time in a bit and it worked wonders!)

I haven't experienced the "facilities" issue.

Hope that helps!

[SleepsWithButterFlies]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Azalysa said:
Hi, Sleeps!!

I was switched from Xanax to Ativan to take as needed for anxiety and like it MUCH, MUCH better!! I'm prescribed 1 mg and even a half of that will take the "edge" off. (Took that dosage yesterday when I went out publically for the first time in a bit and it worked wonders!)

I haven't experienced the "facilities" issue.

Hope that helps!

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

1 mg for the whole day?? Have you tried Valium? I foumd the Ativan worked well on me but I wonder if I can cross over and not have like withdrawal from the valium...It doesnt work so great anymore I take 10 mgs at bed...I see a GP so I am not sure she will know...and I hope Dottie comes back so I can know what she meant....1 or 2 etc....and maybe why....I drink a lot of iced tea so I should be cool but ? thanks all

[dottie]

I was on Ativan for a time years ago. I experienced dry mouth from it...but I noticed when I increased my water intake the dry mouth (ugh)went away.

My dosage was 2 to 4 mgs.at bedtime. (Do not take it if you are taking Kava...as it might increase the sedation.) I had previous to that, been on Valium. I had no withdrawal symptoms whatsoever upon switching!

However...everyone is different. Oh, and smoking may decease this drug's effectiveness! Talk with your Doctor if you still have lingering questions regarding this drug. Nothing replaces a good Dr./Pt. relationship!

TGC!

[dottie]

When you increase your fluid intake, you'll naturally have to use the bathroom more often. Also, if you are drinking tea that is caffienated...that will increase your trips to the restroom AND decrease the efficacy of the Valium's ability to get you to sleep. Caffeine works against
drugs like Valium. I would switch to a decaffienated tea.
I use 2 mgs of Klonopin to put me asleep now.

TGC

[SerenitysWave]

<font color="purple">I have had great success with ativan in times of extreme need. I am careful (because I do not want to become addicted to it) to only take it when my regular anxiety meds (lexapro) aren't doing the job. Usually one pill (.5 mg) is good enough, luckily I have not had to ever take more than two in one day.
Melinda </font>

[Azalysa]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
1 mg for the whole day?? Have you tried Valium?

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

Dottie has already provided more pertinent info than I can offer on Ativan vs. Valium. Valium has never been prescribed for me in my "arsenal" and, for me, anxiety is just occasional - like something particularly stressful or fearful for me (used to take Xanax years ago before my illness became worse whenever I had to fly someplace.)

So, that's why the small dosage "as needed." Ativan as opposed to Xanax works faster but the effects don't last as long either, so the small dosage is just really a stopgap for me.

[SleepsWithButterFlies]

Thank you Serenitywave and Aza ...It sounds like a good drug I am wondering from Dottie on the bathroom issues ...and from Larry Hoover on one's ability to move from Valium to Ativan...THE safest way to do it.

For everyone else I am just thankful for the help and info you have and continue to provide

[dottie]

You're welcome, Sleeps!

TGC

[jennie]

generally, i'm anti-psych meds . . . but this drug really helped me during panic attacks! thumbs up for ativan!

[SilkySpeed7]

if you take a lot of it you forget days.....i used to abuse it...bad stuff......

[SleepsWithButterFlies]

Oh no I don't plan on taking lots of it...thank you all of you ..I guess its just I have taken Valium for so long that another drug has some appeal to me now

AGAIN THANKS ALL

[agninri]

Should I worry about withdrawal symptoms? My husband takes 0.5 mg when needed.

[dottie]

It depends on how long he has been taking it and at what intervals. He may need to taper..if he has been taking it every day. Let me know. You can pm me with more questions if you like. TGC

[LMo]

I tried it twice and liked it, although the warnings about possible addiction and fetal harm was enough to scare me off it. It definitely chilled me out in stressful situations, though, without making me too sleepy.