Ativan

I saw a resident today, in addition to the nurse and my med-shrink, and he suggested I get some Ativan, just in case I have "anticipatory anxiety." I figured it couldn't hurt to keep a few pills, just in case. He told me it can be addictive, so it's just for use if I should feel a panic attack coming on, so I'm really hesitant to use it, but I thought it would be nice to have something there--he called it a "lifeline"--in case I wanted to use it. I like that I don't take it regularly or anything.

I will be doing some research on this, since I've read about it before, but not in a long time, and forget much of what I did read. For now, I would just like to know if anyone's used it, what your experiences are, and whatever anyone wants to tell me about it. Thanks!

Hi Maven. I used to take 0.5 mg Clonazepam daily for anxiety. Now I just take it as needed. I'm like you. I'm always hesitant about taking drugs that might be addictive. My doc prescribed Dilaudid for my pinched nerve pain this summer but once I read that it's 5x more addictive than morphine, I chose not to take it. I suffered through the pain instead. I have taken Ativan, though.

I had to do some travelling this summer -- quite a bit of flying -- and, as a recovering agoraphobe with a problem with panic attacks, I was extremely apprehensive. My doctor gave me 20 tablets of Ativan to use for the flights. It helped me a lot. It calmed me down within about 30 minutes of taking it and the effects wore off in about 5 hours. I did a lot of flying over the summer, and eventually I got to the point where I didn't need to take Ativan. I just felt better knowing it was in my purse just in case. It was like a little security blanket. I haven't taken it since. It worked very well for me and I used it as it was prescribed.

I didn't find it tempting to take it regularly or to take more than prescribed because it makes me feel quite out of it. That was perfect for when I wanted to be slightly zoned out in a situation I was phobic about -- being in a crowded airport and on a plane -- but I wouldn't want to feel that way in my daily life. I also found that I had some short-term amnesia with it. There are a couple of layovers in airports in various cities that I have no recollection of at all.

So, it worked well for me. Just watch your behaviour with it. If you find yourself taking it more often (or in larger doses) than your doctor prescribed, talk to your doc about it. If you can use it just on an occasional "as needed" basis, you will probably be fine, IMO. I just found it comforting knowing that I had it just in case -- even though I rarely took it. I still have a few tabs in a bottle in my kitchen. They've been there since September and I haven't been tempted to take one. So, I didn't find it addictive.

Good luck.

Thanks, Juliana. I mostly think of it as a comfort thing, there if I need it. It might make it more possible for me to attempt some things I'm more panicky about. I've never flown in an airplane, and my plan is to take one of those "Fear of Flying" courses before I ever do (if I do), but I would still be anxious, so it would be comforting to know the medication is there if I need it. He only gave me seven or eight pills, which is fine with me.

Thanks for the suggestion about watching my behavior. I have never abused drugs, don't like side effects like feeling "out of it" as you describe, so I don't think I'd have a problem with Ativan. Knowing it can be addictive is good, because it means I know to watch out for any signs of addiction.

Ooooh, I loooooooooved Ativan. Haven't had it in awhile, but loved it when I did. I also took it "as needed" instead of on a regular basis. It works SUPER-quickly, even faster than Xanax, I think, which tends to just knock me out instead of truly calming the panic. Very powerful stuff, so yes, be careful, but I would support having some on hand "just in case."

Good luck!

Candy

Ativan does help when I have anxiety and need to take a break from the symptoms. Good med when taken only on as-needed basis.
Gives u a little holiday from nerves! In fact I've used it daily for 2 years or so... not that it works anymore just hadn't the chance to wean it off. But some people take it over long periods of time but the thing is that they lose effectiveness (tolerance develops) if taken every day. And that addiction thing too.

I am so thankful they have something that could stop attacks...I don't know where I would be without it...I got a perscribtion in January for my panic attacks my doc gave me 30 and I have 17 left..the last time I took one was over a month ago..so take it as needed...it's reassuring that it's in my cupboard and if I get them again I have it there. 1mg is what i have and in my early diagnose I couldn't sleep because my mind would race and I took ativan and it would help me sleep a full night without waking....only if I really needed it....can't stress that enough

Big plus of Ativan is how fast it works - so it's good if you have genuine panic attacks.

BUT according to my addictions Dr. it is the most addictive of the benzodiazepine class of drugs so you have to be really carefull with it.

--splitimage

Thanks, everybody!

Hi there, I have to fly a few times this month and next month and I am very panicked. I read your post and I was given Ativan from my Dr. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind letting me know how much you take for each flight? They say one but I don't think that really works.

Thank you,
Sheri

if you can use a benzo as prescribed more power to u. for anxiety its the food of the Gods

No havent used it, I could use one right about now though!

It's my Benzo of choice for anxiety in that I get no drowsyness whatso ever unlike with Xanax and most of the others, plus put it under your tongue and it disolves within seconds.

Works fast and virtually no hangover because of the short half life.

But alas as an ex heavy drinker most MD have NO faith that I can take it and not abuse it, though it's not like it isn't available if one wants it. It's perfect for those who are anxious flying.

~Stiv

Hi,
I saw your post and wanted to respond. Before I was ever diagnosed with panic I would get really anxiety ridden on planes. I live in Boston and my family is in LA so I fly to go home and for work.

Here is the best advice I can give but am not a doctor. Take 1 about 45 minutes before the flight and see how you feel. If you can try in addition to meditate or listen to calm music or something it might help. If that 1 does not work then take another if you think that will help. Ativan can make you really tired so if you need to change planes just let the flight attendant know that you are taking something for anxiety and to please wake you up prior. You are not the only one in this situation and it's better for them, flight attendants are really used to this and can be so helpful. <font color="purple"> </font>

It is an amazing drug and has helped me through so many flights and reduced the panic/anxiety so that I can get through the flight.

I hope it turns out great. Also, I don't suggest drinking alcohol while taking it and try to have some food in your stomach.

Happy Flying!!!