[cat_eye]

I was just prescribed Ativan for anxiety/depression. Since SSRI's don't do jack for my depression, my doc decided Ativan might help with the depression and anxiety as well (I'm already on Buspar for anxiety and zoloft for depression). Had anyone been on this med before? What has your experience been?

[krzyk101]

Hi, Cat eye

Welcome to the Forum, am glad that you came here for support and do hope you will continue to post and let us know how things are going with your anxiety and depression, as many do suffer from these disorders here as well.

Ativan I have taken before, currently on Valium. If the Doctor has prescribed it for an as needed basis, then it can really be helpfull for anxiety. Though keep in mind if taken daily over long periods of time it is habit forming and will not be as effective over time. As your body builds up a tolerance to the drug and other drugs in it's class.

Myself have been taking this type of anti anxiety drug for a very long period of time daily and am now dependant. I would advise that when you first begin to take it not to drive until you are really aware of its effects on your body. It really is a good medication for anxiety if used for short periods of time or as needed basis. I do hope it brings you relief from your anxiety/depression.

Getting support here, such as the Anxiety Board and professional help such as Therapy is a good way to learn more about the Anxiety itself and can help in addition of the ativan. Good Luck- Hope you begin to feel better soon.

______________
~KRIS~

If you think you have totally gave up, you haven't, because you are here!

[cat_eye]

thanks for responding. My doc perscribed 1/2 a milligram twice a day on a daily basis. He did warn me about it being habit forming, and I hope that doesn't become a problem since I'm on such a low dose.

[lenjan]

I had very good luck with Ativan for anxiety on an as-needed basis. It really helped with sleep, too. However, I took my stash to a friend's house to get it out of mine when I was actively suicidal 6 or 7 months ago, and he has yet to give it back. (I'm much better now.) My doc switched me to Zyprexa on an as-needed basis instead, which doesn't work nearly as well, but I don't think the OD potential is as high as with Ativan.

Candy

There used to be a real me, but I had it surgically removed. -- Peter Sellers

[Butterfly_Faerie]

I have taken ativan before.

I took it for anxiety, But isn't it a tranqulizer? So why take it for depression?

Or am I just getting myself confused.

It did help me, but I only took it for a short time. I cannot remember if it was ativan or Clonzepam that made me really spacy recently.

The one thing however to watch for is that Ativan can be addictive. Usually they say only take it when necessary.. am I right?

I always mix up those 2 drugs.

But yes I've had some sucess with it. Everyone is different.

Good luck.

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[SunshineGold03]

Hey Cat_Eye,
I have never heard Ativan being used for depression. It is however commonly used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Generally doc.'s only prescribe pills like Ativan sparingly for when you have panic attacks. It is very good for spot treaments of panic/anxiety attacks. The biggest side effect is drowsiness at least it was for me.