I really need to talk with my T about this, but I don't see him until next Wednesday. I have a severe anxiety disorder. I take Ativan usually if I have something that makes me nervous, such as a meeting with a parent (I'm a teacher). I had a big meeting the other day and took my Ativan as prescribed. Everything seemed to go fine during the meeting and the rest of the day.
I had a question that I needed to ask my Department Chair. I went to her today, and she said that I had already asked her that question yesterday (the day of the meeting)and that she had already given me the answer. She even said that we had talked in her classroom. I remember nothing about this at all! It was really embarrassing! It is also extremely terrifying to not remember something that happened. Has anyone else had this problem with Ativan? I don't have these total Memory Lapses other than when I take the Ativan. I would greatly appreciate any input.
Thank you!

[MissCharlotte]

Hi Soliari

Hey, I'm a teacher too!!

I take ativan and it definitely makes me fuzzy too. I try not to use it if at all possible during the week. (That's not always possible!) I also find it lasts quite a while in my system. I remember I used it one Sunday and the next couple of days I had a big problem with word retrieval. It even happened while I was at T's and he said that if my body was not that used to he Ativan, I may notice these things more.



Hope you feel better soon.

Is it possible to break the Ativan in half? That's what I do sometimes with Klonopin-- I don't have memory problems, but if I take it before bed I have a lot of trouble getting up in the morning. I found that if I take 1/2 it's a little better, but it is still enough to help me to fall asleep.

[Perna]

"It is well known that the intravenous infusion of benzodiazepines, such as Valium or Ativan, typically produces a similar amnesia for the several hours surrounding the infusion. While this may be a benefit in forgetting the painful effects of surgery, it becomes a potentially serious problem in the routine use of the minor tranquilizers for anxiety or sleep disorders and can interfere with psychotherapy, studying, learning anything new, or recalling previously retained memories."

From: http://www.breggin.com/minortranqs.html

Sister, I read your posts a lot but didn't realize that you also were a teacher. I have also experienced word retrieval problems along with the memory problems on Ativan. Of course, it's the only benzo that really takes away the anxiety.

Pink, I will try to take half of the dose. I am just afraid that it won't be enough to combat my anxiety. It's like a catch 22!

Perna, thanks for the helpful information! I didn't realize that the problems have been documented.

Thanks for your help, girls!