Does anyone have any positive feed back about ativan?

[nikki_marie21]

Take zoloft 100mgs a day .. Will be 7 weeks on Friday .. I am definitely in a better state then I was many weeks ago but it still creeps in there .. My doc prescribed me Ativan today (.5 to 1mg) only to be taken as last resort. I just want to know if any one has good news about this drug .. Please don't tell me the bad I am a hypochondriac and don't want to be terrified to take it if needed ... Should I be worried about taking It during the day? Or will I be awake and alert still ,, I was told it could make me drowsy .. That's ok .. I just don't want to be face down in my cereal or zombied out on the couch with my tongue hangin out of my mouth I have two children, single parent to a three year old and five year old .. And my youngest has some delays so I really have to be ready to be on the go with him

[HockeyRules]

Take zoloft 100mgs a day .. Will be 7 weeks on Friday .. I am definitely in a better state then I was many weeks ago but it still creeps in there .. My doc prescribed me Ativan today (.5 to 1mg) only to be taken as last resort. I just want to know if any one has good news about this drug .. Please don't tell me the bad I am a hypochondriac and don't want to be terrified to take it if needed ... Should I be worried about taking It during the day? Or will I be awake and alert still ,, I was told it could make me drowsy .. That's ok .. I just don't want to be face down in my cereal or zombied out on the couch with my tongue hangin out of my mouth I have two children, single parent to a three year old and five year old .. And my youngest has some delays so I really have to be ready to be on the go with him

Ativan is great. And it works wonders if used as needed. It has a calming effect and it lasts maybe 4-6 hours. It may make you drowsy until you get used to it. I could do about anything when I was taking it. No worries......go ahead and take it.

[nikki_marie21]

Thank you for the reply.. I feel a little less nervous knowing that It just In case .. I only plan to use it for the times I can't handle situations in panic .. I was told that I could use it for sleep as well but with two kids I can live with lack of sleep sometimes so I won't be using it for that lol

[soManyProblems]

Ativan (lorazepam) is fantastic in my opinion, it changed my life in a hugely positive way and allowed me to graduate college. I started with exactly the same dose and drug as you: I started with 0.5 or 1 mg of Ativan as needed for anxiety. This was when I was 18, my first year in college, and my anxiety had exploded. I had already been on Paxil for about 7 years, because I have been variably anxious for my entire life. I almost certainly would have dropped out of college without the as-needed Ativan, but with it I was able to graduate and get a great job.

I have spoken to lots of people who have taken various benzodiazepines, and Ativan is quite a common one. 0.5 mg basically doesn't make anyone too drowsy, maybe just a tiny bit drowsy. Mostly just calm but functional. 1 mg is enough to make some people rather drowsy, so you should experiment and see how strongly it affects you. Personally, 1 mg of Ativan never made me drowsy at all, not even at the very beginning. I have a very high RPM brain, it takes a lot to slow it down. I was given 4 mg of IV Ativan in the emergency room and I was still wide awake and conversing normally, although I don't remember anything. I was not using benzos every day at the time so my tolerance was (relatively) low. The doctors just kept giving me Ativan until I stopped freaking out, and they were surprised at how much it took. I should note that my trip to the emergency room was not due to anxiety, it was due to a severe injury. That made me very anxious, though.

[Dahila]

Stops the panic attacks in mere minutes

[soManyProblems]

Another huge bonus of Ativan: You can take it sublingually, i.e. hold it under your tongue, allow it to dissolve and absorb through your skin. It usually tastes like nothing at all. This is great for me because I often cannot swallow during a panic attack (dysphagia). I have tried at least 3 generic brands, they all taste like nothing, which is great. Valium (diazepam) is not suitable for sublingual use because it tastes bitter. Klonopin (clonazepam) is my favorite sublingual benzodiazepine, because you can taste the drug itself. It has a distinctive minty numbing taste. That taste in my mouth reminds me you have genuine drugs sitting under your tongue, absorbing right this instant.

Here is a bonus of Ativan that is probably not relevant to you: Ativan is metabolized simply by glucuronidation. Most other benzodiazepines require oxidation by cytochrome P450 enzymes. This means Ativan is safe in the elderly and in patients with liver disease, because glucuronidation capacity usually survives when the liver is very sick, but oxidative metabolism suffers and slows down a lot. This also makes the half-life of Ativan much more predictable.

[Summegirl1212]

Don't take any meds, it's not the answer to get your life back .

[HockeyRules]

Don't take any meds, it's not the answer to get your life back .

While I can see and understand your point.....until a person calms down to rationalize .....it is sometimes necessary. This is coming from a former Paxil and Ativan user .....it spanned 4 months or so. Without the "bandaid" of those 2 drugs and the time needed in CBT I may have either still been suffering or at square one floundering away. I am off both and fairly quickly as I used them as a bridge to get to the other side.

David.

[soManyProblems]

Don't take any meds, it's not the answer to get your life backThis statement is downright irresponsible. You don't know the specifics of nikki_marie21's situation, anxiety can entirely ruin a person's life, and drugs (especially benzodiazepines and SSRIs) can be strikingly effective. I would not have finished elementary school without SSRIs. I would not have finished college without Ativan. Without psychiatric drugs (and CBT, among other non-drug therapies), there is a decent chance I would be dead. My life was miserable every hour of every day until I started taking Paxil.

[nikki_marie21]

Don't take any meds, it's not the answer to get your life back .. I'm not trying to sound rude but that was not an answer to the question I was asking. I am using the meds that I take not to 'get back my life' but as a small stepping stone to improve my life. I have children and I could not imagine dragging them down in to the landslide that I was going down. I am finally getting to a calm rational state where I can see outside the box again to get back the tools that I always had to be a happy out going person. You telling people to simply not take there medication when you know nothing about them could be a very dangerous situation. What if they where already on the edge clinging to their last string of hope and they follow your advice possibly causing more issues and instead of getting their life back, they lose it.

[Ritch]

Somanyproblems I like you have benefited from the use of medication, but just because they have been positive for us it doesn't mean they are always like that. For example when I was 17 the only medication that was licensed for me whilst I was in hospital was Prozac, this medication pushed me over the edge and I tried to take my own life. Other medication has helped but EVERY medication has the potential to cause side effects...... some more severe than others. I honestly don't think that Summergirl meant any harm by posting what she did, I think she will have just been drawing on her own experiences and was sharing her view.

I also don't think she was suggesting that anybody should just stop their medication, just merely expressing that in her opinion medications won't give you your life back or cure you. When people offer advice here..... that is all it is advice and opinions, It doesn't mean you have to follow the advice given...... we are responsible for making our own decisions.

[jessed03]

First benzo I was ever given. Got given it in hospital after coming in during a week long panic attack thingy.

I wanted to French kiss the person who invented it. Didn't even care at the time he was probably an old guy with a very bristly moustache.

[nikki_marie21]

First benzo I was ever given. Got given it in hospital after coming in during a week long panic attack thingy. I wanted to French kiss the person who invented it. Didn't even care at the time he was probably an old guy with a very bristly moustache.. Lmao!! That's awesome that it worked so well for you .. I don't feel as nervous taking it as needed in the event that I should have to .. My son fell and bruised his the muscle on his thigh area n had to go to the hospital .. Despite the hour and ten minutes Of screaming, crying and squirming ... I stayed calm .. Made it home 430 this morning and slept for 4 hours ... Still doing good ! Have a Good Friday everyone to those who celebrate

[soManyProblems]

My friend in Canada was like, "You have the day off from work on Good Friday, right?" I was like, "Hahahahaha, no. Christmas is the only religious holiday that we get in the US." I wish I had the day off, my new drug (Lexapro) is making me tired as hell. I will cherish the weekend. Or sleep through it. It's a toss-up.

[Dahila]

Don't take any meds, it's not the answer to get your life back .

It would be beneficial for people here if you keep your mouth shot, instead of making stupid statements. we are sensitive and vulnerable people we do not need more than we already got. Please, think before posting, It is specific site to help others....

[JohnC]

Stay on the meds and you will know when to wheen yourself off. I was on Paxil 13 years and stopped over a year and half ago. Yes I hit a speed bump this last month and if I do not get through it I will probably go back on for awhile. I have three youg kids and belive me it was much better for me and the kids while I was going through " my Thing " and the wife will agree with that. Oh and I almost forgot the ativan will get you over those really tough times.

[Dahila]

We all would like not to be on meds, but when there is choice between constant suffering and wasting the life (the only life we got) away, every time I chose meds. I was trying not to be on it, and got into conflict with my children and a lot of friends. After two long years they finally see me smiling and happy. Yes meds, it is meds mainly that help me. I also meditate and it helps me to be on small doses of meds. Sometimes the benefits of them are worth to take the risk with side effects.

[JohnC]

We all would like not to be on meds, but when there is choice between constant suffering and wasting the life (the only life we got) away, every time I chose meds. I was trying not to be on it, and got into conflict with my children and a lot of friends. After two long years they finally see me smiling and happy. Yes meds, it is meds mainly that help me. I also meditate and it helps me to be on small doses of meds. Sometimes the benefits of them are worth to take the risk with side effects.
Wow Dahila, you have just descibed my current situation. I have three very young children and I am a little older than the average parent (i think) and latley I have really been taking out things on my wife and kids. I get aggravated really easy and I am constantly catching myself yelling at them for things that little kids do. What I am trying to say is that I have been seriously considering getting back on meds after being off for a couple of years. I do take xanax for the panic attacks. But I do not want to make my wife and kids suffer for my problems. I must also add that I have been taking chantex to try and quit smoking and my quit day is tomarrow so that is adding to the stress. Yes I to would choose meds as it has been awhile since my family has seen me smile.

[Dahila]

Wow Dahila, you have just descibed my current situation. I have three very young children and I am a little older than the average parent (i think) and latley I have really been taking out things on my wife and kids. I get aggravated really easy and I am constantly catching myself yelling at them for things that little kids do. What I am trying to say is that I have been seriously considering getting back on meds after being off for a couple of years. I do take xanax for the panic attacks. But I do not want to make my wife and kids suffer for my problems. I must also add that I have been taking chantex to try and quit smoking and my quit day is tomarrow so that is adding to the stress. Yes I to would choose meds as it has been awhile since my family has seen me smile.

In that case I would chose meds :) Children or wife do not deserve it, and you do not deserve it, either

[JohnC]

Thanks Dahila, Think I will.

[nikki_marie21]

Dahila .. You seem very blunt and straight the point when you reply to threads ,,, I like it lol .. ;)

[Dahila]

Nikki sorry but my age does not leave a lot of time for Bs :)) I do not mean harm though:) Rather the opposite

[nikki_marie21]

Nikki sorry but my age does not leave a lot of time for Bs :)) I do not mean harm though:) Rather the opposite. Don't apologize ... I actually do enjoying reading your posts and comments .. They seem honest and just what others like myself need to hear at times

[TomT]

I'm the type that would never take any anti-depressant or anti-anxiety pill. The past few years I've been through so much. I had a lot of personal problems with family and health. I really didn't know what was wrong with me. To make the story short, I started getting a lot of health anxiety and panic attacks from stress. It go to the point where I drove myself 2 hours to a hospital to get some help. I went to the emergency room and they DXed me with Severe anxiety disorder. They asked if I wanted to take an Ativan to see if it help. I was having serious insomnia, serious body twitching and jerking just to name the few of symptoms. I was hesitant at first but finally gave in. I took the 1mg pill and within 30 minutes I felt completely fine. I felt like a truck has been pulled off my chest. Everything just became so calm and peaceful. I knew that the drug was making me feel better and when it wears out the symptoms may come back. I took the 1mg 3 times daily for 5 days then I started breaking it in half to 1/2 Mg 3 times a day for another week and then 1/4mg 3 times a day for another week and so on etc etc.. My point is, If you use this medicine correctly and while you are on it, to try and fix the root of your problems it is very very helpful. I am now on my 5th days without it and I'm doing much better. I still have anxiety symptoms, but most of it is manageable.

[nikki_marie21]

I'm the type that would never take any anti-depressant or anti-anxiety pill. The past few years I've been through so much. I had a lot of personal problems with family and health. I really didn't know what was wrong with me. To make the story short, I started getting a lot of health anxiety and panic attacks from stress. It go to the point where I drove myself 2 hours to a hospital to get some help. I went to the emergency room and they DXed me with Severe anxiety disorder. They asked if I wanted to take an Ativan to see if it help. I was having serious insomnia, serious body twitching and jerking just to name the few of symptoms. I was hesitant at first but finally gave in. I took the 1mg pill and within 30 minutes I felt completely fine. I felt like a truck has been pulled off my chest. Everything just became so calm and peaceful. I knew that the drug was making me feel better and when it wears out the symptoms may come back. I took the 1mg 3 times daily for 5 days then I started breaking it in half to 1/2 Mg 3 times a day for another week and then 1/4mg 3 times a day for another week and so on etc etc.. My point is, If you use this medicine correctly and while you are on it, to try and fix the root of your problems it is very very helpful. I am now on my 5th days without it and I'm doing much better. I still have anxiety symptoms, but most of it is manageable.

Thank you, I'm glad you are managing your symptoms well .. I'm hoping I will be there soon enough .. I see my doc regularly and got an appointment with a pdoc June 14th .. A bit of a wait .. I have not used the Ativan yet I'm feeling more comfortable with the idea that it is with me should I have a major panic attack .. My attacks happen mostly at night .. I wake up with my heart already racing and feeling numb about to faint and it's pretty scary .. (Makes me laugh at myself sometimes,, y would I wake up just to feel faint,) Day time I can at least rationalize more better that it is an attack and it will pass .. Night time is another story .. I have good days and bad days but with each week that passes I feel that I'm having way more good then bad .. I personally never wanted to be put on any meds but I got to a point where I felt like I was not in control of myself anymore .

[Dahila]

TomT just try not use it more for two weeks, cut the dose down and in meantime maybe AD would be better option for you....When we get out of state of panic, we are able to make some good decision. Good luck with the meds:)

[Ritch]

It would be beneficial for people here if you keep your mouth shot, instead of making stupid statements. we are sensitive and vulnerable people we do not need more than we already got. Please, think before posting, It is specific site to help others....

Have you considered the effect the above statement may have had on her? perhaps you should also think before speaking

[Dahila]

maybe Ritch but we should care about community more than one person, we had it before, many people who are scaring others and advising not to use meds, which can lead to tragedy in many cases..
I had seen it in the last 4 suicide in Polish community which was maybe not caused, by the people, but had not help with the criticism and not very wise advices,,