New Meds prescribed. First time ever taking medication.

[Smokewater]

Hey guys.

Just got back from a stay at the ER after a massive anxiety attack. The doctors there gave me Lorazepam. First time I've ever taken anything medication-wise besides hydroxyzine and even that's still a mystery to me.

Anyway, the Lorazepam they gave me at the hospital really mellowed me out, I was able to get my breathing back into a rhythm and, for the first time in weeks, I feel completely normal. I'm just wondering...I've been prescribed 14 tabs of 1mg Lorazepam. Like I said, first experience with this drug and I'm only curious if anyone here has taken Lorazepam (AKA ativan) at the same or around the same dosage or dispense amount (14 tabs. No refills) and what your experiences were while taking them. I've been instructed to take 3 daily, separating them over the course of 8 hours. Just wondering what your experiences were. Sorry if I seem repetitive...whatever dosage they gave me REALLY REALLY worked and still is lol.

Thanks for the intel, friends.

[needtogetwell]

Hey guys. Just got back from a stay at the ER after a massive anxiety attack. The doctors there gave me Lorazepam. First time I've ever taken anything medication-wise besides hydroxyzine and even that's still a mystery to me. Anyway, the Lorazepam they gave me at the hospital really mellowed me out, I was able to get my breathing back into a rhythm and, for the first time in weeks, I feel completely normal. I'm just wondering...I've been prescribed 14 tabs of 1mg Lorazepam. Like I said, first experience with this drug and I'm only curious if anyone here has taken Lorazepam (AKA ativan) at the same or around the same dosage or dispense amount (14 tabs. No refills) and what your experiences were while taking them. I've been instructed to take 3 daily, separating them over the course of 8 hours. Just wondering what your experiences were. Sorry if I seem repetitive...whatever dosage they gave me REALLY REALLY worked and still is lol. Thanks for the intel, friends.

Hi Smokewater,

Glad you've gotten through that experience!

Wow, Benzo's.....can be a charged topic.

I think you will find that this type of med is an absolute god send for many of us here. As you found out, it works quickly to get yourself centred and refocused. Many of us think of it as a life preserver.... All good, very positive!

It is however VERY addictive if not treated with RESPECT ( no singing from you in the peanut gallery! :P ).

I spent 2months this past summer with my mother-in-law going through withdrawal from this stuff. (She was hospitalized.) 82 year old woman, who kept popping her "nerve" pills until she ran out and went into withdrawal. Withdrawal is nasty , and as the docs said in the hospital, can be very dangerous, the only withdrawal worse is from alcohol. ( they both work on the same receptors in the brain). If you have ever seen an alcoholic with the DT's it is just that bad.

So...where am I going with this? Simple. Use the Ativan when you really need it. Respect it. Continue to seek the reasons behind your anxiety/panic attacks. Work with your doctor on this and if necessary, seek the help of a psdoc. Keep an open mind about anti-depressants, they are often a better long term option.

Hope this helps.
Cheers!

[Smokewater]

Thank you all very much for your responses!

I managed to get the best sleep of my life last night. At the moment, I'm seeking to inform my primary care about the visit and maybe get a third opinion. Thus far, most docs I've visited have said that a psychologist is the way to go. I'm considering it, the only thing is - I don't wish to be put on sedatives. I have a feeling a psychologist is going to prescribe me some sort of sedative. I'd be absolutely in love with the idea of going to a psychologist to just have someone to release my anxieties and frustrations; to try and get my mind sorted so I can get over this negative part of my life.

I've started to change my lifestyle in a major way, but the existential crisis I've been having for the longest time is still present. I'm still entirely too self-aware and these thoughts run rampant sometimes. These are usually what spur me into my anxiety attacks. It surprised me, though. The other day, I managed to watch the new Cosmos show without going too deep into thought (Philosophical thinking has caused me a great bit of anxiety for a short while now). I'm working on the irrational feelings and just accepting that which I cannot change. It's very difficult, though. Being an adult, you realize you're running your course. I just need to pre-occupy my brain.

Thank you again for your responses! I'm certain I'll update you all on how my medication experience goes.

[bittersweetgirl]

Thank you all very much for your responses!

I managed to get the best sleep of my life last night. At the moment, I'm seeking to inform my primary care about the visit and maybe get a third opinion. Thus far, most docs I've visited have said that a psychologist is the way to go. I'm considering it, the only thing is - I don't wish to be put on sedatives. I have a feeling a psychologist is going to prescribe me some sort of sedative. I'd be absolutely in love with the idea of going to a psychologist to just have someone to release my anxieties and frustrations; to try and get my mind sorted so I can get over this negative part of my life.

I've started to change my lifestyle in a major way, but the existential crisis I've been having for the longest time is still present. I'm still entirely too self-aware and these thoughts run rampant sometimes. These are usually what spur me into my anxiety attacks. It surprised me, though. The other day, I managed to watch the new Cosmos show without going too deep into thought (Philosophical thinking has caused me a great bit of anxiety for a short while now). I'm working on the irrational feelings and just accepting that which I cannot change. It's very difficult, though. Being an adult, you realize you're running your course. I just need to pre-occupy my brain.

Thank you again for your responses! I'm certain I'll update you all on how my medication experience goes.

I've been to the ER a few times with severe anxiety, too. They get it under control, but kind of leave you hanging (in my experience!). You'd be best off with a psychiatrist to prescribe meds, and a psychologist or counselor for talk therapy (psychologists can't prescribe meds). It might take a while to get the psych appt though as a new patient, so it's possible you'll need to see your primary doc in the meantime.

Benzos are a life preserver for me too... I'd rather it not be that way, but I also want/need sleep, and relief from repetitive thoughts, etc. I'm working on other methods to get the anxiety under control at the same time.

Best wishes, and glad you got some good sleep! :)