Panic attacks and Ativan?

Question

Does anyone take Ativan for this? Do you think it helps? I've been taking it for about two years and I'm wondering if it's really helping anything...

Answer 1

I have taken Ativan for anxiety/panic attacks in the past. The easiest answer would be to discuss this with your Dr. and see if you need a higher dosage or to try a different anti-anxety medication.

However, you may not want to hear this, but there are alot of much healthier and safer, although more difficult ways to deal with Panic attacks. I don't mean to make this about ME or "preach", but I took Klonopin for years for my panic attacks, and it helped alot initially. The problem with all bezodiazepines (Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, and more) is their addictive properties. In other words, people become tolerant to these medications and end up needing stronger and stronger amounts for the desired effect. In the end, you end up addicted. I had to be prescribed more and more, and my Therapist became concerned because there is a limit at which these kinds of drugs can be prescribed, and when that happened, what would I do?
I ended up having to be medically detoxified from MY medication of choice because of the highly uncomfortable and dangerous things that happen if you just stop on your own.

To try to shorten this a bit, if you are interested in trying other methods, I have learned them over time, so ask away anytime

I hope this has been (although long-winded) helpful to you

kittyinct.

Answer 2

Ativan is a benzodiazipine in the same family as valium and xanax. It treats SYMPTOMS of anxiety and panic. Many people find this class of drugs quite helpful for panic. It is, however, a drug that you can build a tolerance for and for some people can be addictive. They can also be used on a PRN or as needed basis. You should discuss this with your doctor. If you would like to try going off, you need to do it with their direction and never cold turkey. It is always hoped that while taking drugs such as Ativan that you will learn other ways to handle the panic, usually through Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Good luck with your panic.

Answer 3

I was having panic attacks last year, and went on Ativan for it. It really helped me a lot. I used an antidepressent along with it (Celexa), and soon I was able to stop taking Ativan, with no returns to the panic attacks. Mine was from PTSD, though, so there might be some difference.

Answer 4

I take ativan prn, zoloft every day am and trazodone at night. I also suffer from panic attacks, and depression since i've had some health issues, this has been going on for 3 years i see no improvement, but that's just me and everyone is different. good luck.

Answer 5

I have taken it for panic attacks and it helped me. However, I only took it for 2 months because it is so highly addictive. I am sure over the course of 2 years you can become immune to its effects and have to constantly increase it.

I started taking Zoloft and going to counseling. This really helped me considerably! My panic attacks were so bad that I couldn't drive and at one time stopped going out of the house.

Now, I drive everywhere and do what ever. I love the freedom. I know how you suffer. Panic attack disorder is an awful condition to have. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

Best of Luck to you.

Answer 6

Ativan never did much for me, I only took it for two months before I realized it wasn't going to work. Have used Xanax ever since, about three years now and it is very effective for me.

Answer 7

Hi there, I just laugh about my past 3 years of panic now. I was not able to go anywhere without carrying xanax. Fear of having another attack was the most important subject of my days.When i first found joe barry's web site i started to cry because of my happiness.

Free audio to end anxiety and panic attacks fast?

Answer 8

Anxiety, panic attacks, phobias and obsessions are not caused by mental or physical illness. Anxiety disorders and panic attacks are caused by a tiny change in the way the brain handles anxiety signals from the sensory organs. Anxiety disorders and panic attacks are not caused by chemical imbalances...they can cause them, but they are not caused by them!

This is why anxiety and panic attack medication doesn't work, it may mask the symptoms (if anything) and when they are stopped, it generally all floods back. You can overcome anxiety forever by resetting your brain. This re-set happens through a process called Operant Conditioning - it's the same process that happens when you learn new activities - like driving or playing an instrument - it's learning through repetition.

Answer 9

It helps me. I also have xanax, but I think the ativan is better. It may be time to bump up your dosage.

Answer 10

Took it for a short time and got addicted. Caused me more problems than I ever had before.

All I had was a reaction to caffeine.