Panic Attack- Will Ativan and Paxil make them go away?

Question

Ok I was going cold turkey off of Paxil this week when last night the worst panic attack of my life hit me--I went to the hospital and they put me on Ativan, on a as needed bases (I have taken it only once today) And a smaller dose of Paxil (was on 40mg now 20mg). I am on the fence on going to battle with Paxil again....I don't know if I should just accept that I will be on it forever or if I should come up with a better game plan next time I try to come off but for now what I need to know is am I opening a new can of worms with this Ativan (it does help and I am not taking it unless I have a panic attack) and will my panic attacks go away after the paxil gets in my system??? How long does that usually take?

Answer 1

Lorazepam.. ah, one of the medications that put me out of it more than any other has. Never helped with panic attacks or anxiety, but it made me high(which calmed me slightly).

As for Paxil, I took it when I was 16. One month before a study in Canada came out linking teen suicide to paxil, I was an inpatient in a psych ward. Basically, paxil started me on my downward road. It helped my sister and my father with depression though.

It depends on your own body chemistry as to whether ativan or any other medication will react well with you.



Medications generally take 3-6 weeks to become stable in your system. If after that, your symptoms do not improve you should go off of it slowly with the help of a doctor. Never go cold turkey, especially with a history of panic attacks.

Answer 2

I have no experience with Paxil, but I definitely know Ativan is an anti-anxiety medication that will help ur panic attacks. A relative takes a small dosage (0.5mg) 4 times a day as needed and it seems to help him. He has been on this med long term, takes it only when needed and has had no ill effects. Doesn`t seem to be addicted or else he could not skip doses as he does. So perhaps it will work the same for you. Good luck

Answer 3

I'm not a healthcare prof. so please take this with a grain of salt. I was on Paxil when I was 21 or 22 for ADHD and mild depression. (Yeah really)

In my opinion Paxil actually made my depression worse. At some point I had to take a look at REAL reasons for my depression, anxiety, and yes... 4 panic attacks from 21-24.

Of course the root causes are individual. You're an individual. Talk to someone... a lot. Professional or otherwise... it's gonna scare you how quickly you can get to the root of the Panic Attacks if you just "purge".

Talk talk talk. Be careful not to drive away family and friends... so a paid psychologist or social worker who doesn't really care about you or your problem is usually the first step.

Anyway that's my 2 cents.

Answer 4

I am not personally knowledgeable about Ativan, nor can I attest to the usage of Paxil for your panic attacks; but, I can tell you that Paxil was very effective for my depression, anxiety, and homicidal tendencies. After being on Paxil for a month, I, and others, noticed a difference in my behavior. After two years, I was no longer a danger to myself or others. My initial dosage of Paxil was 10 mg, increased to 20 mg, then 40. In my opinion, Paxil saved my life and the life of those I envisioned as threatening me.

My psychotic episodes have been abated for over 10 years, and I haven't taken Paxil for eight of those; but, I know the danger signs, and would not hesitate to get myself to a facility that could help me.

If you do feel a panic attack coming on and have no one to help you, go to the emergency room of any hospital, tell them what is happening. If they "blow you off", create a scene. You may end up in the "psyc" ward or jail, but you will get some attention.!

Answer 5

When I used to perform solos for my gospel choir, I used to get the same way. I found that if I psych myself out the day before by telling myself that I will blow people away with my voice and give myself the inner confidence that the show is going to be an overall success, the anxiety attacks ended up turning into excitment! It also helps to practice alot with an audience, that way you get used to performing infront of people... Try having a informal practice at a small park or open your garage door so that the neighborhood could here you (just make sure you neighbors are not the type to complain!!)

Answer 6

Hi,
There is this guide by anxiety expert Joe Barry , he has taught thousands of people to be panic free without any medication using a revolutionary new technique, http://www.panicaway.co.nr , its really a great guide , it should help you get rid of panic attacks forever in a few days

Hope this helps you and wish you the best of health

Answer 7

well that is stupid to go cold turkey, what you want to make your symtoms 10 times worse then they were, you need to go and see the doctor who gave them to you and have him wing you off of them, so you will not get worse, you can learn to control your panic attacks, it will take time , and pratice, you need to learn to let them float pass or through, or over you, then you will find that they are not going to be interfering in you life that much any more. Now be safe, and get off the meds in a safe way, not cold turkey, that is just a stupid thing to do, and you proably already know that , so why do you want to make yourself worse, i think you need to go and talk with your therapist or doctor about this, you are stuffing things that need to come out, and be worked on, and you need to get off of the meds in a safe way. Now behave, and go and see your doctor, and therapist.

Answer 8

i was on paxil for a while, and i decided i wanted to stop taking it. my doctor advised me to slowly wean myself off of it, so i ended up taking one every other day (instead of every day) for a few weeks, and then stopped altogether. you should talk to your doctor and i'm sure they can help you safely come off of paxil. good luck!

Answer 9

Ativan will

Answer 10

No