My doctor prescribed me Ativan yesterday after I had a fainting spell that he attributed to stress/anxiety. I asked him for a non habiting forming drug because I have a history of addiction. After looking it up online, I've found that this drug is habit forming, but I can't seem to find exactly what the drug is. I'm only taking 0.5mg as needed. Can it still be habit forming in such a low dose? What family of drugs is Ativan in or what drugs are similar to it?
2007-10-03 15:20:14 · 3 answers · asked by There's a party in my tummy! 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
The reason I am not seeking any sort of therapy is that I am not stressed. I do not have anxiety problems. I have no depression. There is NO reason for me to take this medicine other than the doctor could not determine the source of my fainting spell. I've had these spells since I was 15 and no doctor can figure it out. This doctor did an EEG and told me it had to be stress. I told him that I would try it (only so we can move on to other things) but I asked him for something non habit forming.
2007-10-03 15:47:23 · update #1
ativan is a benzodiazipine. it is highly addictive over time no matter what the dose. I suggest that you need to see a psychiatrist rather than a regular doctor, as they tend to know better what drugs to use and how to treat a problem like yours. There is in fact a non-addictive medication available for anxiety, I am surprised your doctor didn't give that to you instead, unless of course he didn't know about your history of addiction.
2007-10-03 15:25:12 · answer #1 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ativan is an anti anxiety drug that will help with immediate relief of symptoms. Yes, it is habit forming if used regularly over weeks and months. If you use it sparingly it should be ok. But, you might want to check into other treatment options to help get to the underlying problems, be they biochemical or emotional. Therapy is always a good first step and then if that is not helpful, get evaluated for meds.
2007-10-03 15:26:20 · answer #2 · answered by oleo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it was very addictive for myself,took a hospital stay,to come off.Dr. advised it Ativan was a "mild nerve pill"an not addictive.I am still angry at the Doc.
2007-10-03 15:26:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is similar to Librium~ I too am in similar situation.If you Need Meds for anxiety by all means take it ! But "only as directed"..To Much of anything even stress can effect your over all health.Just keep an open line of comunication with your Health care provider..We all live in a world Full of BS/stressors.But YOU CAN overcome ~Good Luck friend~
2007-10-03 15:38:14 · answer #4 · answered by reseda1420 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋