Ativan and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Cen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 14, 2021

For Anxiety "I’ve been on 1 mg daily for almost 2 years. I wish I would have known how hard it is to get off of without tapering off slowly. If I miss a dose, the rebound symptoms kick in, and I’m left in pain, wondering if I’m going to have a grand mal seizure. I want off of this med, but I’ll have to talk to my doctor about switching to a slow release to taper off of benzos. If you get prescribed, please only take a small amount for a short period of time. Get a good therapist to find ways to deal with anxiety on your own, this drug is just a band-aid."

• vin...
• July 4, 2009

For Anxiety "The nurse didn't lie - no anxiety, fewer nicotine cravings. I'd stay smoke-free, but I'm hyper without the cigarettes. At least I've decided strongly against alcohol and drugs. One day at a time, one step at a time. I'll quit smoking eventually. Then I'll replace the hyperactivity negativity with positive exercise. I don't want another relapse."

• Ric...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 24, 2021

For Anxiety "Ativan works like a charm. If I'm feeling edgy or having a panic attack, I take 1 mg, and within 20-30 minutes, I'm good for exactly 24 hours. I would give it a 10, but you really have to take it sparingly, and it can be habit-forming. I'd say it's good to take 3-6 times a month, and more frequently than that, and you will have some withdrawal symptoms, which can be unpleasant (muscle aches, constipation, more anxiety, etc.). But that's just the nature of benzos. Really great drug generally, and happy to have access to it in a pinch."

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 26, 2021

For Anxiety "I initially took this drug to treat chronic nerve pain, as nothing else would work. This gave me some relief as I was experiencing continuous pain. I also suffer from anxiety and bipolar disorder. I believe this drug saved my life, even though it has actually worsened my anxiety. I take 1 mg once a day in the morning, so that I would wake up the next morning with severe anxiety. It took me a long time to figure out this came from Ativan and not my 'normal' anxiety, which wasn't that severe in the first place. As my neuralgia eventually got better over time, I tried to lower the dose to 0.5 mg per day. I was prepared to experience withdrawal, but instead, I felt as great as ever! I eventually went into a manic state and started to have psychotic symptoms. So bipolar people beware: stopping long-term use of Ativan can trigger a manic episode! Altogether, I don't regret taking this drug as I have a more productive life and more desire for social connections."

• SEA...
• September 21, 2009

For Anxiety "Originally prescribed for anxiety related to flying. It does well with general non-flight-related anxiety (thought racing, panicky feelings), but am having a hard time finding the right time to take dosage before a flight. Am prescribed 1 mg (doctor said I could take up to 4 times or so without any adverse effects). So far, I am less anxious on the plane (I don't cry as much, at least, but am still shaking and jumpy the whole flight). Strangest thing is I never remember getting off the plane, claiming baggage, and rides to the hotel. I always remember the flight and being scared, but the airports (both) are a blur! Maybe my timing is off. Am flying again in 1 week, so I will try my timing again. Luckily, our favorite vacation spot is only an hour away, but whew."

• Eur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2021

For Anxiety "This pill works, but is not a solution. Be wary even if you don’t have an addictive personality. I don’t, but using this only 3 days in a row, then stopped, caused me physical withdrawal symptoms! I only took 1 mg each day. After 3 days, I had rebound anxiety, tense, painful shoulders and back, neck/head pain, teeth grinding, and achy. Also, this medication makes my hair shed!! and makes me feel stupid and foggy for days after! This is definitely NOT a drug you want to play around with! My husband was prescribed this years ago, and he said also, he became “dope sick” after using just for a couple of days! Withdrawal from benzos can be really hard, so if you are trying to get off of them, consult your physician. I couldn’t imagine how bad withdrawals would be if you were on these long-term. I will keep them on hand for extreme, rare emergencies. But in the meantime, I will stick to hypnosis and taking lemon balm or passionflower herbs."

• Anonymous
• March 23, 2011

For Anxiety "Periodontist prescribed before dental surgery - 2 x 1 mg tabs 1 1/2 hrs before my appointment. It was great! I do not remember anything about the surgery and obviously felt no anxiety - yet was awake the whole time. Great for this purpose."

• kky...
• September 21, 2011

For Anxiety "It worked well at first. I was on 1 mg as needed after being diagnosed with M.S. I built a tolerance very quickly, even though I was only taking 1 pill 2-3 days a week. Soon, I needed 2 at a time, then 3 at a time just to slightly calm my anxiety and panic attack, not fully taking it away (at this time, I had been on them approximately a year and a half). Even the first day that I started taking Ativan took 20-30 minutes to feel the effect. Anyone who has severe anxiety or panic attacks knows that is an unbearable amount of time to feel relief. I am now on 1 mg Xanax, which is a Godsend."

• Do...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2017

For Anxiety "My husband was 38 years old and committed suicide while taking Ativan. This medication was administered to him from two different psychiatrists. Ativan was prescribed for his anxiety. He took it in combination with Welbutrin for his depression. He was on Ativan for approximately three months. The medication made his heart race because of the lethal combination mixing with Welbutrin for his depression. He became manic, paranoid, and had extreme body tremors, insomnia, and many trips to the Emergency Room from side effects. This company knows it can cause suicide and writes it on the label. Do not take it."

• EEa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 15, 2019

For Anxiety "I absolutely hate it. I was given Ativan last summer when I was having a total mental breakdown. At first, I waited and waited and felt absolutely nothing whatsoever, then I realized that it made me even more anxious and caused me to lash out at my parents. They ended up having to take me back to my house because they just couldn't deal with me. I decided to get some drinks at the bar and then at the cider house, and that's when it finally started to kick in. I was having a lot of trouble talking and had all these weird muscle jerks and having maybe convulsions."

• Jas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2018

For Anxiety "Terrible and dangerous. Muscle jerking, auditory hallucinations, jumpy all day. Even worse anxiety. If it is not life or death, do not take!!!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2019

For Anxiety "Ativan amplified anxiety so bad I could not stop vomiting."

• Res...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 26, 2017

For Anxiety "Makes me more anxious. Higher doses are worse."