Hi, I saw my PDoc today, I told her about my worsening anxiety and recent onset of panic attacks. They feel like I am having a heart attack and I am going to die. I am unable to sleep as all I do is worry about when the next episode is going to occur.

So my PDoc prescribed Ativan, .5 at bed and .25 in the morning. What can I expect from this medication? What are some of the effects a person new to this med experiences? Will it help me sleep? Will it take away my constant state of high anxiety? My biggest gripe is that I just can't seem to relax anymore. I am always tense and uptight. I would just like to feel calm and relaxed for a while and perhaps get a few solid hours of straight through sleep.

Has anyone been prescribed Ativan for anxiety/sleep problems? If so, any info on what I can expect would be appreciated. How long does it take for the medicine to kick in and how long do the desired effects last?

Thanks,
Teelee

I have horrible anxiety and worry that I am having a heart attack too.I wake up in panic attacks.I have taken ativan but not for sleeping.It takes affect fairly quickly like within 15 minutes and lasts for a couple hours.I think it could help you to relax enough to fall asleep.Whether it keeps you asleep,I am not sure.I take Lunesta for sleeping.I don't use it every day because it causes me headaches,but when I am desperate,it is wonderful.You fall asleep quickly,stay asleep and wake up refreshed and not hung-over.The ativan will make you groggy and you shouldn't drive while taking it.Good luck to you and I hope the ativan is helpful.I would definately try it.I actually cut mine in half sometimes and then I don't feel so groggy.

My doctor put me on ativan and it helped a lot. I was having a horrible time because of my anxiety and it definitely made things better. I did become a bit forgetful. I would leave my keys in the door or forget brief conversations I would have with my husband, but other than that it really quieted down the physical symptoms that would set my anxiety off. I was prescribed .5 mg in the morning and night. I was on it for about 3 months and then weaned off of it slowly. I had no trouble getting off it. I am actually considering going back on it for a while.

I was on Ativan about 3 years ago and it was wonderful! It relieved the stress and anxiety fairly quickly after taking it. I want to go back on it now but I am breastfeeding and my dr. doesn't think it is good idea until I am done breastfeeding. As far as side effects I really can't remember any because I just remember it made me feel better than the panic I was having!

Shell

Has anyone been prescribed Ativan for anxiety/sleep problems? If so, any info on what I can expect would be appreciated. How long does it take for the medicine to kick in and how long do the desired effects last?

Thanks,
Teelee

Hi

Ativan (and all other benzodiazepines) are very unpredictable and dangerous drugs.

There are natural methods of dealing with anxiety/sleep problems without putting harmful chemicals into your brain.

Do a search on Ativan addiction.

I take ativan on an as needed basis. I have been for a little over a year now. Dont let people on here make you afraid to try it. Yes it can be addicting but its not the case for everyone. Everyone reacts different to medication. It has been a life saver for me and i have not had any problems since taking it nor am i addicted to it. I was given .5mg to take as needed, i usually only take that or even half that if i feel i need it and that is not on an every day basis.

I have been on Ativan for the past 3 years straight. I take 1mg before bed and 1mg during the day. This medication has helped my anxiety and I do not have any side effects. The medication relaxes my body at night and I am able to sleep through the night. Yes it can be addictive however some people take it on a as needed basis. At this point I will take this medicine for the rest of my life rather than deal with the anxiety and panic attacks. It was a nightmare for me not to mention the social anxiety.

I have been on ativan for 10 yrs now for anxiety/panic attacks. it has helped me alot. ativan makes me groggy sometimes but my panic attacks was so bad i couldnt hardly function. ativan has been a wonderful help. it is very addiciting. i have tried to get off ativan before and the withdraw was horrible. i still have an occasional panic attack but nothing like before. i take 2 mg a day.

The dose you have been given is quite low, so side effects are not likely. You may need to increase the dose if you dont get full relief, with your doctors consent of course.

A SSRI such as Zoloft, Prozac etc, may help your panic more than Ativan, or taken with Ativan, may give more clomplet and total releif

its funny when ppl come on here and say this is addictive and that is addictive and i bet they never had a REAL anxiety issue
take what works for you
not everyone becomes addicted
if you take it at a low dose you should be fine