Anybody take "Ativan" for Anxiety? MAN this stuff works!!!

[Epoman]

Well I tried a .2mg injection today at the ER and let me tell you I was feeling GREAT, all my worries and problems went flying out the door. They gave me a scrip for 10 of the 1mg tablets. These suckers WORK! I got the Name brand which is called "Ativan"

Anybody else try "Ativan"? I went to the ER today because I was having an anxiety attack. Let me tell you I was feeling no pain and no worries. LIFE IS GOOD!

They told me I need to be careful as it is indeed a Narcotic and is very habit forming. But boy does it work.

Here is a link to read more about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorazepam

So if you ever have anxiety attacks ask your doctor about this drug.

[Sluff]

Be careful?? Hell wouldn't want to ruin your good health.(sarcastic laugh)

If it feels good do it!  Glad your able to relax a little. just don't kill anyone that gets in your way of the last pill.( sarcastic laugh).

[Epoman]

Be careful?? Hell wouldn't want to ruin your good health.(sarcastic laugh)

If it feels good do it!  Glad your able to relax a little. just don't kill anyone that gets in your way of the last pill.( sarcastic laugh).

Man I tell you I felt good after that, all my worries about this site, financial, medical, went out the window. I even feel good this morning, and it already wore off. It only lasts for like 6-8 hours but it gave my mind the rest it needed. I always knew "why" people took illegal narcotics but now I can REALLY understand. 

[TrophyWife]

That stuff gives me a headache. I prefer Valium. smile

[Dr. Evil]

....thus the Rolling Stones song......"...she goes running for the shelter... of her mother's little helper....."

Enjoy the ride!

I have always thought they should add some benzos (valium, ativan, xanax, etc.) to the dialysate.....everyone will be happier.

[MelissaJean]

Glad you feel better Epoman!   Lorazepam is another good one.   

[Epoman]

....thus the Rolling Stones song......"...she goes running for the shelter... of her mother's little helper....."

Enjoy the ride!

I have always thought they should add some benzos (valium, ativan, xanax, etc.) to the dialysate.....everyone will be happier.

Hey Doc, is it ok for Dialysis patients to take this stuff?

[glitter]

my husband gets lorzepam (which is generic ativan) every morning before dialysis,one when he comes home if he wants it,and one at bedtime-but it can make you a bit of a zombie.It also seems to affect his memory too,there are DR. appts. he doesn't even remember

[Epoman]

my husband gets lorzepam (which is generic ativan) every morning before dialysis,one when he comes home if he wants it,and one at bedtime-but it can make you a bit of a zombie.It also seems to affect his memory too,there are DR. appts. he doesn't even remember

Really, he takes it regularly? man I would be like this guy:



If I took it regularly Ativan makes me happy and not worry about nothing. It's nice knowing that I have something I know I can take when I am at my wits end.

[glitter]

you know-both his nephrologist and his regular Dr give it right away-no questions asked-but it might be because he was so abruptly ill.

he is a right turd without it lol

[Dr. Evil]

In general, most of the metabolism of this class of drugs (benzodiazempam....ativan, valium, etc..) goes thru the liver, but sometimes there are active metabolites (breakdown products of the drug) that can accumulate with ESRD.

They are generally safe, I just usually go slower (lower) on the dosages to start.

The bigger question is the reason why people take them.  I think if it is just a little anxiety once and a while....sure, I think they are OK.

If it is really depression, then there are better drugs (SSRIs, etc).

They can be abused as well, although more of a psychological dependence develops (...insert Rolling Stones song again...) than any serious physical withdrawl.

Hope that helps.

[Dr. Evil]

Also...for Epoman....

Ativan, etc...are NOT narcotics.... the ER told you a fib.  (...no surprise here.)

Remember, the main job of the ER is to GET YOU OUT OF THE ER.  Getting the right diagnosis helps in keeping the lawyers away, but it is not always essential for the practice of ER medicine.

They are controlled, although at a much lower level (lower schedule...differs depending on the drug).

Xanax has a worst rap for abuse (easy on, easy off dosing)....where valium, librium, and klonipin are harder to abuse due to the super long half life (less "buzz" off them).  Ativan is in the middle.

Narcotics are generally opioids .....the classic being morphine....others include heroin (street drug only), codeine, oxycodine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, etc....trade names would be lortab, percocet, fentanyl, oxycontin, stadol, vicodin, etc.
These can be very addicting if abused, but work very well (and not addicting) if used for actual pain.

The other common street drugs would be hallucinogens (LSD, marijuana, PCP) and nowadays, the methamphetamines (crystal meth, extacy, etc...)...these have hallucinogenic properties as well, but also act a lot like the old fashioned amphetamines (speed) from days of old.

Cocaine is it's own class (I think )....kinda like amphetamines...it gets metabolized to catecholamines right into the brain....super-speed...
It is one of the few drugs that can actually kill you the first time you take it...usually thru some cardiac arrhythmias.....kinda like in the movie Pulp Fiction...a shot of epi right into the heart.....not good.
And very, very, very, very, and even more very addicting.  I am ALWAYS suspicious of any prior cocaine user.  In my experience....if someone has been a coke addict, it is nearly impossible to shake the habit. (hats off to anyone who has).  I have to admit though...I am always skeptical of those who I see who report a hx of coke use.....I watch them like a hawk as I generally don't trust them until proven otherwise....  No offense to anyone, this has just been my medical experience (which is biased as I see may people for "severe Hypertension" who are just still using coke and lying about it).

Sorry....got off track there....

Later

[Sluff]

Dr Evil it's great to have you back and thank you for your time, and sharing your knowledge and experiences.

[snakesraiders]

Atavin is some great stuff. I have had anxiety panic disorder for a long time and when I having a problem (when its out of control) I take a couple of Atavin and in 20 minutes everythings just fine.And I'm a happy camper.