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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 5/21/2016 5:53 PM (GMT -5)
So I have had severe anxiety and panic attack for the past 6 months about and I've been taking .5mg ativan 2x a day one in morning and one before bed so 1mg isn't a lot I know that but I can certainly tell when I've missed a dose and I go to not a very reputable place because healthcare in this state is awful but I just recently moved back here and went back to the same dr because thats where I could get right in. Well she gives me 55 pills of ativan for a month..I take them 2 times a day and I asked for the reasoning and the PA that filled in for her yesterday said its to discourage taking them twice a day yet proceeded to tell me that there are a risk of seizures if I just stop. I know when I've missed because I get horrible anxiety and tremors. Well I need 4 pills to last me until I can fill it up because go figure I'm short from a full month. I have no idea what to do I'm horrified and panicking and sick because I'm afraid that I'm going to have seizures or something horrible will happen to me the pharmacy won't give me the 4 pills then fill the rest on Tuesday so idk what to do. My doctor back home gave me 60..so I have no idea what school this lady went to and also none of her credentials are on her wall...Sorry for the rant just no one else understands the crappyness of your body not working with you and your brain working against you. Sorry again just kinda unsure what I should do. Because I am feeling a mega huge panic attack coming on I already feel it.
Posted 5/21/2016 8:27 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Rcg,

I am sorry you are feeling worried about this new situation...

However, the difference of 5 or so pills should not make a huge difference in the big picture, since you are on a low daily dose. In other words, you are not at risk for any seizures!

I would recommend doing one of two things...

1) On good days...days when the anxiety is low, and you can use your coping skills to get you through...you can 'bank' either your a.m. or p.m. dose...and have it for the days you really need both. This should get you through the month.

2) You could make a water solution (water titration) with your total of 1 mg (both tablets) and meter it out for yourself as needed. This is a way to 'stretch' out the med, and keep you covered for the month.

This situation may actually end up being a blessing in disguise...as you will eventually be less.dependent on your benzo...

...and could end up learning to rely more on coping skills...which are an essential part of anxiety management.

Wishing you the best! Keep us updated, and we'll keep you in support. :)

S.C.
Posted 5/21/2016 8:48 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you!! I'm going to try to taper off of them I don't want to be on them long term and I want to get off of lamictal I may start buspar to help get off the ativan. I guess I feel hopeless and that I'll be stuck this way forever like I'm looking at myself and world through a looking glass and it saddens me very much. I'm having a hard time enjoying anything I'm not a very fun person to be around right now and I usually am I'm very not me right now. I can't go for walks or in stores without getting extremely dizzy and almost falling over then a get a surge of panic.
Posted 5/21/2016 9:06 PM (GMT -5)
I'm sorry...I know how difficult this is. I felt the same at one point...

Remind me...are you currently in therapy? How about practicing self help?

The combination of these along with meds is usually the best plan of action!

S.C.
Posted 5/21/2016 9:15 PM (GMT -5)
I was I just moved again been back and forth a bit which is really throwing me off next year my fiance and I can finally move home for good and stay there all of this change is throwing me off. I journal daily which seems to help a bit. Its been a really bumpy last 6 months and now I need to find a therapist here that I like and the medical care where I'm living is just terrible and everywhere has horrible reputations so I'm really searching. I got a dog and she has been helping especially when I'm in the car I take her where i can so I can ground myself when I'm panicking and driving. I wish I could be medication free for a while..give my body a chance to be natural for a little.
Posted 5/21/2016 9:27 PM (GMT -5)
Well, like you said, once you are settled...you can make a more permanent plan...

...for now, keep up with the things you are doing...and check out the on-line therapy options and therapy worksheets (and more!) that we have in our Resources. They are really good when practiced regularly.

You are going to reach your goals...I can see your determination.;)

Be patient with yourself and the process...you will get there. We will be cheering you on!

S.C.
Posted 5/22/2016 12:02 AM (GMT -5)
That seizure story may be just made up for people who abuse their benzos, my wife has been on the
same as you are taking but three times a day, if she's feeling good she just waits until she feels a need
or fear, I on the other hand took xanax for ten years with therapy and coping skills i got to where i
just carried it just in case, it's been over three years now with no xanax, however i do take benadryl
to help me go to sleep, you are in no danger use your medicine for its intended purpose, to help you
enjoy as much of every day as you can, Peace.

Larry ***
Posted 5/22/2016 2:53 AM (GMT -5)
Hi
Some words i hear for the 1st time make me laugh "BENZOS" lol .Scaredy you are something else I'm telling u ..so hard to go back to our normal self hey!... I have no doubt my boyfriend is on his way out of this relationship ...he doesnt believe in this sickness..
Reg 108..I lie so much to my pharmacist to get ativan. Luckly i take hàlf when theres a need.and its only at night when I'm alone . Sometimes he sells me 2 pills... Coping skills get me by In some days ..I understand what u going through. but there's no way you can get seizures..I promise you.
Posted 5/22/2016 4:08 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you everyone! Yeah it's my first day without any ativan at all in about 6 months I feel really crappy and panicky and I went to the pharmacy again and they won't give me 4 pills until I can fill it. I had to take my last one last night I was waking up gasping for air and a pounding heart every half hour so I'm really nervous for work tomorrow. The call center at the "doctors" office I use the term doctor quite loosely has yet again not returned my phone calls. The pharmacy even knows that office and has horrible things to say about them so that definitely says something. I'm gonna call during regular hours tomorrow. Im not sure what's gonna help me sleep though tonight and possibly tomorrow if I can't get a hold of anyone.
Posted 5/22/2016 4:10 PM (GMT -5)
rcg, "Benadryl over the counter", no script required, use for sleep! Peace

Larry ***
Posted 5/22/2016 5:04 PM (GMT -5)
Rcg,

We have some really effective self help material in the Resources.

Would you like me to post some links I recommend?

S.C.
Posted 5/22/2016 5:06 PM (GMT -5)
Yes please and thank you! I just don't wanna feel like crap until Tuesday :/ I mean 2 days without them should be OK but I still feel really crappy and I am on a very low dose.
Posted 5/22/2016 5:29 PM (GMT -5)
www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

www.stress-relief-exercises.com


Three Minute Mindfulness Meditation Video


/www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDflnqo0TQs

www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2_UfFIszkY


Here are a few to get you started...check out more at the top of the main page if you'd like

Wishing you the best...and post as needed!

S.C.
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