Posted by Noa on November 27, 2001, at 16:35:54
In reply to I have Ativan, please give me info and experiences, posted by adamie on November 26, 2001, at 18:06:30
Adam,
I just started taking ativan to help with sleep. My sleep problems are for the most part induced by at least one of my antidepressants (effexor). Serzone helps to counteract the overactivating effects that I have from the effexor, but not sufficiently. I end up with restless legs that wake me up. I had tried sonata (presciption sleep aid) but I found that increased my depression. Klonopin worked, but it wouldn't wear off by morning, and I had an awful time trying to wake up. So, I recently asked my pdoc to try ativan. I take a very small dose (1/4 of a 1mg pill) because I seem to be very sensitive to benzos (the highest I took of klonopin was 1/2 of a 1/2mg pill). So far, so good. I am sleeping at least 6-7 hours, usually straight through.
I think some people are more prone than others to becoming addicted to benzos. I don't seem to be prone, because they wipe me out! On the other hand, I could see myself getting addicted to adderall (although a recent test with incrasing the dosage caused sweating and rapid heart beat, so that scared me off!).
I think it is plausible that for some people, benzos could increase depression. But that is something you figure out by trial and error, unfortunately. Talk to your pdoc and Go slow.
Are you continuing to work with a psychopharm since leaving the hospital? It is important to be open and tell your pdoc how you experience each medication so you can work together collaboratively.
Perhaps you have already been over this info before, but if not, what medications are you on right now? What have you tried? What are the adverse effects from each? Maybe people here can help you figure some things out.
poster:Noa
thread:85234
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011123/msgs/85331.html