Posted by harryp on June 13, 2004, at 0:31:16
In reply to Re: Ativan vs. Zyprexa. Need help, posted by mcp on June 12, 2004, at 20:02:57
That's a pretty impressive record on the Ativan. If I were a doc, my main concern would be the alcohol, since as you know they don't mix well!
You said they just took your ativan at the rehab center. Did they taper you off it with decreasing dosages? Stopping a benzo (or antipsychotic) cold-turkey is very unwise. From what I have heard, benzo withdrawal is very bad (and dangerous) if done cold-turkey, but is usually not much of a problem if one discontinues the med slowly.
Personally, if you think you can stay off the alcohol (and I bet having your anxiety under control would make that a lot easier!) I think going back on the Ativan with a doc's supervision could be the best solution.
Docs vary, but I think that if you explained your situation and history in detail, and expressed a willingness to see him or her frequently for dose monitoring, he or she would be receptive to the idea.
I think benzos are much safer long term than antipsychotics, which can have nasty side effects.
Hope this helps.
poster:harryp
thread:356102
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040608/msgs/356233.html