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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by joe f on February 1, 2015, at 21:05:19
any thoughts or users of this for anxiety and what has been an effective dose
Posted by ed_uk2010 on February 2, 2015, at 6:41:20
In reply to ativan, posted by joe f on February 1, 2015, at 21:05:19
> any thoughts or users of this for anxiety and what has been an effective dose
Lorazepam is usually used for the short-term relief of severe anxiety/agitation. The usual dose is between 0.5mg twice a day and 1mg up to four times a day. Single doses do not normally exceed 2mg. Taking too much at once can cause sedation and loss of memory for things which happened between about 1 and 8 hours after the dose was taken.
What would you like to know specifically?
Posted by joe f on February 2, 2015, at 7:52:21
In reply to Re: ativan, posted by ed_uk2010 on February 2, 2015, at 6:41:20
just switched from klonopin as klonopin takes forever to work did u have success with it as I do get agitation...on Cymbalta..tegretol...lamictal....ocd/mood disorder with anxiety
Posted by ed_uk2010 on February 2, 2015, at 8:22:46
In reply to Re: ativan, posted by joe f on February 2, 2015, at 7:52:21
Do you mean, Klonopin takes too long to work when taken 'as needed'? Klonopin should work within 1-2 hours.
If you're taking Ativan 'as needed' for panic or agitation, the most common dose is 1mg and it should work within 1 hour. It doesn't 'kick in' as fast as Xanax or Valium but you'll probably find it quicker than Klonopin.
Benzos should not normally be taken regularly for OCD or mood disorders but they are suitable for use when required.
What sort of symptoms are you going to be taking Ativan for? What is the agitation like?
Ativan, at low doses, does not usually cause too much drowsiness when taken for agitation. It calms the mind but without the same degree of muscle/bodily relaxation as Valium.
Posted by joe f on February 2, 2015, at 9:35:13
In reply to Re: ativan, posted by ed_uk2010 on February 2, 2015, at 8:22:46
for anxiety associated w/ ocd and general anxiety--.5 3x daily...afraid to much....would like to try valium...dr will not script....also I suspect I may be underdosing my Cymbalta at 30 mg may need to go to 60 and try for at least 2 weeks im afraid the NE effects may cause more anxiety but that could be my ocd
Posted by ed_uk2010 on February 2, 2015, at 9:52:30
In reply to Re: ativan, posted by joe f on February 2, 2015, at 9:35:13
> for anxiety associated w/ ocd and general anxiety--.5 3x daily...afraid to much....would like to try valium...dr will not script....
OK well try Ativan first and see how you do. You may respond well. What does the 0.5mg three times a day refer to? I don't know which med you're talking about there.
>I may be underdosing my Cymbalta at 30 mg may need to go to 60 and try for at least 2 weeks im afraid the NE effects may cause more anxiety but that could be my ocdThe usual effective dose is 60mg yes, so you will probably need to increase. Cymbalta mainly helps anxiety by acting as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor but its (weaker) action as an NE reuptake inhibitor may actually help anxiety in some cases, as well as depression.
It is not correct to think of 'NE effects' of antidepressants as being like an adrenaline rush. NE reuptake inhibitors appear to downregulate post-synaptic adrenergic receptors in the brain, which is associated with the antidepressant effect.
If your doctor agrees you can be on 60mg Cymbalta, you should try that dose, and use Ativan when needed.
This is the end of the thread.
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