Agoraphobia qucik question

[BeckaJo]

Hiya all -

Right now the ONLY drug I am on is Ativan (lorazepam) for my panic attacks. Works pretty well - as long as I recognize the early signs of an attack quickly enough. Hits me in about fifteen minutes, I calm down and function clearly. I take 1 mg (half a 2 mg tablet) as needed, which is about every second day or so. I try to stretch it.

Here's the thing. I have now developed an absolute hatred of being in open spaces. I used to love it. Now I find myself squashing into corners and crouching under my desk when I'm doing my reading for class (freaks my students out, let me tell you.) But I can't find agoraphobia listed as a side effect of lorazepam anywhere!

Anyone else have some experience to shed some light on this? Is this a bad sign and will I have to switch drugs? It was like pulling teeth to get this scrip out of my doctor (since she's five hundred miles away I couldn't go in)...I'd rather not.

Help!

[Penny Century]

beckajo

i would talk to your doctor about this.

it is more likely that your anxiety is manifesting in a new manner than that your ativan is causing you to have a new form of anxiety/phobia.

i doubt it is related to the ativan, unless the agoraphobia is a manifestation of withdrawal (rebound anxiety) when you are not on the ativan.

whatever it is, this is something that your doctor needs to know about as it seems to be seriously impacting your life and ability to function.

let us know what happens.

penny

[chimpmaster]

Hiya all -

Right now the ONLY drug I am on is Ativan (lorazepam) for my panic attacks. Works pretty well - as long as I recognize the early signs of an attack quickly enough. Hits me in about fifteen minutes, I calm down and function clearly. I take 1 mg (half a 2 mg tablet) as needed, which is about every second day or so. I try to stretch it.

Here's the thing. I have now developed an absolute hatred of being in open spaces. I used to love it. Now I find myself squashing into corners and crouching under my desk when I'm doing my reading for class (freaks my students out, let me tell you.) But I can't find agoraphobia listed as a side effect of lorazepam anywhere!

Anyone else have some experience to shed some light on this? Is this a bad sign and will I have to switch drugs? It was like pulling teeth to get this scrip out of my doctor (since she's five hundred miles away I couldn't go in)...I'd rather not.

Help!

Its unlikely that atvian would directly cause agoraphobia, however, with regular benzo use rebound anxiety is common and during rebound anxiety anything from panic attacks to agoraphobic experiences are quite common. This is one of the reasons why it is not common to be treated only with a benzo as benzos tend to cover up the problem rather than working to heal your general state.

If you are experiencing serious anxiety problems, I think you should make an appointment with a Dr, even if this means a trip away. Plan it so you can take time off if necessary. You need to be diagnosed and for a joint agreement to be made about medical treatment between you and your dr.

FYI I live nearly 300km from my psychiatrist and I catch the bus there anywhere from once a fortnight to once every couple of months, depending on how well i am doing. 300km is ok for a round day trip, but 500 miles would mean you would have to stay the night I'd say.