Alternatives to Ativan...

[anon34]

So pretty soon here the doc is going to taper me off my Ativan sad day. I'm freaking out about it because the Ativan works wonders for me and for my anxiety and I'm afraid that an anti-depression/anxiety pill isnt going to cut it because it hasn't in the past.

Does anyone know of a good anti anxiety med as an alternative? Non benzodiazepine....because I'm pretty sure the doc is wanting me to taper here soon..

[chimpmaster]

You could look into Buspar, but its slow acting and better for anxiety than panic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buspirone

You could change anti-depressant to something with more panic blocking effect (eg paxil, prozac, lexapro, zoloft etc).

You could also try a small dose of an AAP like seroquel, to be taken prn. This is becoming a more popular way of dealing with anxiety and panic.

In the end though, I hate to say it, but the benzos like atvian work best. You could ask your dr about clonazepam or diazepam, which are longer acting benzos, and generally safer and less addictive for long term use.

[anon34]

You could look into Buspar, but its slow acting and better for anxiety than panic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buspirone

You could change anti-depressant to something with more panic blocking effect (eg paxil, prozac, lexapro, zoloft etc).

You could also try a small dose of an AAP like seroquel, to be taken prn. This is becoming a more popular way of dealing with anxiety and panic.

In the end though, I hate to say it, but the benzos like atvian work best. You could ask your dr about clonazepam or diazepam, which are longer acting benzos, and generally safer and less addictive for long term use.

I was looking at BuSpar and wondering about it...I have been on paxil, ,lexapro and zoloft and they did nothing for me. She currently has me on pristiq but I told her how last week I had a few bad days of depression and anxiety combined, and how the only thing really helping me right now is the Ativan. I am taking Hydroxz Pam as well but it's used more for a booster for the ativan...

I will mention the seroquel, I was on it when I was a teen and it was a great med for me.

[jt07]

Check out this thread: http://www.crazyboards.org/forums/index.php/topic/52340-non-benzo-meds-for-panic/page__pid__510666#entry510666

Some is about panic, but a lot can be applied to anxiety in general.

[anon34]

Thank you I will take a look.

[San]

Luvox is good for anxiety, so is Cymbalta. Good luck