cpowee Posted December 25, 2012 Share Posted December 25, 2012 I was just prescribed Ativan as an attempt to help with a chronic pain condition that is fuelled by anxiety. I've taken 1 and then 2 (0.5mg) tablets under the tongue as prescribed, and there is no relaxing effect. In fact, I feel slightly MORE anxious than before, and quite grumpy/depressed/sleepy. I also have side effects like blurred vision. Not seeing a dr for at least a week, as I am on holiday. Anyone had a similar effect? I'm confused as to why this has happened. I have tried klonopin before, and it also had no effect. Is it possible that benzos just don't work for me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crtclms Posted December 26, 2012 Share Posted December 26, 2012 I just lost a long post. It's possible you are resistant to benzos, but you haven't tried enough of them to make that assertion yet. Some people respond negatively to meds, klonopin actually made me have rages, while not helping my anxiety. Xanax is my maintenance medication for anxiety. I also take ativan for help with migraine on occasion. But it is to relax the neck, shoulder, and scalp muscles, and treat any panic or anxiety layered on my headache, not to treat the pain directly. So it really varies from person to person, or even within a person. I would call the pdoc if you think it is not helping, especially if you think you may be more anxious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notfred Posted December 26, 2012 Share Posted December 26, 2012 Dosages up to 6 mg a day are allowed so 1 mg a day is just starting if you are tolerant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alien Navel Cord Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 You may just need a higher dose. I think pdocs commonly prescribe the lowest possible dose, and if it takes more to tamp down the anxiety usually they will prescribe a higher dose. At least that is what I have experienced from a few different pdocs so far. I was on .5 lorazepam and told to take 2 a day.. that did absolutely nothing. So I told my pdoc and he prescribed me 1mg to take twice a day, which worked. I am now to the point where the chilled-out buzz side effect is gone, and now I just feel normal without anxiety. So I know its working even though I don't "feel' anything anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brokendishes Posted February 18, 2013 Share Posted February 18, 2013 Ativan is worthless like valium. Some people are not affected by either. Try klonopin or xanax...xanax xr is even safer i hear but i like my regular blueys just fine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adell Posted March 30, 2013 Share Posted March 30, 2013 I find Ativan infuriating. I've gone as high as 4mg and it just made me wobbly & tired. At 1mg or 4mg I find it does nothing for my anxiety. So some people are resistant to benzos? I've never tried Xanax. Sounds like I should talk to my dr about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts