Ativan for mood disorder?

mrsbtobe · 06-08-2009, 10:50 PM

I recently suffered my first panic attack. One doctor thinks its because I'm in law school, and the other thinks its related to a chemical thats lacking in PCOS girls.

This doctor suggested I go on daily Ativan to keep me calm and at a maxium functioning level.

I feel blue sometimes, but I don't think I'm depressed.

I generally don't like the idea of medication (I even hate BCP), so the thought of being on ativan daily is making me a little weary. However, if it will improve my function, I'm going to look into it.

Does anyone have any experience with daily ativan?

Thanks in advance

PaisleyVixen · 06-09-2009, 01:00 AM

ativan is a very powerfull drug i use it myself,but only when i have a panic attack.
its highly addictive..and i dont think its good to take every day...
it sadates u...2mg knocks me right out!
how many mg does he want u to take?

doesitinspire · 06-11-2009, 02:07 AM

I have several clients who take a similar drug, Klonopin, daily for the same reason. Generally, Ativan is for anxiety only. It won't improve any symptoms related to feeling blue or possibly being depressed.

The idea of taking it daily is to lower your anxiety threshold overall, so that you aren't as easily effected by your environment and stressors instead of taking it when you feel a clear episode of panic coming on. I've seen successes, but I've also heard people who complain they can't function because they feel very drugged. Expect a few days at minimum to adjust to feeling fuzzy, disconnected, verrrry relaxed etc. Doesn't have to be a bad thing but it may make studying/focusing slightly more challenging.