Had anxiety attack this a.m.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Had anxiety attack this a.m.
8
Tue, 10-24-2006 - 11:29am

I woke up this morning feeling very anxious, naseated, rapid heartbeat and racing thoughts. I tried to relax and take deep breaths and refused to take ativan because I'm trying to wean off. Finally, it became too much and I took an ativan. Ten minutes later it stopped. There were no triggers, it just happened as I awoke. I've only taken ativan twice on over a week. I'm wondering, is the paxil not working and I must use ativan or am I still experiencing withdrawals from the ativan? Any thoughts? Maybe I should make an appointment to see the doc again. Good thing is I'm feeling fine now.

Candace

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-22-2005
Tue, 10-24-2006 - 11:39am

Hi Candace. Is Ativan something that can be taken as needed? If you stopped suddenly or skipped a few days and it's not meant to be used that way, I would suspect it could cause an anxiety attack. I had that happen years ago when I quit xanax cold turkey after using it for several months.


Glad you're feeling better.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2003
Tue, 10-24-2006 - 11:52am

hey candace,


this is probably your body trying to get use to weening off the ativan.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Tue, 10-24-2006 - 11:59am

Thanks guys. I should just accept that I need ativan sometimes and it is okay to take when I do need it. I guess I should be happy that I don't have to take it every day now. I am who I am, Right? I wonder, has anyone had real sucess taking ad's? I mean, while taking one, you had NO anxiety? I just thought that is the way they are supposed to work. Perhaps I'm giving them too much credit. LOL

Candace

P.S. Heather, that is a beautiful picture of Tyler!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 10-24-2006 - 12:17pm

I am not sure why you're having the anxiety, Candace. Perhaps going without the ativan or something like lack of sleep could be the culprit. It does tend to sneak up on us & rather than analyze why it happened, maybe just accepting it will give you an advantage. That method has helped me.


There's many folks who take the ativan on an as needed basis. It's not a failure on your part. As for AD's, they are very successful in treating anxiety disorders. But none will ever take the anxiety away completely. Meds are only a tool. Learning new coping skills will take you much farther in learning to live with anxiety. Good luck! (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Tue, 10-24-2006 - 8:28pm

(((Candace)))

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Wed, 10-25-2006 - 11:04am

I've come to the conclusion that I'm not ready to be off ativan yet. I took it again this morning after waking up with anxiety again. I feel much better after taking it, so I'm going to do so. I'm not going to go through life suffering when I have help in the medicine cabinet. Good news is that I'm only taking 1/2 dose once a day, so I'm not too worried. Thank you for your kind words.

Candace

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Wed, 10-25-2006 - 11:11am
I have done the same, Candace. In the future, maybe you won't need that half dose of ativan. But for now, you are feeling better with it & that's ok. Good luck! (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Wed, 10-25-2006 - 5:05pm
Candace, I was so happy to read your post!

Sheri Ann