Ativan vs Antidepressants for anxiety/depression cascade? (Xanax, harmful, sleep)

[whitlock]

I once took Melatonin, I had terrible nightmares. Never again.

[Just1Lion]

my experience with loraz. has been pretty good. then again i only take .5 mg maybe once every 2 weeks. i couldnt imagine taking it every day. i would be too tired. i take it when i just cant relax and i feel the possibility of a panic attack coming on. the other days im usually fine. or busy.

[whitlock]

Then probably you are not prone to addiction.

[whitlock]

Originally Posted by NoPoliticsNoGamesJustMath

Run, become active in your community.

I'm already active in the community. I escort old ladies to the farmacia.

[NoPoliticsNoGamesJustMath]

Originally Posted by whitlock

I once took Melatonin, I had terrible nightmares. Never again.

You're weak son. Melatonin is known for giving vivid dream whilst sleeping. In my experience good sleep good dreams. If you are having nightmares there is more than likely something in your subconscious that is bothering you. What that is you more than likely already know - but know it like the back of your hand. Could not describe it to anyone - but you live with it everyday.

I am half joking here and I do not mean to call you weak. I do not believe that visuals while sleeping are completely separate from our awake state. Meaning I think nightmares are a reflection of inner conflict or outer conflict that is waiting to be resolved. Refer to isolation tank, meditation, nature, psychiatrist or other more risky but rewarding means. NOT TALKING ABOUT ANTIDEPRESSANTS OR BENZOS.

[NoPoliticsNoGamesJustMath]

Originally Posted by Just1Lion

my experience with loraz. has been pretty good. then again i only take .5 mg maybe once every 2 weeks. i couldnt imagine taking it every day. i would be too tired. i take it when i just cant relax and i feel the possibility of a panic attack coming on. the other days im usually fine. or busy.

IMO benzos are super beneficial. It is probably good for ANYONE (and i do mean anyone) to have at least a couple days worth of short acting benzos (ativan or xanax or temazepam etc) and a couple days of longer acting (clonaz, valium etc)

The reason for this is exactly what this gentleman has referred to here. Benzos are extremely beneficial in situations of immense panic, stress, and short depression that disrupts sleep. Taken every day however you will begin to experience immune problems, adrenaline problems, memory loss, concentration deteriorates, depression increase, anxiety increase, aggression, and depersonalization...

The word TRANQUILITY comes to mind when one is in a deeply panic ridden state and is relieved via benzo ingestion. There is no better feeling than being comfortable, okay, and calm --> Tranquil. That is why these are known as Tranquilizers.

But again very very very dangerous. If taken every day your BODY will become addicted, forget the psychological addiction because that is minor. The physical addiction will lead to imbalances in your nervous system and uncontrollable anxiety, depression and as was mentioned you can die from this. Benzos are AWESOME at reducing seizure activity in epileptic patients. However they will work opposite as well, that is how people die from benzo (or alcohol) withdrawal. Seizures.

GOOD LUCK

[whitlock]

Originally Posted by NoPoliticsNoGamesJustMath

Taken every day however you will begin to experience immune problems, adrenaline problems, memory loss, concentration deteriorates, depression increase, anxiety increase, aggression, and depersonalization...

Exactly! I've used benzos for ten years first Lorazepam for 7 years and now Diazepam for the last 3 years. I often sit and wonder how ten years went so fast. I'm starting to experience the symptoms you described but the benefit of the medication is still greater.

In fact right now I'm in a state of whitdrawal, I have to wait 6 more hours before I get my dosage. I have muscle pains and the only thing I can do right now is to wait and chain smoke. I'm also drinking alot of water constantly for some reason I crave water all the time or diet coke which destroys my stomach.

[mistygrl092]

My opinion is that an anti-depressant combined with Ativan is a good way to go. I'd try not to take the Ativan unless you really need it though, as one can develop a tolerance and addiction rather quickly (well, not as quickly as say with Xanax). In any event, I'm no Dr. so if I were you I'd see a good psychiatrist and follow his directions.

[whitlock]

Yes, I've seen some doctors but I don't need their advice right now. All I need them for is to fill my prescriptions. When I don't have whitdrawal I'm a "completely functional member of society". Thanks for the advice though.

[Greenchili]

I take 1 mg of Ativan most nights to help me sleep.Tinnitus is a bugger,and
Ativan helps me get to sleep. Dont think Im addicted,never go above 1 mg.
I go some nights with 1/2,or some nights I take Benadryl. Here soon,Im gonna try and stop using Ativan and just use Benadryl occasionally. Is 5HTP
addicting? Or L-Theanine? I know they are "natural" but wonder if you must
wean off those supplements also?


Deb