ativan

[Biohazard]

i'm wondering if anyone has had success with this drug for ic/fm? i dont know much about it...does it cause dependency like opiods/xanax etc? i'm really trying to stay away from the meds that cause dependency....

[Nicole in ATL]

I've never tried ativan, so I don't have anything to offer as far as experiences...but I do know that ativan is a benzodiazepine and is in the same class as xanax, valium, klonopin. All of these drugs have the potential for dependency.

But I believe some on here have had benefits from using these drugs. They are normally used for people with anxiety/panic attacks.

I would talk to your uro about it.

Nicole blink

[scootermom]

I have taken Ativan for occasional use when I have been very panicky about something. You can become addicted to it so I don't think it is a good long-term medication.

It also makes me very very drowsy and dilates my pupils so I have a hard time reading after I have taken it but it really calms me down.

[SheriG]

I take ativan, and would be lost without it. When I get to hurting bad, and feel a flare starting, I get really uptight, which then only makes the pain worse. Usually just one little ativan makes me feel better and cope better as well. Best of luck to you. grouphug

[Dixiefireball]

I am one of those people who can NOT take ativan it really brings out the meanest in me out it makes me so ill i can't even stand my self but on the other hand i do great on my klonpin's ativan is just a drug that just doesnt mix with my system.

I take .5 mg Ativan, have taken it for years. Long story, but an allergist prescribed it for "pseudo-asthma" which I do not have. The idea was that it would help me breathe better. As it turns out, my breathing problems were related to tightened muscles in my pelvic/abdominal area from the IC pain. Anyway, I only used Ativan when I think I need it. It is great for the nights when I can't sleep due to pain--I take one before going to bed or if I wake up in the middle of the night and know that I won't/can't go back to sleep. Doc told me that .5 mg is a miniscule amount, but I never have the urge to take anymore. On days when I am pain-free (seldom, but they do occur), I don't even think about taking Ativan. I would say if it helps, do what it takes. I have no side effects--takes about an hour to work. Good luck!

P.S. I take Lorazepam, the generic which is cheaper.