ATIVAN question

[starshadow]

I am taking Ativan for my panic attack. i have phobia with subway riding.

I know it is addictive medicine, however, I have to take it, i need to take train go to work everyday.
I only took 0.25mg /day, if i took it 5 days a week, will it cause problem for me in the future?
What other alternative medicine i can take if Ativan is not suited for my situation.

thanks

[starshadow]

thank you guys

[tommylee333]

been on ativan for 5 year only take it when i'm going out in public or having a panic attack. i take about one forth of my 1 mg pill suposed to take 1 mg 3 times a day but never have.

[dolphin845]

I too take ativan.  And as you ,  I'm taking .25mg.  My prescription is 1mg. pills and to take as needed or 3 times a day.  If I took 3 mg. a day,  I'd be comatose!  .25mg. sedates me enough.  We are all different and even the doc's can't predict how we are going to be effected.  The doc I have now tells me to take what I feel is good for me.  Since I"m UNDER the prescribed dose.  As long as I don't go over that.
And I just take as needed.  There are times when I need .25mg. twice a day.  One in the morning and one in the evening and then I might not need any the next day OR I may need just  one .25mg. for that whole day.  It all depends and I just listen to my body.

[Jikan]

Namaste,

I also suffer from panic attacks when I'm in a crowded bus or train and take Valium, 10 mg 4 times a day which control my symptoms for the most part although on ocassion, I still sufer minor attacks which I control through deep breathing and meditation.

That said, you should take your medication as it was prescribed to you by your physician. Taking more or less can exacerbate your symptoms.  If prescribed however, I don't see a problem taking it on a regular basis, but if you ever stop taking it, it must be done in a slow manner, once again under the supervision of a doctor.  

All the other medications I can think of that would help your situation are also benzos, so substituting one for another doesn't make much sense especially if the Ativan is effective for you.

I've taken my Valium for 4 years now without any major complications, but as I said, before making any changes consult with a healtcare professional.

Michael(Jikan)