Alternatives to Ativan (Lorazepam)?

[miked]

From the beginning of tx my Doc has told me not to be a hero, meaning if I need something for the sides he'll help.

Someone once posted here that they feel like a "wounded animal" by the end of a day.  After a grueling work day that's how I feel and my family gets the brunt of it.

On first tx I smoked some pot after work & the 2-3 hours of family time was fine.  Prove 3 won't allow this & I won't jepordize my participation in the trial.

My doc prescribed Ativan (Lorazepam) 0.5 mg to take the edge off.  The first 10 minutes are fine but then I go to sleep.

Two things on the table so don't get on me: 1.) I haven't smoked pot since High School  2.) Before tx all I took was an occasional Clartin D.

Does anyone have a reccomendation for an alternative that won't make you crash?

[Forseegood]

course, I'm no expert, but why don't you just cut your ativan down with a pill cutter? When I've ever had to take them, I cut it in fourths, and I can still feel it, though I'm drug sensitive. But I know others who do this too, and they can still feel it. Might be worth a try. Also, just take it on an "as needed" basis, not everyday. One thing that's confusing to me though, you said you smoked pot on your last tx, and it was fine, then you said you hadn't smoked pot since you were in high school? Ha, maybe I'm confused. Also, there's xanax, that might be so "crashing" for you, again, if it is, try cutting it down, and only take it as needed. hope this helps.

[miked]

Let me restate that....Until my last tx I haven't smoked pot since High School :-)

[cigaso]

I take .5 mg of ativan to sleep at night. What is your mg per tablet? You might want to take one benedryl. It may make you drousy, but not fall a sleep.

[Terrylee8]

Prozac has been a life saver for me to date. 17 weeks in and I'm tired but happy.

[cajunlady]

Just had my primary care physician change my meds from Ativan to Xanax and Lexapro to Prozac, I have used this combination twice before and it worked just fine for me.  On some nights I do cut my Xanax in half.  Just depends on how much anxiety I have.  They last longer that way too, if you cut them in half and they work. Only have to pay for a prescription every other month instead of every month.  Good Luck with getting a balance.

Cajun

[FloridaMouse]

I used a child's dose of Phenegran.  I could take anywhere from 1/2  a tablet at a time to 2 tablets at a time.  Hence, I was able to control how much I needed and how drowsy I got.   Unfortunately, most anit-nauseants will make you drowsy.  One has to be careful with Phenegran, it cannot be used on people with ESLD.  I'm a 3/3 and my doc had no problem with prescribing it for me.

Mouse
genotype 1a, Stage 3, Grade 3
Finished 48 weeks of tx on 4/13/07
Hoping for SVR on September 20, 2007

[jmjm530]

My hepatologist recommended pot (the medical sort I presume) for me during treatment to help combat nausea and increase my appetite. If there was any chance it would reduce my chances of SVR, I doubt he would have recommended it. Pot doesn't agree with me at all, so I declined. Valium is similar to Ativan but it might put you to sleep as well. As suggested, try half a dose. Many people here seem to take ADs like Lexipro to keep from kicking the dog. I didn't but my doc also prescribes that for treatment related agitation.

-- Jim

[hightrekker]

Valium has a longer half life than Ativan, so is a bit longer lasting, and not as many peaks and valleys--
However, Benzo's are very addictive- be careful.
Personally, I have my medical marijuana, and take think that it is the superior way to deal with these issues (if you have no aversion or addiction issues with cannabis). It is supplied through a dispensary.
I am having injection 22 Sunday, of 24. UD at week 4. Type 2--
I have been very low energy lately, and am looking forward to number 24.

[meki]

Try xanax.... Works like a charm and I never felt sleepy on them.

Meki