celexa, ativan, etc.

[rubbermonster]

I have a few questions, so please bear with me. I have been on 20mg of celexa for a few years. Six weeks ago, I began to have severe panic attacks, increased depression, and heavy anxiety. My doctor had me increase to 40mg celexa and added .5mg of ativan twice daily to help with the panic and anxiety until the celexa increase kicked in. After six and1/2 weeks I haven't noticed a big difference and I was wondering if the ativan is preventing the celexa from working properly. I know benzodiadepines are cns depressants, and thought it may be interacting with the celexa the same way alcohol might.

It may just be that the celexa needs more time to work. Does the eight week wait with celexa apply to increases in dose as well?

My last question is how much longer will the ativan be safe to take without becoming addicted? It seems to help quite a bit for the anxiety, but I don't want to take it longer than I have to.

Thanks for your time,
Richard

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

It is safe to take ativan for a long period of time as long as it used sparingly for anxiety periods rather than as a permanet feature in your life.  The Celexa will have already been optimized by now so don't expect anything more from that dose, but do remember that the medication is not a cure, its just a way of stabilizing your moods and your thoughts so you can deal with the source of your anxiety and depression...you still have to actively manage your life.

[KickedThePanic]

You are correct to be concerned about becoming addicted to Ativan (Lorazepam). This drug and many others that have "pam) at the end are called benzodiazepines. They are CNS depressants and are HIGHLY ADDICTIVE even in small doses. It is recommended that they are used for short term relief of panic and anxiety, but only should be used when all else fails. I would recommend you talk to your doctor about a drug called Nozinan (Methoprazine). It is classified as an Anti-Psychotic and I found it extremely helpful in beating panic attacks. Others you could discuss with your doctor are: Olanzepine, Serquel, Risperdal. All are Anti-Psychotic's and much easier and better for the body. You see, benzo's are somewhat damaging to the body and not good for you in the least. Benzo's are like valium in that they traquillize the body and you become addicted to they before you know it. The withdrawls are plain gruesome and horrifying and are actually worse than withdrwls from an opiate analgesic such as Percocets, Oxycocets, Morphine.

Good-Luck!

[hey3]

Hi!  I have taken several med's such as Effexor XR, Lexapro and valium and I have never had any "addictive" problems with them when I discontinued.  I did a bit of research on the net how other people discontinued them and had no problems.  I am currently taking valium on occasion and haven't had any problems.  Do some research along with working with your doc.

Heyheyhey

[KickedThePanic]

Well, I'm assuming you have a central nervous system? I assume it's depressed. There are indications that people develop a strong resistence to CNS depresaants. Some very sensitive to it's tranqualizing effects. It's quite uncommon knowledge as to what this drug actually does to your body. To those taking this medication, I would get off valium or you may be on it for life!

Good-Luck,

Jerry

[Geeimnpain]

Agree with Forum Dr. regarding Celexa..time to try another anti-depressant.  As for the Ativan, if you take the current dosage AND don't take more than that, you will not get Physically addicted..it takes a higher dosage taken over a long period of time to get to that point. Anti-depressants AND LOW dose Benzodiazapines(such as Ativan, Xanax) are appropriate drugs for the treatment of Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder. From what you state, the symptoms you experience, although physical, are most likely emotional responses.  Good therapy can (and does) do wonders!!