help with ativan withdrawl? was only on it for 30 days!

[Shanogen]

help from ativan withdrawl? My doctor said there is nothing he can do and just try to ride it out? I can't function, I feel like I am "losing" it, can't sleep, skin is crawling...

[RubyWitch]

I am very sorry............I jumped from Ativan to Xanax for some reason and gave you the wrong information! 6mg of Ativan, in three divided doses, is a very normal dose. But like Xanax, Ativan is not intended for long term use, as in >4 months on a daily basis. I would suggest speaking with your doctor soon about switching to a long term med if one is indicated.
What are ALL of your symptoms when you have an attack? When you say your heart races at 120 BPM and you have palps, those aren't the only two symptoms, are they? Those are both really common for anxiety and panic attacks, but seldom are they the only symptoms.
If those are your only symptoms, I would talk with the doctor about having a cardio work-up. It's entirely possible that you have a palp and then the anxiety creeps in, which makes your HR speed up and other symptoms to appear. But since there seems to be some confusion, it would be best to see the doc and get this straightened out.
Again, I'm sorry I got the meds mixed up. Guess it's a damn good thing I'm not a doctor, eh?
You'll be fine julie
Peace
Greenlydia

[julie1224]

min is not xanax its ativan started .5 x4times a day and is now up to 2mg 3 times a day the feelings i have been feeling co inside with anxiety....but reciently found out so do heart palpatations and my heart rate runs about120 so that makes me wonder if thats not what it is instead of anxiety  the ativan barely helps even at this dose

[RubyWitch]

6mg of Xanax is an EXTREMELY hefty dose and I have to shudder wondering what the hell your doctor was thinking putting you on that much. And then you say you're not even sure you HAVE anxiety!? Did your doctor tell you that you had anxiety? And it would have had to have been nearly dibilitating anxiety to start you out at 6mg per day!

I would also have to advise you to find another doctor ASAP who has a far better understanding, (or ANY at all) of these types of meds and begin a very slow taper. A consultation with a therapist or p-doc to correctly diagnose you is also a must. Your doctor can recommend someone for you to see.

Do NOT abruptly stop taking the Xanax. Nothing bad will happen if you continue until you've seen a new doctor, but there could be some serious consequences if you go cold turkey from that dose.

I understand that you are scared now, but try to be calm and know that when you get with the right doctors, they will withdraw you from the Xanax in a safe and comfortable taper. It may take a fairly long time, but you will be fine during the taper as you will have great support from the doctor and his staff and when you're off it completely, if you still have some anxiety issues, they will be addressed in a far more rational way.

Many of us here have withdrawn from Xanax and we've all survived and so will you. You are not alone in either the withdrawl process or the fear. We're all here for you, OK?
Chin up, eh?
Greenlydia

[julie1224]

you said u been a on it for 30 days may i ask what mg were u on....ive been on 3 months now taking 2mg 3 times a day.  im not even sure i have anxiety... how bad is the withdrawl now i afraid
Julie

[RubyWitch]

Fire your current doctor immediately and find one who not only knows what they are doing but actually has some compassion. Your doctors answer, first of all was, quite simply, wrong, there were a number of things he could do to help you, and secondly, his attitude was extremely unprofessional and totally unacceptable.

When you leave his practice, and I hope you do, write him a letter explaining why you are leaving. He will undoubtly just toss it in the garbage and mutter under his breath about "ignorant" patients, but let him know that you are sending a copy to the State Medical Board. Then do it. Don't expect any results, but your letter DOES go in his file.

We all need to speak up when we are treated with this kind of disregard.

Peace
Greenlydia