whats the difference

[mama877]

whats the difference between xanax and ativan?  Drs. refuse to give me xanax because they say its addicting. But the ativan only helps if i take it b4 ed as prescribed. I still have panic attacks during the day. The xanax was most helpful.  But then i dnt want to get addicted to them. my panic attacks are bad. i feel like my head is going to erupt, explode. i feel like i'm going to get n a car wreck. i always feel like im goin ti die n the most horrible way.i cant even go to sleep b/c i fear i may die n my sleep . and i might have a heart attack n my sleep. im  losin my mind already.

[MissBeth]

I think Xanax is a bit more powerful than Ativan, however I have never tried Ativan.  Is this a primary doctor that won't give it to you or is it a mental health doctor?  With as bad as symptoms you describe you should be able to find a doctor to help you get on the correct medication.  Plus stick with the Zoloft for a few more weeks.  Perhaps adjust the dosage?  I was on Zoloft and now take Celexa.  I think it helps a bit more.

I was on Xanax and recently switched to Klonopin (longer lasting).  I think the switch was a good one.  But, I must say that Xanax helps wonderfully with panic attacks and the feelings of intense worry, fear, etc.  

[EAC79]

I have really bad anxiety while driving on the freeways... I feel like its over taking my life... I avoid going places and I have a trip coming up in July that requires me to drive 400 miles... I used to drive this all the time and now Im completley terrified. I really would like to know if anyone out there knows how to deal with an anxiety attack while you are driving... this morning I started to have one while my kids were in the car and if it over takes me I have to pull over... sometimes I wont be able to pull over... Im currently taking zoloft and have been for the past month however it doesn't seem to help me.

Any suggestions??

[cj29]

Both Xanax and Ativan are benzos with a fairly short half life.  Any benzo can cause one to have a tolerance and can be habit forming.  Both of these medications are usually prescribed short term, while you start your talk therapy and possilby other longer term medications like SSRIs (Zoloft, Prozac, etc.).  Anxiety can be a hard challenge to confront, but with knowledge and understanding you will not only get through it, you will thrive with it....Welcome to the forum and keep asking as many questions as you like!!