Posted by yxibow on March 3, 2007, at 21:49:35
In reply to Re: Ativan v. Xanax v. Valium, posted by Dan Perkins on March 3, 2007, at 18:54:18
> So, it's sounding to me from all the messages above that Ativan would indeed be a reasonable place to start, with Xanax as another possible option if the Ativan doesn't hold its own (please jump in here if anyone thinks otherwise).
>
> It also sounds like Xanax's anti-depressant (or perhaps just euphoria-inducing) effect could be interesting. I'm a bit hesitant about the Xanax, though, because when drugs of any kind spike my mood too noticeably, instead of becoming addicted, I usually become wary of the med and stop taking it.
>
> Any suggestions on how to start w/Ativan? Such as dose amount, schedule, etc?Ativan, as noted 2-3 mg spread twice or three times a day.
I'm still not too clear on the "antidepressant" effect of Xanax. It's euphoric to an extent for the benzodiazepine-naive individual who takes it occasionally but I am still wary of a drug that has to be given at least 3 times a day and has a very short half life. But that's just my concern -- that's why I save it for immediate relief and rarely take it. Same really goes for Ativan.
For a long time some years ago I took a 3 times a day agent not used alot but also for anxiety -- Tranxene, and I dropped it cold turkey. Not a good thing. Caused spasms in my scalp and the ** of a doctor gave me only half back because she really was actually benzo hating, the script started from an off-campus doctor. A top class medical school with an on campus clinic failed me. I still have some wierd side effects 10 years later, even with the Valium I take. But that could be a rarity of my chemistry.
So that's why I'm leery of dose schedules of medications that have such short half lives.But, some people really do notice differences between benzodiazepines... I switched from Klonopin to Valium because I felt Klonopin was too subtle.
However you pick it, take it as directed and try not to miss doses if you wish to take a shorter half life agent.
-- tidings.
poster:yxibow
thread:737838
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070302/msgs/738072.html