Posted by Ativan-Tim on May 4, 2003, at 0:42:48
In reply to Re: ativan and axiety, posted by worrier on May 3, 2003, at 21:10:16
I, too, am 30. I've got the EXACT same cronic breath hunger problem (can't breathe-- feels like I can't get air into my lungs, which then makes it hard for me to swallow any food as does it wake me up at night when the Ativan wears off). Ativan works, but when it wears off, the problem comes back. I've been on Ativan for 6 months (really low dosage, always under 1MG) and am worrying about the withdrawal symptoms which might occur. So, here's what I'm doing: I started exercising again very regurlarly, I'm drinking water like crazy, and I've cut back huge on my alcohol consumption. With all this (been two weeks), I'd say my breathing has gotten 25% better (but it was pretty damn severe, so even this little improvement is not solving anything... yet). I'm hoping that in a few more weeks, I'll have changed my body-habits enough not to need the .5MG of Ativan which I take daily. From everything I've read and been told by doctors, Ativan IS NOT what you want to be on for any duration over a month. It could be used, instead, in a pinch (i.e. panic attack on a plane or something). I'm determined NOT to go on anything long term, based not only on what you've said about Paxil, but also what I've read about Paxil, Remeron (which I was on for two months and had acne and hair loss like crazy so I got off it), and all the other SSRIs. I'll keep posting as my progress continues... I'm trying to "feel" the breathing problem in such a way when it arises, that it's not a bad thing. This is hard to do obviously. But if I freak everytime it comes on, it gets worse. Somehow I've got to get my mind and my affect not to see it as "bad" or something... I don't know. I'm struggling as well. Hang in there. (And quit smoking if you do-- that's surely not going to help! I had to.). Tim
poster:Ativan-Tim
thread:223045
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030429/msgs/224179.html