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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 2 of 2. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Buzz Aldrin2 on March 30, 2001, at 18:50:44
I recently had a panic attack brought on by heart palpitations
caused by Mitral Valve Prolapse. (At least this is what the
cardiologist diagnosed). My GP prescribed 45 .5 mg
tablets of Ativan. I was under so much stress and had
recurring panics that I consumed the entire prescription
in two weeks. The directions said to take two every six hours
as needed. Well they were always needed. I had never felt
anything like this before (the panic). Now I am off of them,
and I feel better, but I suspect I may have another panic
attack at some time as I still feel a little rough around the
edges. Should I ask for more Ativan just in case? Was the amount
I took excessive?
Posted by Daveman on March 31, 2001, at 1:33:38
In reply to Ativan - How much us OK?, posted by Buzz Aldrin2 on March 30, 2001, at 18:50:44
According to the prescribing information posted at Rx List, the usual doses of Ativan vary from 2-6 mgs. per day (link below). You consumed 22.5 mgs. in 14 days, which is therefore not an excessive amount. Like all Benzos, Ativan will cause physical dependence if taken continuously over long periods, so it would not be a good idea to get in the Ativan habit unless you are diagnosed with a panic disorder (which is different from occcasional panic attacks). OTOH an occasional Ativan to help you over a rough spot shouldn't hurt, that's how I take Xanax or klonopin, two very similar drugs.
Here's the link:
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/loraz_ids.htm
Dave
> I recently had a panic attack brought on by heart palpitations
> caused by Mitral Valve Prolapse. (At least this is what the
> cardiologist diagnosed). My GP prescribed 45 .5 mg
> tablets of Ativan. I was under so much stress and had
> recurring panics that I consumed the entire prescription
> in two weeks. The directions said to take two every six hours
> as needed. Well they were always needed. I had never felt
> anything like this before (the panic). Now I am off of them,
> and I feel better, but I suspect I may have another panic
> attack at some time as I still feel a little rough around the
> edges. Should I ask for more Ativan just in case? Was the amount
> I took excessive?
This is the end of the thread.
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