Need Benzodiazepine Recommendations Quick!

[EveHarrington]

After years of Ativan use, I had an intolerable side effect emerge (heart racing). My pharmacist says my best bet is to see if my doc will change my meds. I have a call in with my doc and he's returning my call in 6 hours (hence the urgency to possibly figure out options before he calls).

I have tolerated Ativan very well up until now. I have also tolerated Valium for other issues, so I'm thinking that is a possibility. Do any of you use Valium for anxiety? Does it work well? Klonopin is an option but I've found it to be overly sedating. (I only take these meds in the evening so a small dose might be possible.) I don't think my doc is too keen on Xanax because of the propensity for dependence.

Any feedback you can give is very much appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Lucycat]

I have a call in with my doc and he's returning my call in 6 hours

Surely that is the purpose of the call - so that a trained medical professional can discuss with you what your options are? Somebody that knows you and your medical history - not a bunch of random PTSD sufferers and supporters on an anonymous forum.

 

[Deleted member 28403]

Well, just to give any info, vallium works fine for me mainly, though after a couple days it can go bad. I really suggest to discuss with the doctor...

 

[EveHarrington]

Surely that is the purpose of the call - so that a trained medical professional can discuss with you what...

Well yes, but if a lot of people say "oh, Valium is AWESOME and I don't have side effects" then that would weigh in on my decision. Yes, my doctor has my complete med history but he also values my opinion on what to try next. He's a rare bird; my appointments are always at least 45 minutes while everyone else locally has you in and out in 5. He won't just make a decision without my input. He won't just shove a prescription in my face. And, all discussions via phone are limited to 10 minutes or I am charged, so getting feedback online will help me organize my thoughts in advance.

I am a bit perplexed as to your reply as it seems that many people come here to find out about medications that may be beneficial (or what to try next) so in that sense I believe that this post is very much in the spirit of the medication forum as a whole.

 

[EveHarrington]

Well, just to give any info, vallium works fine for me mainly, though after a couple days it can go bad....

What do you mean by it can go bad? I'm mainly looking to take something occasionally. Last night was the first time I needed it in 5 weeks just to give you an idea of how long I can go without it. I will be talking it out with my doctor. He is very knowledgeable about these meds. I'm just looking for feedback from others with PTSD as my doc cannot provide information on user experiences. Thanks!

 

[Lucycat]

"oh, Valium is AWESOME and I don't have side effects" then that would weigh in on my decision.

For me Quetiapine is wonderful and I don't have any side effects.
( But I probably would have if I took a higher dose etc)

 

[Deleted member 20978]

I'm just popping in but saw this and want to give my strong 2 cents to avoid Xanax and Klonopin as the long-term dependence is a serious nightmare for many. Was for me. Those two have far higher potency than all the other benzos is part of the problem. They work very well for symptoms for many too. But long term use has many downsides.

 

[EveHarrington]

Well as luck would have it, I miraculously found 2 Ativan in my old purse. (The good stuff filled before the current prescription.) I took 2 of those and guess what, no side effects. I called the pharmacy again and they told me it could be an issue with switching dose/pill size, and told me he could try to special order my medication from another pharmaceutical company. Hopefully my doc will be on board with changing back to my old pill size and letting me pick up the script from his office soon.

So I guess the lesson is to try and keep a few old pills on hand when you get a new script just in case you experience new/bad side effects.

When I'm more coherent I'll write a more thorough thread about my experience so that others can avoid the same issues.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Flossy]

I have been using Serepax 15mg every evening for years. It is not a sleeping pill as such but it works perfectly for me to reduce my mind racing and ruminating on problems. I have never had to increase the dose and have no fear of being addicted to it. At the time it gives no side effects. I find it better than Valium because it is fast acting and I do not feel dopey at all, just relaxed. At times where there was no incoming stressors I have been able to get to sleep without it.

I do find that if I drink coffee or even tea after 3pm I still have trouble getting to sleep.

 

[EveHarrington]

I'm getting the run around from my pharmacy (I called again to request a different manufacturer. This time they said they can't request anything other than what they're provided.) They're telling me that I'm wrong that it's not the pills. Well, a simple google search shows the Ativan manufacturer bought out another company last year and while the name remains the same, exactly who is making the pill has changed, and most likely the recipe (anything in those pills can change, including active ingredients within limits). Tomorrow I start my search for a pharmacy that doesn't use that brand. At least my doc is very understanding and 1000% supportive.

For anyone in the future who may be reading this, if you notice a difference in your pills, don't let your pharmacy dismiss you! Recipes change, manufacturers change, names change, and so on. If a medicine doesn't feel right, trust your gut! It's your body and you know your body best.

 

[Queen Boudica]

Have you tried an online pharmacy. I use one in Canada my psychiatrist recommended it. You provide them with script scan in and email and later send. They may have the drug you are looking for in the right size. They are also much cheaper than I can get over here.

I had thought valium was also addictive. Aren't all benzo's addictive?

 

[Deleted member 28403]

Well, yea, Vallium works great for me, on panic attacks and all, though sometimes it takes a bit too long to activate, for some cases might be useful to have two or more meds, depending on how fast you need to calm down. My main problem with Vallium is the crisis I get after taking it for a couple days in a row, as I've been taking it for way too long, and am a bit of an easy to activate addict at this point...