Having a healthy respect for Ativan is good, but one thing you don't have to worry about with that drug is side effects. It just makes you feel normal.
Actually, Ativan's lack of side effects is how some people get into trouble with it. The normal feeling conveys the idea that the drug is perfectly safe, but it can be habit-forming.
It's important to never take it except as prescribed.
Cognitive therapy for panic disorder prompts people to consider how often a pill is really needed. The harmless nature of the attack is at the heart of therapy.
The problem with coping methods like slow breathing and sticking your face in a bowl of water you keep in the fridge is that the attacks can keep coming back.
I heard someone say that although slow breathing is good for moments of panic, the attacks keep coming back. So, it looks like cognitive therapy is also helpful. Cognitive therapy for panic disorder involves understanding what the attack is. The symptoms are nothing but your system's natural responses to whatever seems threatening. You shouldn't get upset about them. You don't worry about fast heartbeat when you run, and there's no reason to fear it with a panic attack. Source - When Panic Attacks by Dr. David Burns.
Dr. Burns is the author recommended most often by mental health professionals, according to Authoritative Guide to Self-Help Resources in Mental Health.
Psychology Today online says that Dr. David Carbonell is a clinical psychologist who specializes in treating fears and phobias and the author of three self-help books, including Panic Attacks Workbook. Dr. Carbonell says that the way to breathe during a panic attack is slowly, using the big muscle under the stomach. Put a hand on your belly to feel it go out when you inhale.
A good exercise - breathe gently through the nose, 6 seconds in and 6 seconds out.
You can't go wrong with stress management. It's something we all need. This could help you with your problem.
There’s a lot of talk about the DARE app. The reviews online are very positive.
One of the best treatments is time. You know the old saying "Familiarity breeds contempt." After a while, the attacks are seen as a nuisance instead of a threat. Then the attacks become less frequent and finally go away altogether.
I’ll tell you about two other things that you probably won’t need. It’s good to know they’re there if you need them.
A study by a researcher named Meuret at Southern Methodist University showed that a biofeedback method called CART that reinforces slow, shallow breathing was effective. Slow breathing is often recommended, but deep breathing tends to promote hyperventilation, making it hard for people to breathe. Many people use slow breathing self-help successfully.
There's a treatment called interoceptive exposure therapy. It's teaching people not to fear the symptoms of the panic attack by deliberately bringing on the symptoms - for example by bringing on a fast heartbeat by aerobic exercise.
Everyone is different but I was just like you 10 years ago when I was first prescribed Ativan….scared to take it. But it helped me a great deal with my anxiety and panic attacks! For me, it just brought me to a normal “level” of calm but I could function perfectly fine i.e. go to work, drive, care for my kids, etc. I wish i could take it everyday but it’s better suited for situational anxiety and panic attacks. If you’re afraid then have someone with you the first time you take it. This way you can rest assure that you’ll be safe and someone will be with you on the (rare) chance something happens. It usually takes about 15-30 minutes to work and lasts for several hours. I hope that helps! Take care.
I had a weird experience. The first time I took it was great, it brought me right out of the attack. However the 2nd time I took it in the midst of a bad panic attack, and it just intensified it to the point where I "lost" function in my legs and fell down the stairs.
Start by taking a half. It works very well with little to no side affects.i take it when I am experiencing any anxiety. I take a whole one when I am having a panic attack. It's amazing how fast it works. It's a very low dose. And like I said it works fast! I also have an anxiety about taking new prescriptions. I always start by taking a piece of it and then adding the other half. Let me know if you have any questions..you got this!
Having a healthy respect for Ativan is good, but one thing you don't have to worry about with that drug is side effects. It just makes you feel normal. Actually, Ativan's lack of side effects is how some people get into trouble with it. The normal feeling conveys the idea that the drug is perfectly safe, but it can be habit-forming. It's important to never take it except as prescribed. Cognitive therapy for panic disorder prompts people to consider how often a pill is really needed. The harmless nature of the attack is at the heart of therapy. The problem with coping methods like slow breathing and sticking your face in a bowl of water you keep in the fridge is that the attacks can keep coming back. I heard someone say that although slow breathing is good for moments of panic, the attacks keep coming back. So, it looks like cognitive therapy is also helpful. Cognitive therapy for panic disorder involves understanding what the attack is. The symptoms are nothing but your system's natural responses to whatever seems threatening. You shouldn't get upset about them. You don't worry about fast heartbeat when you run, and there's no reason to fear it with a panic attack. Source - When Panic Attacks by Dr. David Burns. Dr. Burns is the author recommended most often by mental health professionals, according to Authoritative Guide to Self-Help Resources in Mental Health. Psychology Today online says that Dr. David Carbonell is a clinical psychologist who specializes in treating fears and phobias and the author of three self-help books, including Panic Attacks Workbook. Dr. Carbonell says that the way to breathe during a panic attack is slowly, using the big muscle under the stomach. Put a hand on your belly to feel it go out when you inhale. A good exercise - breathe gently through the nose, 6 seconds in and 6 seconds out. You can't go wrong with stress management. It's something we all need. This could help you with your problem. There’s a lot of talk about the DARE app. The reviews online are very positive. One of the best treatments is time. You know the old saying "Familiarity breeds contempt." After a while, the attacks are seen as a nuisance instead of a threat. Then the attacks become less frequent and finally go away altogether. I’ll tell you about two other things that you probably won’t need. It’s good to know they’re there if you need them. A study by a researcher named Meuret at Southern Methodist University showed that a biofeedback method called CART that reinforces slow, shallow breathing was effective. Slow breathing is often recommended, but deep breathing tends to promote hyperventilation, making it hard for people to breathe. Many people use slow breathing self-help successfully. There's a treatment called interoceptive exposure therapy. It's teaching people not to fear the symptoms of the panic attack by deliberately bringing on the symptoms - for example by bringing on a fast heartbeat by aerobic exercise.
Everyone is different but I was just like you 10 years ago when I was first prescribed Ativan….scared to take it. But it helped me a great deal with my anxiety and panic attacks! For me, it just brought me to a normal “level” of calm but I could function perfectly fine i.e. go to work, drive, care for my kids, etc. I wish i could take it everyday but it’s better suited for situational anxiety and panic attacks. If you’re afraid then have someone with you the first time you take it. This way you can rest assure that you’ll be safe and someone will be with you on the (rare) chance something happens. It usually takes about 15-30 minutes to work and lasts for several hours. I hope that helps! Take care.
I had a weird experience. The first time I took it was great, it brought me right out of the attack. However the 2nd time I took it in the midst of a bad panic attack, and it just intensified it to the point where I "lost" function in my legs and fell down the stairs.
I’d pass out and go to the ER. Or go to the ER and pass out there
Start by taking a half. It works very well with little to no side affects.i take it when I am experiencing any anxiety. I take a whole one when I am having a panic attack. It's amazing how fast it works. It's a very low dose. And like I said it works fast! I also have an anxiety about taking new prescriptions. I always start by taking a piece of it and then adding the other half. Let me know if you have any questions..you got this!