Doctor wrote me a script for Ativan, I have run out and am withdrawing. I need advice.....?

Question

I was in the ER about 40 days ago. With life threatening problems, and I am still quite sick.

Upon my discharge, the ER doctor was talking with my mother without my knowledge and suggest I take something for anxiety.

I went home with other prescriptions for painkillers and my mom filled this prescription and told me that the doctor had asked her if I needed something for anxiety and I told her yes because I was quite anxious.

I took 2-4 of these 1mg Ativan for 40 days now.

I tried stopping taking them a couple days ago and realized after about 8 hours of taking it, I become very nervous my blood pressure shoots up and I feel I am going through withdrawal symptoms.

My muscles twitch, and I am just extremely anxious and fearful.

I found out on the internet a couple days ago these pills are extremely addictive and create a dependency.

I am now dependant on these pills and I don't want to take them anymore.

Answer 1

Sounds like it.  My advice would be to stop the pills, not suddenly but gradually. if you are already out, you may need to see a physician who will prescribe a titrating dose. Legally, only psychiatrists and addicitionologists can do it but you may find another doctor (like pain management or neurologist) who might be willing to do it.  Internists, family practitioners, ER doctor are hesitant to do these titrating doses these days, you will probably get referred to a psychiatrist or a detox center.  Good luck!!

Answer 2

contact your primary care doctor -this was part of your discharge instructions for the ER.

Answer 3

Just see the doctor. They will not laugh at you. Express your concerns on getting off it and get their feedback. You do not want to stay on the drug if you do not need it.

Previously on Ativan - got off it without trouble. Be aware you could be creating your anxiety now, by reading all the literature. I do not want to downplay. Ativan is the lightest-weight antianxiety there is, and if possible, you do not want to get on there or get on anything more.

Going to ER is the most expensive way to do it. Places like "QuickHealth" are very useful. $50 doctor visit versus $200-400.