Is Ativan addictive?

[Kat63]

The past few days my anxiety has been off the charts. A few years ago, I worked with a doctor who told me Ativan can be addictive, and limited the amount she would prescribe me. I’m now with a different doctor who hasn’t put me on a limit with Ativan, just “as needed.” He seems to think increasing my Prozac will help, so we’re trying that. I just started that, so it hasn’t had time to kick in yet.

I heard from somebody else once that magnesium is good for anxiety. What kind of magnesium? How much?

[Obscured]

Ativan and other benzodiazepines can be habit forming. I have a prescription, but it is limited and monitored closely. My anxiety has recently become almost unbearable so I have also been prescribed buspirone, which is not supposed to be addictive. Like you, I am on Prozac already. So far it hasn't decreased my anxiety, but I know I have to give it time to work.

[RupertBrown]

My wife was prescribed Ativan as needed along with Zoloft. She never took the Ativan and it expired years ago, in fact I just chucked them in the garbage the other day. She was also fearful of becoming addicted to them and I think only took one once. I don't think they're as addictive as opiates, but she's funny about taking pills and is very cautious

[Zimarra]

I would stay away from the Ativan if possible it’s very easy to get addicted. As for magnesium get 350-500 magnesium glycinate or the new one threonate

[Dolphin14]

Yes you can become dependent on it. Some people here will argue that. But all you have to do is look it up,

The goal of meds is the antidepressant is what should stabilize you. The Ativan as needed for breakthrough is ok if that's how you use it. If you find you are taking it every day your Dr may want to re evaluate.

I've been off am on so many meds. This is based on experience. I'm not giving medical advice... disclosure

🐬

[panicrun]

Usually the shorter the half life the more addictive potential it has.

[bethelbee]

I have been on Ativan for at least a few years and only take it when I need it, so haven't had a problem with it. It's the only thing that usually helps my anxiety. I can't take any antidepressants at this point, have become treatment resistant to them. As for magnesium, I take it daily for other reasons, mainly my cardiac health, and for me doesn't do anything for my anxiety. Maybe it helps others but I never heard of it being used for that. Hope increasing your Prozac helps you! That was one of my success drugs way back when it first came out(around 1987) and I was on it for 10 years and then it stopped working. Keep me posted!! Take care!