Ativan

[stovall1992]

I’m going to the dentist tomorrow, the first time in awhile and i’m nervous about going. I have some Ativan (0.5mg) that was was given a while ago when I was having anxiety attacks, but I haven’t taken it in a while and I already hate taking medication. is 0.5mg too much or should I cut it in half? and will it have any negative affects after it wears off, if I take it? last question; my appointment is at 3:30, so what would be the best time to take it before my appointment?

[Marc787]

I feel for you. For me sometimes I take Xanax .50mg 1 to 2 hour before. My last dentist visit a did 2 tooth extraction. I didn't take anything. I went on nitrate oxide ( laughing gas) it helped me stay calm. Think of comforting thoughts, calming images, places, accept the process and don't fight it. Its only temporary, it will be OK. God bless.

[stovall1992 in reply to Marc787]

thank y out for your kind words. i really don’t like the laughing gas, it makes me dizzy and I can never breathe right with it. I also have no insurance, so the laughing gas is an extra charge I can’t afford.

I’ve never been afraid of going to the dentist before, but after having severe anxiety last year and developing agoraphobia, I don’t know how i’ll feel about going.

but thank you again. I really appreciate it.

[Kathush]

I would take half of the 0.5 dose about a half our before you are to be seen by your dentist. Side effects are different for everyone but mine are 0 because my fear or i just don't notice them after my dentist appt.

[stovall1992 in reply to Kathush]

okay thank you so much!

[Dolphin14]

I would take it. For me it used to work very quickly. So I would take it in the parking lot.

You've taken it before so use your best judgement.

Good luck with the appointment.

[stovall1992 in reply to Dolphin14]

thank you for the advice!

[Hidden]

I always take my ativan before my dentist appointment, but be sure to let them know you've taken it just so they know. My dentist always said it was fine.

I usually take it 40 minutes before my appointment to make sure it's kick in, but be beware if you're driving. Better yet get a ride. Until you get a feel for how much it makes your drowsy. I need it because I freak when I got my dentist hands in my mouth and I'm trying to breath. The ativan calms me down so it works great for me. I hope it works for you too. I take the prescription strength you do.

[stovall1992 in reply to Hidden]

someone is taking me to my appointment, so that works out. thank you so much!

[stovall1992]

Dentist appointment went super well. didn’t have any anxiety at all! thanks for all the advice!

[Agora1 in reply to stovall1992]

Good Job xx

[Ladygay]

Hi: I have taken Ativan for over 30 years now and think it works great. I did find out that you have to take it a while before you intend to go to the doctor or go to a stressful event. I take 1 mg twice a day. I also know once you take enough of it, it is addictive but I never worried about that, I needed it after a death in the family. Just thought I would let you know. It does work and I never had any bad effects from it only when I would run out of the rx. Then the shakes begin.

[Hidden in reply to Ladygay]

You are the only person that I have read about here who has taken Ativan for a long time. I am 62. Suffered trauma and now take Ativan as needed...I am trying to convince my dr that I need it daily to have any quality of life. To have been taking this long, did you have to change doctors along the way?

[Moknows1961]

It is only enough to take the edge off. You wont feel any after affects...maybe sleepy

[Stephg5795]

Hi I take Ativan for Anxiety when needed and I'm also a Dental Hygienist, so I know what that type of anxiety is like, so sorry you are suffering with it. I would tell you to take .5 about 30 min before you go and have someone drive you there and back. Make sure you tell your dentist you are taking it, it's important they know what medication you are on in case they have to give you anesthesia for any reason. In fact I would call them and let them know what your plan is before you go in case they have any advice or precautions. Be safe

[Dpdrsufferer]

0.5mg is next to nothing. If you cut it in half I guarantee you want have any relief. It takes about 10mins for you to feel the results so I would say take it about 15mins before your appt.

[stovall1992 in reply to Dpdrsufferer]

yea I figured 0.5mg wasn’t that much. thanks!

[Stephg5795]

Just remember everyone reacts differently. .5 for me seems to relax me quite adequately and that is when I am having an anxiety attack so don't just assume it won't do anything unless you have already been taking it for awhile and know how you will react. Again, be careful and take care.