Ativan/lorazepam for everyday use?

Photo queen
Photo queen Member Posts: 15
in Ovarian Cancer #1

First of all thank you to all of the wonderful people on this site who continue to fight the fine fight and who are willing to share your experiences, triumphs, and fears with others so that we know we are not crazy.  Currently I am on chemo for stage 3c ovarian cancer. Recently my nerves seems to have been getting the best of me so my oncologist prescribed Ativan.  This stuff really helps but I was wondering does anyone use it on a daily basis?  Can't seem to get thru my day without it.  A little afraid of becoming addicted but I figure what do I have to lose!  How about it, anyone else need using the medicine?

Comments

  • Alexandra
    Alexandra Member Posts: 1,308
    #2
    Hi Photo queen

    2 years ago I used lorazepam on daily basis for about a month between the time I was first diagnosed till when I started chemo. I took the edge off but made me very sleepy. Since then I only use it before painful procedures: surgery, biopsy, getting a tattoo.

    I don't think you will become addicted if you use it for anxiety and do not go over prescribed dosage. It shouldn't be combined with alcohol. 

  • scatsm
    scatsm Member Posts: 296 Member
    #3
    take the ativan!

    that's what it's for...anxiety. It is less habit forming than its cousin xanax. I took it all through chemo, daily, and put it away when I was feeling better. Tonight, I opened my new, full bottle and took one as I start chemo tomorrow for my first recurrence.

    Susan

     

  • Alnik
    Alnik Member Posts: 56
    #4
    My experience with Ativan

    My expeience was not a good one with Ativan. But im only speaking for myself everyone is very differant how they respond to things and medications i can only suggest you speak with your doctors constantly and have them monitor your doses and how you feel as you continue to take your prescription.I to was prescribed ativan when i was first diagnosed with cancer i ended up taking it almost a year(and it took almost six months for me to get off of it)It did help me in the beginning but after awhile i just started to feel worse Depressed, Unhealthy thoughts, and very unsure of myself and again im only one person mentioning this but once i was off it i went back to actually feeling  good again and like my old self, much more in control. I dont so much blame the medication i moreso blame the first Drs. i met with (im no longer with that group) for not explaining the medication to me and what things to look for or possible side effects of long term use.Since then i take all natural  products and supplements even for anxiety and stess and i seem to be having success with them.

  • ConnieSW
    ConnieSW Member Posts: 1,688 Member
    #5
    Alnik said:

    My experience with Ativan

    My expeience was not a good one with Ativan. But im only speaking for myself everyone is very differant how they respond to things and medications i can only suggest you speak with your doctors constantly and have them monitor your doses and how you feel as you continue to take your prescription.I to was prescribed ativan when i was first diagnosed with cancer i ended up taking it almost a year(and it took almost six months for me to get off of it)It did help me in the beginning but after awhile i just started to feel worse Depressed, Unhealthy thoughts, and very unsure of myself and again im only one person mentioning this but once i was off it i went back to actually feeling  good again and like my old self, much more in control. I dont so much blame the medication i moreso blame the first Drs. i met with (im no longer with that group) for not explaining the medication to me and what things to look for or possible side effects of long term use.Since then i take all natural  products and supplements even for anxiety and stess and i seem to be having success with them.

    Sleep

    I took it for sleep for several months during treatment.  I still woke up repeatedly during the night but it made it easier to fall back asleep.  Otherwise, I can't say I felt any different after I took a pill.  I'm that way with narcotics also.  They either take care of the pain or not.  No side effects. I just feel like my normal self..  That said, it can become addictive.

  • Skeezie
    Skeezie Member Posts: 586 Member
    #6
    Ativan Daily?

    Hi, I'm actualy from the Breast Cancer page (will be 5 years in Aug.!).  I'm here because I have a friend who just underwent surgery for Stage 3 overian cancer so I thought I would read this page and see what chemo is used, does it cause hair loss too, sickness etc.  So far it's been very educational.  I've determined it all stinks!

    Anyway, Ativan.  I was dx 5 yrs ago next month and immediately started taking Ativan to take the edge off so I could focus and make the decisions I had to make and again at night to sleep.  Sometimes a second one in the daytime if needed.  I still take it every nite at bedtime and before any dr. appt or procedure etc.  I still have my port becauseI have no viens and use it for blooddraws and "just in case".  So I have it flushed every 4 weeks and that Ativan really helps the nerves going into the chemo room.  My onc prescribes it and sees no problem taking it.  It is not habit forming but it's a miracle when you are going thru dx and treatment.  That's what its for and if you need a quick nap, it's good to nap a little.  I usually on use 1/2 when I go to the doctors etc.

    Hopes this helps.

    Hugs, Judy :-)

     

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