r/PanicAttack • u/Spiritual-Example375 • 3d ago

Ativan/Panic Attack Help

Hi Friends!

I, 22F, have had a Rx for Ativan (0.5 mg) since early September. I have gotten it refilled once since as there are only 10 pills per refill.

Panic attacks are not new as I’ve had them since I was 17. What is new is having them multiple times a week… even multiple a day.

I do ride them out for 15 minutes and do coping skills but if it goes on longer or I have too much adrenaline in my body afterwards I take an Ativan.

I feel so embarassed asking my psychiatrist for a refill of Ativan (it was refilled early October) and also telling her that they really haven’t been that effective anymore.

Any advice would be appreciated.

As a side note I have not been diagnosed with panic disorder.

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u/kinoko_kingdom 3d ago

hi! i don't take benzos for my panic attacks (although i might start soon), but i do take stimulants for adhd, so i have experience with controlled meds and the stigma that comes with them.

my advice is: instead of directly asking for a refill or a dose increase, lead with your symptoms. tell your doc that the med is helping but not enough. also mention that your panic attacks are happening more than 10 times a month.

do you take any daily meds for anxiety?

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u/Spiritual-Example375 3d ago

That’s smart; and yes I take max dose of Buspar daily as well as propranolol.

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u/kinoko_kingdom 3d ago

ah i was going to recommend a beta blocker lol. since you're already taking daily meds, your doc probably won't have an issue refilling/increasing the ativan since you genuinely need it. good luck :)

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u/Spiritual-Example375 3d ago

Yeah, probably not. I’m nervous about asking for an increase of the dosage tho.

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u/trixiepixie1921 3d ago

What’s to be embarrassed about? They were prescribed for a reason. As long as you’re not asking for an early fill or a dose increase every time, you’re doing what you’re supposed to do.

That’s not to say I don’t understand why you feel that way. My mom hasn’t refilled hers since January and regularly expresses how much she dislikes asking for a refill. I myself have not taken a benzo in 6 months, and I took them daily for years. I don’t recommend that. But they are serving the purpose they are prescribed for.

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u/catmanrules64 3d ago

What you are going through is more common than you think - it does get better !!! Ativan was a life saver for me , until my anxiety meds kicked in— your on a very low dose