Ativan

hi Leslie, and thanks for your post and question. I am hopeful others will see your post and join in the conversation by sharing their own personal experiences using this medication (Ativan), for anxiety.
I recognize that doctors prescribe medications for their patients, each of with having their own set of side effects. Although the side effect you mentioned may be related to the use of Ativan, you should bear in mind that not all side effects all persons using the medication.
I would urge you to discuss this concern with your prescribing physician. The doctor will be able to put your mind at ease as to how the medication will work for you, and what to watch for in terms of reactions to it.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)

Hi @lesliieana1 just thought I would chime in here after Leon. I am Stage 4 as well and my Doctor spoke of Ativan and Clonazepan and decided on the latter for my particular case. He said they are similar and good for helping with breathing-related anxiety. Monitor how you feel and contact your Doctor if its not working as it's intended. Everyone is different and this just might be the perfect thing for you to help slay the Anxiety dragons that haunt you. Breathe, free my friend. Jeff (Team COPD.net)

I can't speak from personal experience, but I can tell you that I work with many patients that have COPD on a daily basis in the hospital and it's not uncommon at all to see them on some form of anti-anxiety medication - ativan being one.


That being said, as both Jeff and Leon stated, everyone reacts differently to medications. I also would suggest you try it, see how you feel and if it's not working they way you think it should be or you feel like it's affecting your breathing, call your doctor. You may be pleasantly surprised and discover it really makes you feel better.


Take Care -
Lyn (COPD site moderator)

Thanks for the replies. I have just taken a pill and will see how it works. Hopefully it helps as I am exhausted!