Ativan or KLonipin?

I have Ativan/Lorazapam for when an attack hits. It shortens my attacks significantly in duration.
Klonopin seems to help people for the anxiety component of this disease though.

 

Both are highly addictive and have paradoxical side effects, including ototoxic effects. I avoid them.

 

Generalized anxiety from this disease can be just as effectively addressed with Inositol, which is a safe alternative to benzos.

 

I have read many here do well on klonopin or amitryptline for a daily basis. While they are addictive, it is not as bad as the lorazapam (in my opinion). Further, sometimes a person has to weigh the pros and cons and then determine what is best. I also believe that sometimes it just takes that "something" to break the cycle and then get everything moving more positive again. I certainly am a person that believes that avoiding certain medications is not typically a good choice. It is about trying to feel better. Many also don't like the "stigma" of having to take meds. My mom had seasonal disorder, chemical imbalances, etc...her medications are what kept her going. Also unless someone (even here) is walking in your shoes, they really can't know how bad it is for you. Grasp any/every lifeline until it all swings back to the bright side.

 

This is good advice. But some of these lifelines have barbed edges and can cause more problems than they solve. All benzos, including the ones mentioned here, are EXTREMELY addictive and have ruined people's lives. There are entire message boards with thousands of members who have not been able to get off of them. There are clinics all over the place dedicated to helping people taper off benzos when they can't do it themselves. It often takes years to taper off of them, and the withdrawal effects are equal to, or possibly worse, than what we have suffered. Heroin addicts have indicated that it was far easier getting off heroin than benzos. Furthermore, benzos can have paradoxical effects, and are known to be ototoxic. Why take something that might make it worse?

It would be imprudent to not mention this to a newbie.

Before you start taking benzos, read some of these stories.

http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php

Again, there are natural and safe alternatives. Inositol in high doses has scientific evidence of its efficacy, and is not addictive. Vitamin D3 is well known to assist with depression, and is often more effective than anti-depressants.

Everyone has to do what they have to do, but at least go into it with both eyes open.

 

I hate that we can't edit... lol


Also wanted to add that daily benzo use is linked to memory loss and Alzheimer's.

 

Absolutely it is important that no matter what - even "natural" supplements - that each individual do the research, read the pros and cons and then make the decision that is right for them.
Having watched someone close to me battle for years with depression, I do not believe by any stretch of the imagination that Vitamin D3 is "more effective" than anti-depressants. Maybe Vitamin D works for a low level depression but for the primary, do not believe it based on what I have seen. Further, for those with depression the struggle is real. It is not as easy as mind over matter. When you add this horrible Meniere's to it, it is a combination that I believe is truly horribly impacting to one's life. I understand fully the negative consequences of anti-depressant meds as well as other meds - but remain convinced that they make sense for some people and are absolutely critical for others. It is up to each person to determine which "evil" they can more easily live with. My opinion.

 

I did not say it was "more effective". I said it "is often more effective than anti-depressants". This is demonstrated in many posts on depression message boards. JOH could probably explain better how it works. But of course it doesn't work for some. Some folks only respond to anti-depressants. Some don't respond to anything. Some get worse with anti-depressants. It's a mystery who responds well and why they do.

I agree that everyone should be informed and make their own choices. All i am doing is informing about the possible negative side effects of benzos.

 

There is a high negative correlation between depression and vitamin D-3, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Virtually every one with mild to severe levels of depression tests in the low range of each of these. I believe it unwise to rely on and attempt to control ones depression without first addressing the issues of vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies. None of these are drugs; rather, essential human nutrients, missing or deficient in modern diets.

A purely pharmacological (take a drug) approach to depression is the standard allopathic medical treatment. "Here, try this one, this time. See if it works better. But don't take too much, as it can be addictive. Next patient, please."

Conquering depression is best accomplished by taking all appropriate, effective measures, not just powerful drugs. Neglecting the three elements I've listed would be most unfortunate.

--John of Ohio

 

Bumblebea - for me with the Lorazapam (Ativan) I place it under my tongue when the room starts whirling. Typically my attack is shortened to 1-2 hrs (whereas typically they would be 4-6 hrs). And since it gets into the system quickly under the tongue, no fears about it coming back up.

Sinus, stress and fatigue are my three major triggers.

 

If the antivirals are not working as well anymore, check to see if you are getting the same brand. Many folks here have reported bad situations when changing brands. Also, increase the dose back to 3000 mg for a few weeks to see if that helps.