[ads78]

I've been taking Ativan alto lately. I've been going through rough times. We're thinking my bipolar is starting to kick back in. But I've had to take at least one 2mg pill everyday, with an occasional day off. Today, I hadn't taken any, and I noticed that I was really shaky. I don't know if this is due to just being in an emotionally tough time, or if it's because I didn't have any Ativan in my system. Please help?

[hans t]

It's probably because you don't have the Ativan in your system. It could be causing you anxiety. The most important thing right now would be to see your doctor about your bipolar. That may have a lot to do with it also. You will want to talk to your doctor about the Ativan so you do not get addicted to it.

[Brigid_01]

I knew I had gotten addicted because I started popping the pills all day long. It only took a few weeks for the addiction to kick in. As soon as it would wear off, I'd feel shaky and have mild panic attacks so I'd need another pill. I went though a months supply in about a week. I told my psych and she switched me to kingpin. I have had NO problems with addiction to kingpin so far.

Ativan is fast acting and also leaves your system quickly. You feel it working then you feel it when it stops working which can trigger anxiety. Klonopin works much more slowly and stays in your system longer. I don't feel it 'kick in' or leave my system. I just take it in the morning and at night and I feel fine through out the day.

In my experience, when you get a Benz like Ativan and it's prescribed as 'take as needed', addiction can be common. It gets hard to judge when you need it because you can feel the withdrawal which makes you think you need another one right away. Taking a Benz on a schedule seems to work better for a lot of people.

[Rick S]

When you need it to get through the day, you are addicted. Unfortunately I know from experience. I am on 4 mg a day and have been for 15 years. There were situations where I was unable to take it and became physically ill with withdraw. I took it as described and only took extra when absolutely needed. Ativan is very addictive and if I would have known what I know now, I wouldn't have ever started it. As long as you don't abuse it, it can be a life saver. I got very shaky to the point where my whole body was convulsing and had to go to the hospital for it. Depending on how long you've been on it and how much you take will determine your reaction to the withdraw from it.