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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Anxiety, Panic Attacks Due To Iron Deficiency. Taking Iron Supplements. Sleeping Problem. Taking Ativan. Any Alternative?

Hi, i have an iron deficiency and since it happened i have experience anxiety and i guess what you call panic attacks ( heart palpitations). I found out i had the iron deficiency as a result of the heart palpitations that started all of a sudden. I been taken iron supplements for almost 7 weeks now and my iron has raised considerably however i am still experiencing some anxiety and I can t sleep at night. My doctor gave me ativan however i don t want to get addicted to it. She seems to think once my iron levels are back to normal the anxiety will go away but what do i do in the mean time. I have been using the ativan at night to help me sleep for about 4 weeks now. i take .5 to 1mg at night. I have tried some natuarl sleep aids but they haven t worked. I can t function without sleep and I my fear is getting addicted to the ativan. is there anything out there i can take to help me sleep that isn t highly addictive. I am not a constant worrier. I have read about anxiety and i don t have the fears that people with anxiety seem to have. the only thing i could relate to is bein a procrastinator and thats not with everything. I might procrastinate when it comes tax time. Do you have any answers
Mon, 10 Jun 2013
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi there ~

I understand your concerns. Ativan may be an addictive medication as it is a benzodiazepine group of medication and therefore you may be right in saying so. There are many non benzodiazepine alternatives to help with sleep disorders that are not habit forming. The most commonly used ones include zolpidem, zaleplon, zopiclone, etc and you need to consult a qualified psychiatrist to find out which is the best medication for you. Also SSRIs like mirtazapine and trazodone have properties to take care of anxiety and insomnia and it may be a good alternative that you could discuss with your psychiatrist.

I hope this helps. Take care and have a lovely day!
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Anxiety, Panic Attacks Due To Iron Deficiency. Taking Iron Supplements. Sleeping Problem. Taking Ativan. Any Alternative?

Hi there ~ I understand your concerns. Ativan may be an addictive medication as it is a benzodiazepine group of medication and therefore you may be right in saying so. There are many non benzodiazepine alternatives to help with sleep disorders that are not habit forming. The most commonly used ones include zolpidem, zaleplon, zopiclone, etc and you need to consult a qualified psychiatrist to find out which is the best medication for you. Also SSRIs like mirtazapine and trazodone have properties to take care of anxiety and insomnia and it may be a good alternative that you could discuss with your psychiatrist. I hope this helps. Take care and have a lovely day!