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Is It Safe To Have Ativan For Anxiety?
Question: I am caring for my father who is dying of cancer, most of his care and support has become my responsibility. He has refused help in the form of live in aids, even though he is confined to a recliner and commode (2 ft away). I work full time and have a small child at home. I am finding my self very anxious, every day, and not sleeping well at night. I worry if I leave him at home alone and worry about going and finding him in a medical emergency I am unprepared to deal with. We do have Hospice who come 2-3 times per week. My stomach is in knots constantly and I find it hard to concentrate. I have Ativan to take as needed, but try not to take it. Should I take it more often?
Brief Answer:
Yes you can take it often or even regularly
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
I appreciate your feelings and concern towards your father.
To serve him and care him as you want, you need to be fit physically and psychologically. Due to his serious condition you have become more apprehensive than the normal. Anxiety of any thing is always helpful but up to some optimum point like you are worried about emergency , so you care him like this. However if anxiety level crosses optimum, it turns in to anxiety disorder as you are in the stage now.
You seems to be having generalized anxiety disorder.
Ativan(lorazepam) is good anti anxiety medicine without significant side effects.As you are suffering from sleep disturbance, ask your doctor for a prescription for the same.
Considering your situation,in my opinion you should consult psychiatrist for counselling sessions. As your anxiety can relieved by psychotherapy and few relaxation techniques like deep breathing. You may not need medicine then.
Wish you early stability and all the best for caring your father.
I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chntan Solanki.
Yes you can take it often or even regularly
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
I appreciate your feelings and concern towards your father.
To serve him and care him as you want, you need to be fit physically and psychologically. Due to his serious condition you have become more apprehensive than the normal. Anxiety of any thing is always helpful but up to some optimum point like you are worried about emergency , so you care him like this. However if anxiety level crosses optimum, it turns in to anxiety disorder as you are in the stage now.
You seems to be having generalized anxiety disorder.
Ativan(lorazepam) is good anti anxiety medicine without significant side effects.As you are suffering from sleep disturbance, ask your doctor for a prescription for the same.
Considering your situation,in my opinion you should consult psychiatrist for counselling sessions. As your anxiety can relieved by psychotherapy and few relaxation techniques like deep breathing. You may not need medicine then.
Wish you early stability and all the best for caring your father.
I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chntan Solanki.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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