okay for the short term, easily to get addicted to them and coming off benzo's is a special kind of hell.

I've only taken it while inpatient...calmed me down and helped me sleep. And, as Voltaire said, addictive...

I've been on klonopin for 10 yrs and i know my body is addicted, but it helps several of my conditions, including 3 sleep disorders, so its worth it to me.

i hope it helps you sleep. :)

I had ativan once because the dr didn't like klonopin. He said it was making me stupid....it was the high dosages of depakote, wellbutrin and abilify i was prescribed. It worked better than xanax but not as good as klonopin. I too am dependent on the k's but i also need them to sleep and keep me from going bonkers.

I'm scared to take it because I have a history of drug addiction. But I really need a good nights sleep.

I've heard that benzos are a special kind of hell to come off of. One reason I'm slightly worried about taking this drug. Plus all the meds you can't take if you are on benzos and I don't know what is what.

I thought ativan wasn't a benzo? My psych at the free clinic said they won't prescribe xanax because it is a benzo and addictive so they give ativan. Maybe I got that all mixed up.

Anyway since they don't prescribe I got ativan one month for anxiety, as needed. I took one, nothing. Took another about an hour later and it made me feel like a puddle of water. I just wanted to lay in bed and zone out. I told my psych that and that when I'm stressed and take a xanax I feel fine, and that I don't think there was any benefit of me taking ativan since it makes me want to lay around and do nothing. I get xanax now :)

I've been on a benzo for years and I have no doubt I'm addicted.. It works really well for certain things though like anxiety though..I've found better then any other drug.. and I do use it for a prn at times.. I have a script for 2 temazepam at bedtime so if I used one during the day I only take one at night..
I think a key thing is not to increase the dose.. For me it's worth being on a benzo knowing that it's addictive and Voltaire is right it is a HORRIBLE withdrawal..
I hope it works well for you..x

I've talked to my Pdoc about Benzo addiction. and my need to take a Xanax a couple of times a day.

He says that IS NOT addiction, it is keeping anxiety at bay...that is a whole lot better than going into a full blown panic attack

This is for sleep though not anxiety.

But I do feel a little better thanks guys.

Hi doorknob! I used to take klonopin, but now I take ativan.
For me, it is to help me sleep. It is my anxiety that is not allowing me to sleep, though.It works good, but i know I am addicted to it.
My Mom takes ativan for her nerves during the day.

Good luck to you, dear friend!

Ativan is most certainly a benzo. My prescription reads 1 mg up to 3 times per day. It does help a LOT with anxiety. I personally did not think it was used for sleep purposes having said that it did help me to get to sleep upon more than one occasion.

You said you have a history of addiction. I am surprised your doctor wrote the prescription given this. No offense to you or your doctor and lest you think this is the pot calling the kettle black I have my own addiction issues although not to medications. At least not at this time.