[Kitty]

I had called my Neuro about pain I was having in my upper arms. Both arms......just really constant aching pain that was interrupting my sleep. The nurse said she would speak to the Neuro and they would call something in for me.

I picked it up last night and it was Lorazepam. Generic for Ativan. I've never taken this med before and the pharmacist made the comment "hmmm, this is kind of a big dose for someone who's never used this drug before". It's 1 mg to be taken 3X a day as needed. Maybe I should break the pills in half?

Has anyone taken this med before and can you tell me about it? I haven't taken any of it yet.

[mrsD]

Benzos are effective in the short run, but in the long run they are terribly habit forming.

1mg is a strong dose...if you have not had it before, it will knock you for a loop.

Try this: just take one at night and see what happens.
The higher milligram dose is for muscle effects.

I use Flexeril for muscle issues. One tablet lasts 2 days for me!

I doubt you'll need the Ativan 3 times a day.

Do you take magnesium at all? Magnesium will also relax muscles.

Another thing that helps muscles alot is d-ribose. It is recommended for fibro patients for this reason. It increases ATP production, by enhancing adenosine synthesis. Adenosine by the way is the first signaling substance that starts the sleep cascade. I really like what the ribose did for me.
It is a bit pricey tho. About $35/month. Less using Puritan's once you like it and get more. I used iherb.com Doctor's Best powder.

I have a thread about ribose at PN.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post708792-40.html

Increasing energy production of your mitochondria, may give your muscles a needed boost. And help your sleeping.

[SallyC]

I only take a benzo (valium), when I have to relax in a hurry. I would never take them on a regular basis, unless, like MrsD suggested, at night to help sleep.

In fact my old Neuro wouldn't allow it. He found them way too addicting. If I dared asked for them, he'd look at me like I was a druggy, looking for a fix...the idiot!

Feel better..

[tkrik]

1 mg! That is a lot. But then again I am a lightweight and most meds I use the lowest dose possible. Even though Ativan is said to be short acting, for me, taking it at bedtime will last me throughout the next day. I only take it when things get rough - 1 to 2 days to get me over the hump. I take 0.5 mg and that works well for me.

I agree with mrsD - take it at night before bed. In addition, you can cut it in 1/2 and take 0.5 mg before bed. That does the trick for me.

Magnesium is great for muscle spasms as well as intestinal issues. I make sure I eat plenty of magnesium rich foods - 1 sweet potato has almost all the mag. you need for the day and is a great source of fiber, plus they taste so good. I also take Epsom salt baths which really help when I have have an increase is spasms and stiffness.

Good luck, Kelly and let us know how it works out for you.

[Blessings2You]

I don't take 3 a day even when I'm a BASKET case.

[Kitty]

Okay, now I'm scared! I haven't taken any yet. My arms don't hurt as bad today as they have been. Usually it's later in the day after I've been up for a while and have used them...then they start aching. I think I'll stick with Aleve unless it gets really painful and then only take the Ativan at night, if I need it, so I can sleep. I really, really hate taking meds.

[tkrik]

Wait, Kelly. . . When did your arms start hurting? I just remembered you got that new exerciser thing and I was wondering if maybe that is why your arms are hurting more. Is the timing of when your arms started hurting and using the exercise thing around the same time? If so than, rest, ice and/or heat, and some kind of NSAID will help.

And yeah, just take it before going to bed and try just taking 1/2 of a tablet (0.5 mg).

[Erin524]

That is a big dose.

My bottle of Ativan has pills that are .5mg and the instructions say "take 1/2 tablet as needed". They're already teeny, my pill splitter practically crushes them if I'm not careful.

If I take a whole .5mg tablet, I'm pretty much gorked for the day. Needless to say, I've barely used my Rx for Ativan.

[Dejibo]

I love ativan when I need it! really helps me calm and rest. I take .5 mg if needed. Start with 1/2 dose and see how you do. I find .25 does nothing for me.

I hope you feel better.

[mrsD]

Ativan goes up to 2mg tablets, oral.

1mg is in the midrange. But for a person who doesn't take them often, it will really knock you for a loop. If you are very upset however...I mean really upset.. it won't seem like much.

I take a 1/2 of a .25 Xanax before the dentist. I don't feel it at all until I get home. Then powie!

You can put any benzo that has pulverized under the tongue. Be careful because only a little powder is needed. This bypasses the liver (first pass) and has a very fast onset. They don't taste very good however, but that route is fast incase of emergency need. The brand name Ativan was made tiny for that reason. Some people getting chemotherapy say it works fast and even helps control the nausea that way. The generic tablets tend to be larger.

Typically 1/2 your normal dose will seem strong that way.