Ativan

[KWT]

How Long can you stay on this stuff? I've been taking a couple 1 mg pills a day for a few months doc doesn't want to give more bummer I like that stuff they only like given the stuff that makes you feel shitty.

[raym]

Due to physical dependency and increased dosage to obtain same potential long term daily use of Ativan is typically not prescribed. But the side effects of other drugs that are recommended for long term use can be much worse so I really don't get it If there were no other underlying disease I could see some argument but heck we have cancer and deal with very debilitating side effects from our treatment. So what if we acquire some physical dependence.

[NWgirl]

Have you thought about anti depressants to help with longer term help?

[ziggymonster]

Totally agree with Ray....dependence is not good but living with active cancer is even less good !! Enjoy your MM...it will help.

[Bev G]

I've always thought that the whole issue of reluctance to prescribe pain medication and anti-anxiety meds in the face of stage IV cancer is absolutely absurd and really incredibly offensive. I think we can decide the things we should not do while medicated for the sake of the public good, just as we would if we were drinking adult beverages. Our docs should be telling us the potential risks of dependency, then let us make a decision about the use of these meds based upon their advice. Sort of exactly what we do about chemo, huh?

Kenny, kick your guy in the ass.

Bev

[KimT]

Asshole. IMO daily use of Ativan is the least of any doctors worries when a person is dealing with cancer.

[janderson]

I have been taking it on and off for 2 years. Mysurgeon wouldnt write a script but my oncologist will whenever i ask. I told him it works better than anything for nausea. I took two today at work. Big mistake. I was so out of it i could barely drive home. I guess i am a light weight.

[KWT]

Have you thought about anti depressants to help with longer term help?

Belle, I take zoloft daily but maybe not enough 50 mg. I must admit I like the noticeable effects of Ativan or Xanax when feeling overly anxious

[KWT]

I'm on the xeloda this week so haven't even enjoyed a cold one after finding that surgery and SBRT didn't really get me where I want to be I'm having to readjust to the cancer thing. Before I had a plan. Now not so much.


My friends back home that work in the medical field refer to people like me as "seekers" lmao

[alphagam]

Not related to cancer, but I've been on .25 mg Xanax twice a day for about 7.5 years due to anxiety. My psychiatrist has no problem prescribing..

Kathy

[skypup]

I'm with everyone else. Active stage IV cancer should mean they try to help us along however they can, and if Ativan helps you should be able to have it. Sheesh. I feel fortunate as my docs wish they could do more for me and seem very happy to write scripts for whatever, whenever. I never took it daily, but it sure helps when times are hard or sleep doesn't want to come or when chemo nausea strikes. Maybe have another discussion?

[KWT]

Apparently the nurse was speaking out of turn the doc just gave me a script for a months supply. Phew I was getting nervous I was gonna have to go downtown

I'm glad I'm not the only one who uses that stuff

[juliej]

Apparently the nurse was speaking out of turn the doc just gave me a script for a months supply. Phew I was getting nervous I was gonna have to go downtown

Glad to hear you got your script. I thought you might have to head down to the medical dispensary for some Super Silver Haze

[Delinda]

I agree, the whole medication issue is unfair. Washington state has the strictest laws in the nation for pain meds or any type of muscle relaxer/anxiety/etc. It is so ridiculous here. It's not only getting your doc to prescribe, the insurance company and/or the pharmacy can and DO refuse to fill a valid prescription. If it's early or strong the doc has to fight for an over-ride & then they get flagged as problem prescribers! Many docs just refuse to prescribe & offically hand off pain management to your primary care provider. (Who, in most cases is simply your family doc, not a cancer doc. My PCP is an angel thank God!) My neighbor is actually moving to another state because of this problem. A high profile doc we've known for 30 years said that is what he would do. Do NOT move to Washington if you need meds. Would like to kick some law-makers a$$.

[Delinda]

P.S. Very glad you got the help you need & deserve Kenny! I got up on my soapbox & lost track of the important thing - you. It's not as if you don't have every reason to be anxious. Who cares if you're "dependent"!!!! Hope your doc continues to be reasonable & good luck. Hugs to you my friend. XXOXO, Delinda