HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Can Ativan Be Taken While Experiencing Difficulty In Swallowing?

Posted on Wed, 8 Feb 2017

Question: My husband has a problem swallowing and at high risk to afixiation Dr prescribed Ativan have not taken it yet . throat problems from radiation cancer of the laranex.

Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
preferably it should be avoided.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

Thanks for posting your query on HCM.

Ativan is used to treat anxiety, depression etc. It can cause severe drowsiness thus used as a sleeping pill also. All medicines causing drowsiness dull the natural protective reflexes. Swallowing is one such reflex and if impaired can lead to aspiration into airways causing asphyxiation. Hence ativan preferably should be avoided in your husband's case.

Hope this answers your query.

Take care.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Shashi Dangwal (48 minutes later)

Can he take a muscle relaxer would that help ??

Are you familiar with Vilal Stim procedure to strengthen muscles in your throat?

Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
A muscle relaxant will also make him prone to aspiration.

Detailed Answer:

A muscle relaxant will also make him prone to aspiration.

No I am not familiar with the procedure. GI Surgeon is the best person to advise you on this.

Wishing you the best.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Shashi Dangwal (8 hours later)

Vital Stim is a therapy that they put electrodes on your neck when you swallow to strengthen your muscles in your throat but my husband has stents in his corotid arteries from the radiation?

Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
In my opinion it should not be a problem.

Detailed Answer:
I do not think that stimulation with electrodes should cause any problem with stents in carotid artery as stents are not electrically charged. However proximity of both structures may be an issue. His treating physician and the neurologist are in a better position to advice you on the matter. Do consult them.

Kind Regards.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Shashi Dangwal (1 hour later)

Do you know who preforms vital Stim?

Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can be performed by any clinician trained in the procedure.

Detailed Answer:
Vital stim can be performed by any clinician trained in the procedure. The muscles used in swallowing are stimulated by electrodes and patient is asked to swallow . It's learning to swallow. Should be done in a center with necessary infra structure. You will have to look for a centre in your vicinity.

Hope this answers your query.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Shashi Dangwal (10 hours later)

How do I find them what to ask for?

Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You may search online for details.

Detailed Answer:
You may search it online if there is a centre performing vital stim in your city. As I had mentioned that I am not aware of the procedure as it falls under the domain of another speciality namely neurology or gastroenterology. Since you mentioned It, I could gain some info on it on searching online I have learnt that some service provider by the name of DJO Global are performing vital stim. Please go online and you can get all information on them. But a word of caution, first discuss it with a neurologist and only after his recommendations go for the procedure.

Take care.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T