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Is Buspar A Safe Drug For Anxiety And Insomnia?
Brief Answer:
It is safe to come off Ativan, but you might have withdrawal symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
It is unlikely to have withdraw from Ativan at that dose, but it is possible especially if you have been taking it for 15 years. Withdraw symptoms include: Headaches, nauseas, sweating, anxiety, rapid heart rate, palpations, increase blood pressure, insomnia, tremors, cravings, and irritability. These symptoms can last up to 2 weeks. Usually, most people will taper off Ativan, but you were on a very small dose so I would not be concerned. However, if you begin to have these symptoms of withdraw, I would recommend seeing your prescribing doctor for another Ativan prescription so you can be tapered off.
Buspar is a very good medication for anxiety. It is non-addicting like Ativan and does not carry the risk of physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. It is usually prescribed with an SSRI such as Zoloft or Prozac. It will not cause the same amount of sleepiness or drowsiness as Ativan, but it can help you sleep. It may take several weeks before Buspar's anxiolytic effects become noticeable, and many patients may also need a higher dosage to adequately respond to treatment.
Please let me know if you have additional questions.
It is safe to come off Ativan, but you might have withdrawal symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
It is unlikely to have withdraw from Ativan at that dose, but it is possible especially if you have been taking it for 15 years. Withdraw symptoms include: Headaches, nauseas, sweating, anxiety, rapid heart rate, palpations, increase blood pressure, insomnia, tremors, cravings, and irritability. These symptoms can last up to 2 weeks. Usually, most people will taper off Ativan, but you were on a very small dose so I would not be concerned. However, if you begin to have these symptoms of withdraw, I would recommend seeing your prescribing doctor for another Ativan prescription so you can be tapered off.
Buspar is a very good medication for anxiety. It is non-addicting like Ativan and does not carry the risk of physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. It is usually prescribed with an SSRI such as Zoloft or Prozac. It will not cause the same amount of sleepiness or drowsiness as Ativan, but it can help you sleep. It may take several weeks before Buspar's anxiolytic effects become noticeable, and many patients may also need a higher dosage to adequately respond to treatment.
Please let me know if you have additional questions.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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