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Panic Attacks And Social Anxiety. Can I Take Ativan And Atenolol In High Anxiety Situations?
Question: Hi. I have prescriptions for Ativan (.5mg) and Atenolol (25mg) that I use to treat panic attacks and social anxiety. I am planning to get a tattoo soon and would like to take both to make it easier. I am able to take three of each when facing high-anxiety situations and feel normal. I am concerned that the beta blocker may cause me to faint. Although I have never fainted before, when I had a tattoo done before (without meds) I felt very faint and had to lie down to finish (once I lied down I was fine). I am also wondering if the beta blockers would help cause less bleeding, but I am more concerned about not fainting. What are your thoughts on taking either or both, and what dose should I not exceed? Thanks for your help. Susan
Hello XXXXXXX
Thank you for submitting your question.
Your question is a good one and I will work on providing you with some good information and recommendations’ regarding what is going on.
Regarding the medications you're speaking about I would recommend somewhat of an alternative way to help your anxiety prior to getting your tattoo. I would not recommend taking 75 mg of Atenolol prior to getting this done. I think this level of beta blocker would put you at much higher risk for fainting during or after the actual procedure.
As an alternative I would recommend that you consider taking three of the Ativan which you have on hand. I would never recommend that you take any more than this number of the Ativan at any one time. I think if you combine 3 Ativan as well as three Atenolol which you have done in the past you run significant risk of toxic effects on your body and possibly some type of fainting episode. It is generally not recommended to combine high doses of beta blocker with benzodiazepines.
I thank you again for submitting your question. I hope you found this response to be helpful and informative. If you have any additional concerns I would be happy to address them.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert
Thank you for submitting your question.
Your question is a good one and I will work on providing you with some good information and recommendations’ regarding what is going on.
Regarding the medications you're speaking about I would recommend somewhat of an alternative way to help your anxiety prior to getting your tattoo. I would not recommend taking 75 mg of Atenolol prior to getting this done. I think this level of beta blocker would put you at much higher risk for fainting during or after the actual procedure.
As an alternative I would recommend that you consider taking three of the Ativan which you have on hand. I would never recommend that you take any more than this number of the Ativan at any one time. I think if you combine 3 Ativan as well as three Atenolol which you have done in the past you run significant risk of toxic effects on your body and possibly some type of fainting episode. It is generally not recommended to combine high doses of beta blocker with benzodiazepines.
I thank you again for submitting your question. I hope you found this response to be helpful and informative. If you have any additional concerns I would be happy to address them.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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