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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Ativan The Right Medicine For Anxiety Disorder?

I m extremely claustrophobic and am supposed to have an MRI done soon. My doctor prescribed Vikatin to reduce my anxiety. Someone else told me that Ativan works better. I would rather be knocked out completely, but they won t do that for me. What is your opinion?
Wed, 14 Nov 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Ativan is a benzodiazepine drug similar to diazepam which is a drug that causes sedation and also with time you develop dependence so it might be a choice occasionally or for short term use (1-2 weeks) but it is not recommended to take it daily for longer periods of time.

There are other medications that can be used to help with anxiety like SSRI (paroxetine or escitalopram) which are better tolerated and can be used for a long time without the risk of dependence.
Counselling and behavioral therapy might be of help a well.

Please talk to your doctor related to options to treat anxiety and follow his advise.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General & Family Physician
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Is Ativan The Right Medicine For Anxiety Disorder?

Hello, Ativan is a benzodiazepine drug similar to diazepam which is a drug that causes sedation and also with time you develop dependence so it might be a choice occasionally or for short term use (1-2 weeks) but it is not recommended to take it daily for longer periods of time. There are other medications that can be used to help with anxiety like SSRI (paroxetine or escitalopram) which are better tolerated and can be used for a long time without the risk of dependence. Counselling and behavioral therapy might be of help a well. Please talk to your doctor related to options to treat anxiety and follow his advise. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Antoneta Zotaj General & Family Physician