Scared to Take Heavier Anxiety Meds: Need Advice

Hi @Macieann I can relate to you 100%. More like 1000% haha. You are basically describing me exactly in my last anxiety relapse. Here’s the thing - the fear of the Ativan is certainly somewhat healthy- benzodiazepines are among the most difficult drugs to get off of, WHEN you’re actually addicted to them. But you have to remember that your anxiety itself is the culprit that is keeping you from taking medication that can help your anxiety subside. Could you imagine if say, diabetes made you not want to take insulin? Pretty counterintuitive! But that’s what anxiety does to us. I would say that if you are not prone to getting easily addicted or forming habits around medications, you should take advantage of these wonderful and amazing meds that allow us to function in our lives during these times of relapse. It is highly probable that you will only need to take it for a short time to get you through the phase you’re going through (which is exactly what it’s designed for). Definitely talk to your Dr about these concerns, but make sure it’s a psychiatrist and not a general practitioner. And keep in mind, there are other alternatives- you are not stuck with the decision on benzos or suffer. Definitely talk to a psychiatrist.