Chuck asked
I recently started on Prozac for anxiety. Can I take Ativan to relieve the anxiety of until the Prozac starts working?
Answer
Taking Ativan and Prozac together really depends on what you and your doctor have established as a treatment plan for your anxiety.
If part of your treatment plan includes starting a Prozac prescription and being given an Ativan prescription to use in the 4-5 weeks it often takes for Prozac to start working, then I would advise you to adhere to that plan. That advice is assuming the doctor treating you for anxiety is the same doctor prescribing both the Prozac AND the Ativan to you for that purpose.
If you have an Ativan prescription from another doctor that you are already regularly taking for any reason (either on a schedule or on an 'as needed' basis), continue taking it as directed, but it's very important that you tell the doctor prescribing Prozac about this, if you haven't already.
Ativan and Prozac can have substantial interactions and side effects (described below) when taken in combination, and your doctor can't account for this in assessing your response to treatment if you don't bring it to their attention.
Has Ativan Been Prescribed For Use With Prozac?
If you have an Ativan prescription you don't take regularly (meaning you haven't taken or filled it in more than a month), I strongly advise against using it for anxiety relief along with Prozac. This includes any supply you may have left over, as well as any remaining refills on an older prescription. Such a prescription was written by a doctor under specific circumstances that existed at the time, and is not intended for any other use. If you feel Ativan would be helpful to your current treatment regimen for anxiety, it's important you discuss this openly with the doctor treating your anxiety.
Although it should go without saying, I categorically advise against using or obtaining Ativan from any source other than a legitimate prescription written for you by a licensed prescriber who is treating you. Not only can this endanger your health and safety, but it may also land you in legal hot water. Neither of these is going to do anything to alleviate your anxiety symptoms.
Ativan - Prozac Interaction
There is no interaction between Ativan and Prozac, but both can certainly cause sedation, dizziness and somnolence. As mentioned above, make sure your doctor know you are taking both medications as they both can cause side effects that need to be monitored.
