Question about Ativan vs Xanax

[Guest guest]

Hello all,

It's been awhile since I've posted - although I still visit the board often and

learn so much on here. My dd (who is now 10) has OCD. It's most likely PANDAS

- as her " flares " are always associated with some type of infection/sickness and

they are SO extremely acute and occur overnight. In addition, there are other

changes that occur overnight with these flares and the separation anxiety is

acute. The psychiatrist and psychologist also think it's most likely PANDAs

type. Anyway, with the different flares - her obsessions will change. In 4th

grade, it was fear of vomiting and when she flared - we couldn't even get her in

the school. Once the meds were adjusted (and typically after antibiotics) - her

flares reduce and things go back to " normal " until the next horrific episode.

Well, the latest flare (started 2 weeks ago - at the onset of a double ear and

throat infection) centered around an EXTREME fear of her Honor's Chorus practice

after school. She's been going to this class for 1 1/2 years - it's truly an

honor to be chosen (only 2 children per 4th and 5th) and it's a mix of all the

schools in the district. Well, at the onset of this flare - it's so extreme and

acute - she can't even go into the school for Honor's Chorus practice (once a

week after school) without having a panic attack (freaking out, crying - telling

me she'd rather die than do this etc). Telling me the school " looks black and

like monsters " - again, it's all very acute and scary to her. I tried Ativan

(which I use when she gets these flares and is terrified of school - it normally

works) - but it didn't seem to work this time. Her psychiatrist has recommended

trying Xanax in these times of extreme, acute panic. I wanted to see if you all

have ever used this and what you think? Again, not a drug we use frequently -

but just in the very extreme, acute flares - to get her through a very tough day

or 2.

Thanks for any thoughts. I think of all of you often.

Anne