I have a blood test to take and I'm nervous about it. Can I take Ativan before the test or what should I take?

Question

Stress--blood work (no need to be ajun)--I get vagal shocks and seizures sometimes during blood work--I faint Also, will the Ativan change my blood test results? Hello, I've already tried all the stuff you've given me, but I'm never able to not go into vagal shock or hyperventilate and see blurry.... This would be my first time taking Ativan for a blood draw (I had already taken 1 full Ativan for my wisdom teeth extraction a long time ago). Do you think I will react well to the action of the Ativan and the stress the blood draw puts me under... Thanks

Alexandre Chagnon · Accepted Answer

Hello! First, I would suggest a few things to reduce your stress before/during your blood draw : Inform the nurse of your anxiety about the blood draw, she will be able to reassure you and make you feel more confident Avoid looking at the moment you are being pricked If it helps, talk to the nurse or ask her to talk to you, they are usually very good at helping you distract yourself The night before, try to get a good night's sleep Since you don't have to fast, have a good nutritious meal before your blood draw and make sure you are well hydrated If you like this kind of exercise, try to do some meditation or relaxation exercises before your blood draw I remind you that the needle used for blood draws is very small and the amount of blood drawn is small If possible, be accompanied by someone you trust (at least for transportation, in a COVID-19 setting it may not be possible to be accompanied) If you have other personal tricks to ease your anxiety in other situations, feel free to apply them at this time as well As for the Ativan, the medication will not influence the results of your blood draw. If you have been prescribed this medication for anxiety, are accustomed to taking it, and have experience with it (e.g., you have taken it in similar circumstances that caused you anxiety, you know the effect it has on your body - drowsiness, behavior, etc.), you may want to take 1/2 a tablet about 30 minutes before your blood draw. This may help you calm down. You should absolutely be accompanied for your blood draw so that someone can drive you home since this medication can cause significant drowsiness, so you should not drive afterwards. However, if this medication is not prescribed for you, you have used it only rarely or never, or it has been prescribed for another indication, I do not recommend its use . Hoping to answer your question, Isabelle Racanelli, pharmacy student Supervised by Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist Do you still have a prescription for active Ativan on file? If not, I would not recommend taking it (e.g., from someone else or from old pills you have left at home). Ativan requires a medical consultation in order to be prescribed and should not be used randomly. If it is possible for you to consult with a physician prior to your blood draw (e.g., phone or video conference consultation), I believe that would be the ideal option to ensure that Ativan, or other agent that he/she deems optimal, will be used safely and appropriately. There are no over-the-counter medications for anxiety. Isabelle Racanelli, pharmacy student Supervised by Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist