Delzicol and prednisone. Can I take Ativan with?

[Colonia]

:confused2:Hello - I was diagnosed with UC 2 years ago. I only had one flare and was treated with Asacol for two weeks which seemed to do the trick. In the time since I've had pretty mild symptoms..until yesterday. I woke up in the middle of the night with excruciating abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, mucous, back pain etc. It lasted until the AM when I went to see my doc. I was hydrated with some fluid and sent home on a 6 weeks Delzicol and 4 days of prednisone which I started last night. I'm feeling really anxious today which is probably because I can't stop thinking about having another flare. I wondered if I could take Ativan with the other two meds. Just found this forum yesterday and it's been so informative. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I checked the drugs.com interaction checker and Ativan, Prednisone and Delzicol did not list an interaction. It's best to speak to your doctor but it appears to be safe.

 

[Colonia]

Thanks so much. I should have checked the interaction site myself. :sorry:

 

[sickinlk]

hi clonia and welcome to the forum. ive looked up Ativan because I hadn't heard of it. looks ok to take with the other meds. how come you are only on pred for 4 days. what dose are you on. I thought you'd be on it for a minimum of 6-8weeks. also don't take pred at night. it'll only add to you anxiety and make it difficult to sleep. take 1st thing is best.
ju

 

[2thFairy]

Welcome to the forum!

I am surprised that no doctor has told you to be on maintenance levels of Asacol/Delzicol for life rather than 2 weeks in the past and now 6 weeks of Delzicol. UC generally requires daily meds of some sort to keep you in remission. Also, prednisone generally is given at a high dose and then tapered off over 4-6 weeks minimum, sometimes longer. Are you being treated by a gastroenterologist or a family practitioner? You really need to be treated by a gastro.

 

[Colonia]

This is only my 2nd serious flare so I really appreciate the help as far as meds, etc. I live in a very, very small town on the Oregon Coast. The closest specialists are in Eugene, about 3 hours away. That's where my Gastro doc is so my GP has been handling me since my last flare. I'm due for my colonoscopy so I'll be making the trip to see my Gastro doc soon.
Again, thanks for the advice.

 

[jwfoise]

Welcome to the forum!

I am surprised that no doctor has told you to be on maintenance levels of Asacol/Delzicol for life rather than 2 weeks in the past and now 6 weeks of Delzicol. UC generally requires daily meds of some sort to keep you in remission. Also, prednisone generally is given at a high dose and then tapered off over 4-6 weeks minimum, sometimes longer. Are you being treated by a gastroenterologist or a family practitioner? You really need to be treated by a gastro.

As 2thFairy said, it seems a maintenance dose is the common treatment. When my UC was first diagonised (over 10 years ago) I had fairly moderate symptoms, and only have had a couple of bad flares, but I've been on some dose of Asacol since first being diagonised. I'm glad this has worked well for you, but that might be something to talk with your doctor about.