[RedSoxFan77]

Has anyone here ever taken a lorazepam or two right before sitting for the exam? I’ve thought about it before, I tend to get very anxious by the time I get to the test center. By the time I sit in front of the computer, my hands are shaking and my confidence waivers. I decided against it though thinking it may affect my concentration or just make me feel tired. This guy I spoke to yesterday told me meds helped him tremendously, like it made him feel very confident and relaxed.

Any thoughts? This is my last exam, hopefully, and I think I’ll be more anxious than ever.

FAR 75
AUD 74, 82
REG 58, 74, 83
BEC 68, 75
Licensed 7.1.14!!!

[Anonymous]

If you were not medicated for the other exams don't start now (it can really affect your performance). Green tea also helps start drinking it now and see how you handle it. Hot tea worked for me gave me the caffeine and calm effect I needed. Subway also has the honey and green tea cold drink (its okay) but I dont like my tea with sugar, but you might like it). (last option if you hate the taste – green tea extract but make sure you get a good brand at amazon or wholefoods).

Have a cup and attempt a couple MCQs. Have it with protein not without food.

If you take melatonin make sure you get 8hrs of sleep.Don't start taking it the week of the exam, any medications affects your body differently when you are under stress.

Good luck…

[Anonymous]

I've been on low dose diazepam, aka Valium, for several years. My doctor put me on it when my blood pressure was still at “stroke level” 24 hours after an exam. My doctor had me take 1/2 of one before an exam and I passed, but that could have been, (more likely was) just a coincidence. The problem with most anxiety meds is that you aren't supposed to drive if you take them. Bottom line…Talk to your doctor before you take something before an exam or any other time!

[Anonymous]

I've been on low dose diazepam, aka Valium, for several years. My doctor put me on it when my blood pressure was still at “stroke level” 24 hours after an exam. My doctor had me take 1/2 of one before an exam and I passed, but that could have been, (more likely was) just a coincidence. The problem with most anxiety meds is that you aren't supposed to drive if you take them. Bottom line…Talk to your doctor before you take something before an exam or any other time!

[Anonymous]

Praying never hurts too!! Your lucky item (underwear, jersey or socks) put it out. I have a black jersey I've had it since university. I found it and beat my last two exams with it and boy my last prometric test room was boiling. If you have a lucky test center go for that too. Not the best Prometric but I got a pass two times I took my tests there.

[Anonymous]

Praying never hurts too!! Your lucky item (underwear, jersey or socks) put it out. I have a black jersey I've had it since university. I found it and beat my last two exams with it and boy my last prometric test room was boiling. If you have a lucky test center go for that too. Not the best Prometric but I got a pass two times I took my tests there.

[Kelestrel]

Self medication is hardly ever a good idea. I'd recommend seeing a therapist or doctor and talk to them about it. It could be incredibly helpful. Personally, I'm on Paxil. It almost eliminates my panic attacks and helps me have space in my head to think instead of panicking all the time. Your issue sounds more like a one situation problem, so my experience may not be exactly comparable to yours. My point though, is that medication when properly prescribed and taken can be very helpful. Don't rule it out, but don't do it without the advice of a doctor and/or mental health professional.

REG Aug 16, 2014
FAR Oct 04, 2014
AUD Feb 15
BEC May 15

[Kelestrel]

Self medication is hardly ever a good idea. I'd recommend seeing a therapist or doctor and talk to them about it. It could be incredibly helpful. Personally, I'm on Paxil. It almost eliminates my panic attacks and helps me have space in my head to think instead of panicking all the time. Your issue sounds more like a one situation problem, so my experience may not be exactly comparable to yours. My point though, is that medication when properly prescribed and taken can be very helpful. Don't rule it out, but don't do it without the advice of a doctor and/or mental health professional.

REG Aug 16, 2014
FAR Oct 04, 2014
AUD Feb 15
BEC May 15

[RedSoxFan77]

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for your feedback and experience sharing! It really is very helpful. My concern is whether the side effects will affect my ability to think clearly, and based on your comments, I will not attempt to take meds prior to sitting for the exam.

Quinacridone, I'll try washing my hands in cold water before I sit.

Eliabraham, I like the green tea suggestion, I'll give that a try as well. I didn't even know Subway carried green tea drinks, but there's one down the street from me I'll check out.

Kricket, I take a taxi to the test center, so operating machinery won't be a problem, unless you count the computer.

Thanks again everyone, it sounds like it would have been a mistake had I taken the meds right before my exam. I'm glad I asked!

FAR 75
AUD 74, 82
REG 58, 74, 83
BEC 68, 75
Licensed 7.1.14!!!

[RedSoxFan77]

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for your feedback and experience sharing! It really is very helpful. My concern is whether the side effects will affect my ability to think clearly, and based on your comments, I will not attempt to take meds prior to sitting for the exam.

Quinacridone, I'll try washing my hands in cold water before I sit.

Eliabraham, I like the green tea suggestion, I'll give that a try as well. I didn't even know Subway carried green tea drinks, but there's one down the street from me I'll check out.

Kricket, I take a taxi to the test center, so operating machinery won't be a problem, unless you count the computer.

Thanks again everyone, it sounds like it would have been a mistake had I taken the meds right before my exam. I'm glad I asked!

FAR 75
AUD 74, 82
REG 58, 74, 83
BEC 68, 75
Licensed 7.1.14!!!

[Anonymous]

I would stay away from Lorazepam!

A family member (based on personal encounter/experience) calls it THE CRAZY PILL!!

[Anonymous]

I would stay away from Lorazepam!

A family member (based on personal encounter/experience) calls it THE CRAZY PILL!!

[Anonymous]

@Amor D – My doctor put me on that one first and that one so did not work for me! OMG! I seriously thought I was going crazy. Then she put me on Lexapro. I remember taking one and talking to my boss while he was standing in front of my desk. Then the next thing I know, he is sitting down next to me. Then he was driving my car and we are pulling into my driveway. His daughter was right behind us to take him back to work. I flushed the entire bottle after taking one pill. I have absolutely no memory of most of that day. I DO NOT LIKE THAT! After that episode, I was ready to just throw in the towel, but she put me on the low dose Valium and I've been fine ever since. Blood pressure is normal and I'm not experiencing any of the other anxiety attack symptoms. I don't take it every night and another doctor told me that the dose I'm taking is the equivalent of a glass of wine. You are so right about different people having completely different reactions to med.

@Redsoxfan77 – During the CPA exam, the computer IS heavy machinery! LOL Good Luck to you!

[Anonymous]

@Amor D – My doctor put me on that one first and that one so did not work for me! OMG! I seriously thought I was going crazy. Then she put me on Lexapro. I remember taking one and talking to my boss while he was standing in front of my desk. Then the next thing I know, he is sitting down next to me. Then he was driving my car and we are pulling into my driveway. His daughter was right behind us to take him back to work. I flushed the entire bottle after taking one pill. I have absolutely no memory of most of that day. I DO NOT LIKE THAT! After that episode, I was ready to just throw in the towel, but she put me on the low dose Valium and I've been fine ever since. Blood pressure is normal and I'm not experiencing any of the other anxiety attack symptoms. I don't take it every night and another doctor told me that the dose I'm taking is the equivalent of a glass of wine. You are so right about different people having completely different reactions to med.

@Redsoxfan77 – During the CPA exam, the computer IS heavy machinery! LOL Good Luck to you!

[RedSoxFan77]

Kricket and Amor, lol, I had no idea a side effect was ‘craziness'! In my initial experience with Lorazepam, I took three .5mg pills along with a strong drink right before an oral presentation in Economics class. I've never felt so calm prior to and during the presentation, it worked great! It does make me drowsy though, that's the only side effect I've experienced.

FAR 75
AUD 74, 82
REG 58, 74, 83
BEC 68, 75
Licensed 7.1.14!!!

[RedSoxFan77]

Kricket and Amor, lol, I had no idea a side effect was ‘craziness'! In my initial experience with Lorazepam, I took three .5mg pills along with a strong drink right before an oral presentation in Economics class. I've never felt so calm prior to and during the presentation, it worked great! It does make me drowsy though, that's the only side effect I've experienced.

FAR 75
AUD 74, 82
REG 58, 74, 83
BEC 68, 75
Licensed 7.1.14!!!

[Author]

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