Ativan Uses
While Ativan prescription drug has been approved and is commonly used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, it has also been approved for use as a short term anxiety reliever in symptoms connected with depression. This drug shouldn't be used for "everyday anxiety" and should only be used for the short term. Health care professionals also use Ativan to treat problems such as restless leg syndrome and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
What Is Ativan Used For
Ativan, or lorazepam is a drug that is only available by prescription. It has been licensed for the treatment of anxiety. There is a form of this medication that can be injected. When this type of Ativan is used, it decreases anxiety and nervous tension that people might experience immediately before surgery as well as offering an effective treatment for those who suffer from severe seizures. Ativan is considered to be part of the
benzodiazepines group of medications.
Ativan to treat Anxiety
Many people feel anxious before big events such as a speech or presentation, first date or an important exam. Those who suffer from anxiety disorders suffer from anxiety that never calms down. These feelings can cause extreme fear and
panic attacks and can become worse over time. The symptoms will vary depending on the severity and type of anxiety disorder, but several symptoms include:
- Avoidance of places or situations due to fear
- Racing heart
- Feelings of tension, fear or apprehension
- Extreme sweating and trembling or shaking
- Trouble breathing
- Nervousness often accompanied by jitteriness
- Stomach problems or the feeling of a knot
- Pacing or inability to sit still
- Difficulty swallowing or feeling a lump in the throat
- Fear of death while sleeping
- General fear of dying
- Worries of going crazy or losing control
There are generally only two kinds of anxiety treatment available for those who struggle with an anxiety disorder:
Ativan has been approved for the treatment of
anxiety disorders as well as offering short term relief of
symptoms of anxiety due to
depression. This drug is not recommended for anxiety of the everyday kind and it should only be used for two to four weeks at the most.
How Ativan Works
Ativan is a
benzodiazepine drug. This is a group of medications that have several effects including:
- Easing feelings of anxiety
- Feelings of drowsiness
- Relaxing muscles
- Easing and even stopping seizures
- Negatively affecting the short-term memory
All of the drugs that fall under the benzodiazepine category have been found to have one or more of these effects, depending on which drug is being used. The medications in this category affect the brain by increasing the gamma-aminobutyric acid effects. Also known as GABA, this is a chemical in the brain that has a naturally calming effect. It works by slowing or stopping negative nerve signals within the brain. For this reason, drugs like Ativan are considered to be mild
tranquilizers,
depressants for the central nervous system, or CNS depressants or sedatives.
Should Children Take It?
Ativan has not been approved for children under 12, so you should discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medication to children.
Non-Labeled Ativan Uses
Occasionally, your doctor might recommend you take Ativan for problems other than anxiety. Current non-labeled used of Ativan might be one of the following:
- Treatment of alcohol withdrawal
- Treatment for severe agitation
- Insomnia treatment
- To sedate a person on a ventilator (to avoid having a person wake up with a ventilator in place)
- Prevention of severe seizures
- Treatment of RLS (Restless leg syndrome)
- Treatment of muscle spasms such as those found in cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis
- Treatment of myoclonus
