Ativan
Ativan is a prescription medication used to in the treatment of anxiety. It enhances the brain chemical known as gamma-amino butyric acid, which has a natural calming effect. Ativan can be found in tablet, injectable and oral liquid forms. Much like other prescription medications, there is a possibility of side effects with this treatment including weakness, unsteadiness or feeling dizzy.
Ativan - What It Is
Also known as Lorazepam, Ativan is used in the treatment of
anxiety and it can only be obtained with a prescription. Ativan also comes in the form of an injection that can help to reduce severe seizures, as well as reducing anxiety and nervous tension.
You must tell your physician before you take Ativan if you have any type of breathing problems. You must also tell him or her if you have liver problems, glaucoma, or kidney disease. Also, if you have a past history of depression, or if you have had suicidal thoughts, or addiction issues with drugs or alcohol, you must tell your doctor of these.
What it does
This type of medications has been found to have many different effects that include:
All of the medications that fall under this category have been known to have these side effects to some degree or other, but the effects range in severity depending on which benzodiazepine has been prescribed. These medicines work by improving the soothing properties of gamma-aminbutyric acid or GABA which occurs naturally in the brain to help calm people. GABA has been shown to slow or stop nerve signals that cause anxiety. For this reason, Ativan, as well as other benzodiazepines are considered to be mild
tranquilizers, depressants for the central nervous system or sedatives.
Normal Ativan Dosage
The usual, normal daily dosage for Ativan (if taken for
generalized anxiety disorder) is between 2 mg to 3 mg. For those using Ativan because of
social anxiety disorder the doctor will most likely begin with a low dose for some period of time. This may be a week or so. After a follow-up exam, he or she may adjust the dosage to achieve more effectiveness.
Common Ativan Side Effects
There may be side effects to taking Ativan. If you discover that you are having any side effects, contact your doctor. Most side effects take place at the very beginning of the drug use. Most of these will disappear as the patient uses the drug over time.
Of the side effects to Ativan, the most common include: dizziness, a sense of sedation, weakness and unsteadiness. In addition, some cognitive effects, like decreased attention span or problems with memory, may take place. Generally, side effects will increase as dosages are increased. Older individuals may also experience more side effects.
Some of the more common side effects are listed:
- Sleepiness or calm
- Feelings of dizziness
- Feeling weak
- Feeling wobbly or unsteady
How and when Ativan should be taken
Considerations which should be taken for prescribing and taking the medication should include:
- Ativan is available in oral liquid, tablets and by injection. When taken orally, depending on the severity of the condition, it's most commonly taken twice to three times daily.
- Although it can be taken without eating, if it's bothersome to the stomach, it should be taken with food.
- In order to ensure that Ativan works the way it was meant to, it's essential to take it as directed. If higher doses are taken or if it's taken for longer than prescribed it can cause serious health problems.
Ativan Safety Information
You should not take Ativan if you know you are allergic, or may be allergic, to lorazepam or any other form of benzodiazepines, like chlordiazepoxide (
Librium),
Alprazolam (
Xanax), clorazepate (
Tranxene),
Diazepam (
Valium), and oxazepam (
Serax). Do not take the prescription drug Ativan if you are or may be pregnant.
Interactions with Ativan
Ativan, as well as all types of benzodiazepines, work by interacting with other drugs in order to slow the brain's processes to certain chemicals. These might include alcohol, narcotics, barbiturates, and tranquilizers. It has been reported that some people have experienced severe sedation when the drug Lorazepam was also given to those who were using the tranquilizer loxapine (Loxitane). It is not known if this is a drug interaction or something else, but extra caution must be used when lorazepam and loxapine are taken together.
Ativan: Missing a Dose
If you happen to miss your regular dose and are take more than a single dose each day, do not take the missed dose if it close to being time for your next dose. What you must do instead is skip the missed dose completely and take your usual dose at its usual time. It is dangerous to double up the dose of this medicine. For those who take one dose at bedtime and miss that dose, call your doctor in the morning and follow his or her instructions.
Overdose with Ativan
Like any medicine, there is danger if you take too much Ativan. An overdose of this medication, Ativan, can be deadly. Death is rare, but it can happen. If you feel you have overdosed, get medical help immediately. Overdose symptoms may include: very deep sleep, confusion, decreased reflexes, clumsiness, and a loss of consciousness.
Ativan Overdose symptoms can possibly include:
- Sleeping as if sedated
- Some can fall into coma
- Disorientation
- Problems speaking
- Feelings of lethargy
- Lower than normal blood pressure
- Trouble breathing
- Death
If you're worried that you've taken too much of this medication you should seek immediate medical attention.
Detoxification of Ativan:
Ativan is considered an anti-consultant drug. What this means is if you discontinuing taking Ativan too quickly, or if you do so without medical supervision, you may experience some possibly very dangerous side effects. These side effects include, but are not limited to: vomiting, convulsions, tremors, insomnia, and muscle cramping. The danger here is that the symptoms of withdrawal may be so powerful and severe that the patient will return to taking the medication on his or her own. This is almost always done without the permission or knowledge of the doctor.
Treatment for Ativan Addiction
Ativan works on the central nervous system as both a depressant and benzodiazepine. The medication gives the user feelings of both well-being and a sense of euphoria. For some, this can lead to addiction and abuse. Ativan users should always seek professional help when they are coming off of this drug.
If you're worried that you've taken too much of this medication you should seek immediate medical attention.
What Does My Doctor Need to Know?
Before taking this or any other medication, you should talk to your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Glaucoma
- Drug or alcohol abuse history
- Depression
- Liver failure or disease
- Kidney failure or disease
- Allergies to food, preservatives or dyes of any kind
You should also tell your healthcare provider if you:
- Are considering becoming pregnant or are pregnant
- Are breastfeeding.
It's also important that you tell your doctor about all medications you currently take including vitamins, herbal supplements and prescription medications.
Is Generic Ativan Available?
For those who prefer to get generic prescriptions, there is
Generic Ativan and the brand name drug licensed to be sold.
