Ativan is a benzodiazepine drug aimed to treat anxiety and seizures. The medication can boast of high efficacy, yet it has a certain potential for abuse. Learn more about Ativan from the article.
| Drug Name | Package | Per Item | Go Pharmacy |
| Generic Ativan | 2.5 mg | $2.48 |  |
Forget about Anxiety with Ativan
For its more than 40 years history, Ativan helped millions of people cope with anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions that respond well to the effects of this preparation. More than 10 million prescriptions for Ativan are given yearly in the United States only. So on the world scale, the figure is huge.
Apart from anxiety, this preparation works well for managing the symptoms of status epilepticus and seizures provoked by other medical conditions. The sedating effect of the drug is also widely applied in health care. Patients get the injections of this medicine before surgery as a constituent of narcosis. It also helps to sedate people on assisted ventilation. Another reason why Ativan is so popular is its ability to eliminate the symptoms of insomnia and provide people suffering from this problem with deep and healthy sleep.
Details about Ativan
Ativan is a brand name of the substance called lorazepam. This preparation belongs to benzodiazepines and is applied in the therapy of patients suffering from some psychological and mental health disorders. The drug influences the functioning of the central nervous system. If used in specific doses, it may cause amnesia. Ativan enhances the function of GABA receptors in the human brain, thus producing anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative, and muscle relaxant effects.
The active ingredient of Ativan is a highly potent substance. A single 1 mg tablet of this medication induces effects similar to those received after the intake of 10 mg Diazepam pills.
Ativan Dosing. How to Use the Medication?
The preparation is produced in the form of tablets. The concentration of the active component per pill is 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg. To choose the right dosage strength and work out the most beneficial treatment plan, consult a doctor.
When calculating the daily dose, three aspects are taken into account: your age, the disease you suffer and its severity, and your response to the therapy. A medical specialist will also review your medical history for contraindications and precautions.
General advice on intake:
- Use the pills regardless of meals;
- Try to take the drug at the same time daily;
- Start the treatment with the lowest dose. If needed, increase it gradually until the desired effect is achieved;
- Never exceed your daily dosage to avoid overdose symptoms;
- Don’t take the medication for longer than a month to prevent the formation of a habit;
- Don’t stop taking Ativan abruptly, as this may trigger a drug withdrawal.
Who Can Take Ativan?
Ativan is recommended in adults only. Individuals suffering from the health disorders listed below should avoid taking Ativan due to very high risks for severe adverse reactions:
- An allergy to lorazepam or excipients;
- An allergy to other medications from benzodiazepine class;
- Moderate to severe renal disease;
- Moderate to severe hepatic impairment;
- Depression and other mood disorders;
- Current or past substance abuse (in a personal or family history);
- Sleep apnea;
Elderly patients should be prescribed Ativan with caution for their increased risks of serious injury due to falls.
Ativan is contraindicated in pregnant women as it is known to cause birth defects and affect the normal development of the fetus. Women should stop breastfeeding before taking Ativan as it may harm the baby.
Alcohol and recreational drugs are not compatible with this preparation.
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
The most common side effects of Ativan affect about 16% of its users. Their incidence is higher in elderly patients. The reactions reported most often include but are not limited to:
- Drowsiness;
- Dizziness;
- Weakness;
- Unsteadiness;
- Headache;
- Blurry vision;
- Heartburn;
- Constipation;
- Sexual dysfunction.
Inform your attending doctor about any of these symptoms. You may need medical help if they get worse. Some unwanted reactions are a reason to visit the doctor’s office. They are suicidal thoughts, depression, trouble speaking or moving, troubles with memory, trouble breathing. Call an emergency in case you overdose on the drug or develop hypersensitivity reactions.