Medication: |
Ativan (Lorazepam) |
Dosage: |
2.5 mg |
Price: |
from $2.75 per pill |
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Ativan (Lorazepam)
Ativan is a potent tranquilizer that stands out among medications in its class for its strong effects. It helps alleviate anxiety, calm the mind, stop seizures, relax muscles, and combat insomnia. However, because of its powerful impact on the body, side effects may occur due to such active intervention.
Ativan is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Anxiety disorders: Ativan helps manage the brain’s chemical balance, reducing symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks.
- Insomnia: short-term use of lorazepam can improve sleep quality and help you fall asleep faster.
- Epilepsy: Ativan is effective in controlling seizures in epilepsy patients.
- Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: it can help reduce symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and tremors during alcohol withdrawal.
Usage guidelines and dosage
Ativan should be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician, who will determine the appropriate dose and duration of treatment based on your individual needs and the specifics of your condition. Treatment typically starts with the lowest effective dose, which may be adjusted based on your response.
Do not reduce the dose or abruptly stop taking Ativan without consulting your doctor, as doing so can lead to withdrawal symptoms that may be severe and potentially life-threatening. The risk of dependence and withdrawal increases with long-term use or high doses. Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage adjustments.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty controlling body movements, seizures, changes in behavior or mood (such as depression or suicidal thoughts), thoughts of self-harm or harming others, hallucinations, loss of touch with reality, frantic movements or speech, or any other severe or worsening side effects.
Side effects
Ativan’s beneficial effects include anticonvulsant, calming, and anxiety-relieving properties, as well as muscle relaxation. However, it can also cause several side effects:
- Sedative effects: Ativan may lead to drowsiness, inattention, difficulty concentrating, and memory impairment.
- Anticonvulsant effects: it can impair coordination, slow memory, and cause dizziness, which may affect both physical and mental reactions. Some users might experience depression or unexpected euphoria, and headaches are possible.
- Muscle relaxation effects: a significant muscle relaxant effect may lead to respiratory muscle impairment, which can be particularly dangerous.
- Blood composition: Ativan may affect blood composition, potentially causing agranulocytosis, leukopenia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia.
- Digestive system: the drug may disrupt muscle contractions in the digestive system, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, liver issues, and possible jaundice.
- Urinary and reproductive systems: it may cause involuntary urination due to impaired muscle tone of the sphincters. Additionally, it can affect libido, lead to severe menstrual pain, and potentially trigger allergic reactions such as rashes and itching.
Withdrawal syndrome
Even when Ativan is used strictly as prescribed and under medical supervision, it can become highly addictive. Long-term or continuous use may lead to strong dependence, resulting in serious nervous system disturbances. Symptoms can include heightened nervousness, mood swings, depression, insomnia, and nausea.
Initially, patients might experience fatigue, drowsiness, and improved mood. However, with ongoing use, these positive effects can give way to negative moods. Those who misuse Ativan may experience hallucinations, delusions, persistent fear, and various sleep disturbances. In severe cases, there may be obsessive thoughts about suicide.
Contraindications
Ativan should be used with caution and under constant medical supervision in patients with severe liver or kidney diseases. It should be prescribed carefully to individuals with a history of psychological dependence on medications.
Elderly patients also need to use Ativan cautiously, as they may be more susceptible to its contraindications and side effects due to age-related health issues, such as hypertension, heart problems, joint issues, and impaired memory and attention.
Ativan is not recommended for individuals with myasthenia gravis, obstructive bronchitis, respiratory failure, or for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
It is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women, as it can cross the placental barrier, potentially impair fetal nervous system development, and increase the risk of congenital malformations.
Overdose
Even a slight overdose of Ativan can lead to significant issues. Symptoms of an overdose may include persistent irritability, sleep disturbances, and heightened arousal. Even a minor excess of the dose can negatively impact the cardiovascular system, causing decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate.
Interaction with other drugs
Ativan can interact with various medications, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing side effects. Notable interactions include those with alcohol, narcotic analgesics, antidepressants, antihistamines, and muscle relaxants.
Caution is advised when combining Ativan with other strong sedatives or medications from the benzodiazepine, diphenylmethane, or similar chemical groups.