What is Ativan?
Ativan is a medication used to treat anxiety. Its generic name is Lorazepam. It is classed under the category of benzodiazepines. This drug can be highly addictive and therefore should be prescribed at the smallest dose possible for the shortest amount of time.
Benzodiazepines produce a calming effect on the brain and nerves. Lorazepam enhances the effects of GABA which is a chemical already present in the body.
How to Take Ativan
Always read the leaflet of the medication before you take it. Only take it as prescribed by your doctor. For your reference, the general dosages are described below. Ativan is to be taken by the mouth, with or without food. You should take it at the same time each day.
For Adults
Initial dose can be 2 to 3mg per day, 2 to 3 times a day. Maintenance dose can be 1 to 2mg, 2 to 3 times a day up to 10mg per day.
For Elderly
Initial dose can be 1 to 2mg per day, 2 to 3 times a day.
For Children
Initial dose can be 2 to 3mg per day, 2 to 3 times a day. Maintenance dose can be 1 to 2mg, 2 to 3 times a day up to 10mg.
The dosage should be increased very gradually and only when needed. When prescribing higher doses, increase the evening dose before the daytime doses. This drug has yet to be clinically evaluated for treatments of longer than 4 months.
Ativan can easily cause addiction. Let your doctor know if you feel the urge to take more than your prescribed dose as it is an early sign of addiction. Never share your prescribed medication with others, especially those with a history of substance abuse. Misuse of Lorazepam can cause Overdose, Addiction and even Death.
Avoid suddenly stopping this medication as it can have extreme withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how to best avoid the onset of withdrawal. Do not stop taking Ativan unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
Ativan is only used for the management of anxiety disorders or the short term relief of anxiety related symptoms.
Side Effects of Ativan
Some common side effects of Lorazepam are as follows:
- Lack of balance or coordination
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Slurred or incoherent speech
- Memory issues
Lorazepam can also have more serious side effects. Seek immediate medical assistance if you are experiencing any of the symptoms below:
- Confusion
- Severe drowsiness
- Vision changes
- Hallucinations
- Fluctuating mood
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Aggression
- Unstable sleep cycle
- Sudden restless feeling or excitement
- Heavy-feeling in the eyes
- Muscle weakness
- Trouble swallowing
- Upper stomach pain
- Yellow pigments on the skin or eyes
Get emergency help if you believe you are having an allergic reaction to Lorazepam. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include difficulty in breathing, plus swelling of your throat, tongue, lips, and face.
If you face symptoms such as being more talkative or active, impromptu muscle movements, seizures, sudden swings of mood, hallucinations, confusion, or thoughts of self-harm after stopping your use of Lorazepam, seek medical attention right away.
Withdrawal symptoms may extend to 12 months or above since the cut-off period of the medicine. Before your prescription period nears the end, make sure to consult your personal physician. He/she can guide you to smoothen out the transition and eliminate as many withdrawal symptoms as possible.
Ativan Contraindications
Taking Lorazepam while you’re on sedatives or any other medication that causes drowsiness can have extreme side effects or even result in death. Always keep a list of all the medications you are taking and also inform your doctor about your other prescriptions. Be especially careful about opioids, sedatives, muscle relaxers and seizure medication.
Clarify with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Lorazepam if you are already on probenecid, aminophylline, theophylline or antihistamines. There may also be inactive ingredients in Ativan that can cause negative reactions with other prescription or general vitamins, even herbal supplements or over-the-counter medication.
Before Taking Ativan
Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are allergic to Lorazepam or any other benzodiazepines, or other allergies in general as there may be inactive ingredients that might cause a reaction.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease, glaucoma, COPD, sleep apnoea, mood disorders or a personal or family history of substance abuse.
While you are on Lorazepam, avoid consuming alcohol or cannabis. Do not operate heavy machinery. This drug can make you drowsy and dizzy, so avoid doing anything that requires high alertness. Always mention every medication you have taken before undergoing surgery.
Side effects may be more adverse among the elderly. Lorazepam may have the opposite effect on children by making them more restless and unruly.
Lorazepam can be harmful to take during pregnancy, as it can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in newborns. This drug also passes into breast milk, so talk to your doctor if you are lactating. Ativan can only be used on children above the age of 12.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose of Ativan, take it as soon as you are able unless it is close to your next dose. Never take more than one dose at once.
Overdosing on Ativan
If you take more than 10mg of Ativan in one day, it is considered an overdose. Overdosing on Lorazepam can be fatal, especially if taken with alcohol, opioids, or any other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing. If you are experiencing Lorazepam poisoning, seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of an overdose include confusion, severe drowsiness, slurred speech, muscle weakness, feeling restless or light-headed, loss of balance or coordination, weak or shallow breathing, slow heartbeats, or even coma.
General Information
Keep out of reach of children under 12, and individuals with a history of substance abuse. Store it in a cool, dry environment away from light and moisture. Do not store it in a refrigerator or freezer or bathroom. Do not flush it down the toilet.