| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Ativan |
| Benefits | Used to treat anxiety disorders and provides relief from symptoms like restlessness, tension, and panic attacks |
| Ingredients | Lorazepam |
| Dosage | Ranges from 2mg to 6mg per day, divided into two to three doses |
| Price | from $2.8 per pill |
| Buy Now | |
Did you also come here searching for Ativan? Has the doctor recommended it for anxiety, or have you been given it for insomnia? In either case, it can solve your problems when used properly.
Ativan is a medication commonly prescribed for treating anxiety and panic attacks. It is also used for some other diseases as well. Starting with its uses and side effects, we will cover every single piece of information about it until necessary precautions are taken.
This brief guide will teach you the best and safest use of this medicine. It will help you get rid of whatever disease you are suffering from. Let’s quickly start uncovering it without waiting any further.
What Is Ativan?
Ativan is a medication generally recommended to treat anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. Its generic name is Lorazepam. It belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medications. It works by improving the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain. It helps to calm excessive electrical nerve activity and let you calm down.
It is also used for some other purposes, except anxiety. These other conditions include insomnia, seizures, and using sedatives before surgical or medical procedures. However, it is a controlled substance, so you should not use it without consulting a doctor. It could be habit-forming, cause dependence, or even cause withdrawal symptoms later.
It is available in both immediate release and extended release versions. Moreover, it is also available in different dosages and forms. It is also available in liquid form, which can be used with the help of injection. Let’s check out how to use it.
How Do I Use Ativan?
The appropriate and safe way to use Ativan is by following the doctor’s instructions or the medication guide or manual. Take it orally. You can take it before or after eating. Take it at the same time every day to get the best results.
Follow your doctor’s instructions related to dosage. It is because it may vary from person to person depending on several factors. Don’t use it for a longer period of time because it has the potential for addiction.
- Starting Dose: 2-3 mg (2 or 3 times a day)
- Regular Dose: 1-2 mg (2 or 3 times a day)
These dosages vary for every person, so it is advised to get personalized advice from your doctor for them.
Potential Side Effects of Ativan
Ativan is a Schedule IV drug. It is a sensitive CNS depressant and hence has the potential for both mild and severe side effects. Inform your doctor if you notice any of these potential side effects. Let’s take a look at them.
Mild side effects:
Following are the mild side effects of Ativan. These are more common and less threatening. Usually, these are noted when you just start using the medicine. These automatically vanish as your body adjusts to the medicine.
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Restlessness
- Weakness
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Dark urine
- Nausea
- Slurred speech
- Headache
- Poor muscle coordination
- Sweating
- Tremors
Severe Side Effects:
These are the serious side effects of Lorazepam. These very rarely occur, but they can be life-threatening. Visit the nearest medical facility as soon as you notice any of these potential effects.
- Amnesia
- Hallucination
- Bluish lips or skin
- Change in consciousness
- Coma
- Depression
- Difficulty with breathing or swallowing
- Jaundice
Ativan drug interactions
Ativan can also cause drug interactions with several other medications as well. It might cause a lot of problems for you. So you should always discuss all your medications with your doctor to ensure you are safe from interactions. Let’s take a look at some of the medicines that could interact with it.
- Opioids medications
- Alcohol and other recreational drugs
- Antidepressants
- Sleeping pills
- Muscle relaxers
- Allergy medicines
- Narcotics
- Barbiturates
- MAO inhibitors
- Medicine for seizures
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Certain supplements and herbs
Necessary Precautions for Safe Ativan Use
Following are the necessary precautions for using Ativan (Lorazepam). These precautions will ensure your safety while using this drug. These are recommended by expert doctors for the safety of patients. Let’s take a look at these precautions.
- Follow the prescribed dosage strictly.
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
- Don’t operate heavy machinery.
- Limit use to the prescribed duration.
- Discuss other medications with the doctor.
- Avoid abrupt cessation.
- Inform them about their medical history.
- Monitor for side effects.
- Avoid Ativan during pregnancy.
- Keep away from children.
Final Words
Ativan has been very effective in treating anxiety and depression. It was given an average 8.1 rating out of 10 for this purpose in a public review. So it can be a life changer for you upon proper usage. Follow the necessary precautions during its use for your safety.
Moreover, it has also been found effective for insomnia and seizure management. Don’t use it for these purposes unless you are recommended by your doctor, because these are not its approved uses. These may not be beneficial for everyone.