What Is Ativan?
Ativan is a brand of lorazepam, a medication used to relieve anxiety. Lorazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Ativan is a controlled substance according to the DEA. There are strict rules regarding how your provider prescribes lorazepam (Ativan) (limits on refills, limits on the number of tablets, etc) and how your pharmacy dispenses it (photo ID might be required to pick it up, prescription expires sooner, etc).
Ativan is approved for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, or sleep difficulty due to anxiety or stress, status epilepticus (continuous seizures), and as a medication given right before anesthesia. However, benzodiazepines can also be used to treat alcohol withdrawal. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) occurs when a person experiences excessive anxiety or worry for at least six months.
How should I take Ativan?
Ativan comes as a tablet and concentrates (liquid) to take by mouth. It usually is taken two or three times a day and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Ativan exactly as directed.
Typical dosing for Ativanis as follows:
Dosing for tablets and oral liquid: The typical dose of lorazepam (Ativan) tablets varies based on how well it works for you. Most people take between 2 mg and 6 mg by mouth per day, divided into 2 or 3 doses. Some people can take as little as 1 mg per day or as much as 10 mg per day. If your anxiety is worst around bedtime or if you also have insomnia (trouble sleeping), your nighttime dose may be larger than your daytime dose(s).
Ativan concentrate (liquid) comes with a specially marked dropper for measuring the dose. Ask your pharmacist to show you how to use the dropper. Dilute the concentrate in 1 ounce (30 milliliters) or more of water, juice, or carbonated beverages just before taking it. It also may be mixed with applesauce or pudding just before taking the dose.
Ativan is also available as an IV injection that is administered by a healthcare provider. The dose of Ativan depends on the disease being treated, and how the person responds to the treatment.
How does Ativan make you feel?
Depending on your health condition, Ativan can make you feel calmer, less anxious, stop a seizure, or exert a tranquilizing effect on the mind and body. This is because Ativan belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines that works by increasing the levels of a calming chemical, gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA), in your brain.
As a central nervous system depressant, Ativan slows down the functions of the brain and body. Electrical activity in the brain and nerves slows down after you take Ativan, which affects cognitive function, learning, memory, response times, and reflexes. Drugs that calm down the central nervous system, like Ativan can be so effective at stopping anxiety attacks. It also is effective at treating insomnia, whether caused by anxiety or not.
However, Ativan can also raise the levels of dopamine, especially when taken in high doses. This can result in an increase in the levels of feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain, causing a euphoric feeling, which explains why Ativan is addictive.
What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Ativan?
Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Ativan affects you because you may notice that you feel tired or dizzy.
When starting Ativan, anxiety or insomnia may improve rapidly or over a period of days.
Benzodiazepines, such as Ativan, are often used for short periods of time only. They may produce emotional and/or physical dependence (addiction) even when used as recommended. With input from you, your health care provider will assess how long you will need to take the medicine.
Do not stop taking Ativan without talking to your health care provider first. Stopping Ativan abruptly may result in one or more of the following withdrawal symptoms: trouble sleeping, anxiety, irritability, nausea, tremor, dizziness, blood pressure changes, rapid heart rate, and seizures. Withdrawal reactions may occur when dosage reduction occurs for any reason.
The use of Ativan with drugs like opioid medications has led to serious side effects including slowed and difficulty breathing and death. Opioid drugs are medications used to treat pain and include medications such as codeine, oxycodone, morphine, and illegal drugs like heroin. Some opioid medications are also found in cough syrup.
If you are taking Ativan with an opioid medication, get medical assistance immediately if you feel dizziness, sleepiness, have slow or troubled breathing, or if you pass out. Caregivers must get medical help right away if a patient does not respond and does not wake up.
Avoid alcohol while taking Ativan.
What are the other side effects of Ativan?
Ativan may cause side effects. Call your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
• blurred vision
• changes in appetite
• changes in sex drive or ability
• constipation
• diarrhea
• difficulty urinating
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• frequent urination
• nausea
• restlessness or excitement
• tiredness
• weakness
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
• fever
• irregular heartbeat
• persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still
• severe skin rash
• shuffling walk
• yellowing of skin or eyes
Ativan may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Summary Of FDA Black Box Warnings
The FDA has found that benzodiazepine drugs, such as lorazepam, when used in combination with opioid medications or other sedating medications can result in serious adverse reactions including slowed or difficult breathing and death. Patients taking opioids with benzodiazepines, other sedating medications, or alcohol, and caregivers of these patients, should seek immediate medical attention if they start to experience unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slow or difficulty breathing, or unresponsiveness.
As a benzodiazepine, lorazepam comes with the risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction to the medication. The physical dependence on lorazepam can occur with prolonged use of the medication. A withdrawal reaction may occur when stopping lorazepam, but this risk can be reduced by slowly reducing the dose of lorazepam when stopping. Do not stop taking lorazepam abruptly, and do not make any changes to therapy without consulting your health care provider.
