What is the medication Ativan?
Lorazepam, also known as Ativan, is a member of the benzodiazepine drug class. Benzodiazepines are believed to function by stimulating specific neurotransmitters in the brain.
Adults and adolescents with anxiety disorders who are at least 12 years old can use ativan.
Ativan is also used to treat sleeplessness brought on by worry or brief stressful situations.
Ativan is occasionally used to manage agitation brought on by alcohol withdrawal and to treat nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment.
Warnings
Particularly if you've recently taken alcohol, other drugs that impede breathing, or opioid medications, Ativan can cause your breathing to slow down or stop entirely. These consequences might be lethal.
ATVAN MISUSE MAY RESULT IN ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep this medication out of the reach of others.
Since lorazepam can become addictive, it should only be used by the intended patient. Sharing Ativan with someone else is never a good idea, especially if they have a history of drug abuse or addiction.
Avoid quitting Ativan without first consulting your physician. If you abruptly stop taking the medication after a prolonged period of use, you can have potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms. There are withdrawal symptoms that can linger for a year or more.
If, after stopping Ativan, you experience any of the following symptoms, get medical attention right away: strange muscular movements, increased activity or talkativeness, abrupt and severe mood or behavior changes, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or suicidal thoughts.
If you are expecting, stay away from Ativan. A newborn exposed to lorazepam may experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms or birth abnormalities.
If you have myasthenia gravis, severe respiratory insufficiency, narrow-angle glaucoma, or an allergy to Valium or a related medication, you should not use this medication.
comparable or related medications
hydroxyzine, alprazolam, fluoxetine, duloxetine, escitalopram, sertraline, and trazodone
Prior to using this medication
When using Ativan, avoid doing so if you have:
narrow-angle eye disease; or
a history of allergic reaction to any benzodiazepine, including Klonopin, Lorazepam, Xanax, Alprazolam, and Diazepam.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that taking Ativan is safe for you:
respiratory conditions such as asthma, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or others;
addiction to drugs or alcohol;
despair, psychosis or other mental disorders, mood swings, or suicidal thoughts or deeds;
seizures;
a reaction to yellow food coloring or aspirin; or
liver or renal illness.
Inform your physician if you are or want to become pregnant. If you use Ativan while pregnant, your unborn child may have severe withdrawal symptoms at birth and require weeks of medical attention.
To monitor the effects of lorazepam on the unborn child, your name can be added to a pregnancy registry if you are expecting.
It is not appropriate to breastfeed.
If you choose to breastfeed, let your doctor know if the nursing child seems sleepy, has trouble eating, or is gaining weight slowly.
Warnings about Ativan during pregnancy and nursing (further detail)
How should Ativan be taken?
Adhere to your doctor's prescription for Ativan precisely. Read all drug guidelines and instruction sheets, and abide by the directions on the label of your prescription. Never take Ativan for longer than is recommended or in greater doses. If you experience a stronger desire to take more of this medication, let your doctor know.
Never give Ativan to someone else, especially if they have a history of drug abuse. A MISUSE MAY RESULT IN DEATH, OVERDOSE, OR ADDICTION. Make sure the medication is out of reach for others. It is illegal to sell or give away this medication.
Avoid quitting Ativan without first consulting your physician. If you abruptly stop taking the medication after a prolonged period of use, you can have potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms.
Ativan tablets should be kept dry, away from heat sources, and tightly closed at room temperature.
Make sure no one can misuse your medication by keeping it in a secure location.
Dosage details
Average Adult Anxiety Dosage:
First dosage: two to three milligrams taken orally twice day, three times a day.
Maintenance dosage: Take 1 to 2 mg twice or three times day by mouth
Uses:
-Controlling anxiety disorders
- Immediate alleviation of anxiety or anxiety related to depression symptoms