Published on 21 July 2022

Ativan For Anxiety: Things You Need To Know

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Table of Contents

Anxiety is a common condition that is building up in the modern world. People are more prone to being depressed and anxious about situations. When people suffer from anxiety, they feel fearness, uneasiness, and dread of the situation.

On a statistics, almost millions of people are suffering from anxiety situations in the US. Women would be more affected by the type of anxiety called Generalized anxiety disorder. 

They try different coping methods when treating such conditions, but if nothing works, they only consult a doctor. At that moment, medication comes into place. Let's Know more about the efficacy of curing anxiety with Ativan.

What Is Ativan?

Ativan is a prescription drug used to regulate Anxiety disorders, and It is also called sedative-hypnotic or anxiolytic medicine. To get ativan prescribed online, you need to go to the doctor. It is the fastest-acting medication, and Ativan is used for Anxiety, Seizures, Spasms, Alcohol withdrawal, and Insomnia.

Ativan is the brand name of the medication, with Lorazepam as a generic medication. It is usually used alone or sometimes depending on similar but different medicines.

This particular medicine is from the Anti-anxiety class of drugs. Agents, Anxiolytics, Benzodiazepines, Anticonvulsants, and Benzodiazepine. 

How Does Ativan Work?

Ativan medicine belongs to the drug class of benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the chemical, which gives a calming effect on the brain. The main reason for consuming these medicines is to observe the calming effect. 

The chemical produced in the brain with Ativan's help is GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). All the medicines that come under this drug class almost work the same.

How Long Can You Take Ativan?

As every person is different from others, their mental conditions may also differ. That's why many doctors created a suitable course for the patient. In most cases, a doctor will likely administer Ativan to any patient for 3 to 4 weeks. 

Ativan is used for short-term treatment because its consumption for a long time can be addictive. In rare cases, Ativan may be used for long periods in severe conditions such as seizure disorders, but it should be taken under the guidance of healthcare providers. 

Is Ativan A Controlled Substance?

A drug or other substance controlled by the government to avoid its overuse as it may cause addiction or even get abused. The government has the authority to manage how the drugs should be made, stored, used, and handled. Control substance is categorized into five schedules.

The Drug Enforcement Administration classified Ativan as a controlled substance under Schedule IV. Medicines that exist in this schedule have a low potential for addiction. But it should be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

The Study Of Ativan And Anxiety 

Ativan tablets are FDA-approved for Anxiety disorders and anxiety associated with depression. It is a fast-acting anxiety medicine available online in the US and UK markets. 

A study was conducted to observe Ativan's Safety and efficacy in treating anxiety. A clinical trial was done for four weeks, in which 68 adults participated in the observation. A daily dosage was given for this observation.

They concluded with the positive response that Ativan has worked far better than a placebo for anxiety. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30763/ 

How Much Should You Take: Dosages

Always remember the dosage of anxiety can differ from one individual to another. Depending on your health, it is always better to visit your doctor and let them take the medicinal call for you.

This medication comes in two formats: pills and solutions for internal ejaculation or used with a syringe for Intravenous injections (IV).

The dosage for anxiety is as follows- 

  • Liquid form: 2 mg /ml. 
  • Daily dosage: 1 mg to 10. The usual dose is 2 mg to 6 mg and two to three times a day, per the patient's requirement. 

Frequently Asked Questions

On average, Ativan would take around 20 to 30 minutes to work on the Anxiety situation.
You should avoid taking Grapefruit when you are on Ativan medication. It would harm you severely.
There is no clear proof that Ativan affects the fertility rate.

Warnings For Ativan

Ativan with alcohol is not at all recommended. Always be cautious about this while taking the Anxiety medication. Never self-medicate yourself with any Anxiety medication cause it can harm your health.

There are other things that you should always keep in mind while consuming Ativan:

  • You should not consume Ativan if you are pregnant
  • Misuse of medicine can put you in danger
  • You might affect by withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking the medication abruptly.
  • You should not consume medicine if you suffer from severe respiratory insufficiency, myasthenia gravis, or are allergic to the drug.

Precautions For Taking Ativan

There are some precautions regarding the consumption of the medicine. Always check for the following things before consuming treatment NE for anxiety. Ativan stays in the system for three days in the blood, so you must be careful before taking the medication.

  1. Depression: Ativan and other benzodiazepine medicine can worsen the symptoms of depression. 
  2. Breathing disorder: Ativan can slow breathing; people with sleep and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, der, i.e. (COPD), should use Ativan with utmost precaution.
  3. Acute narrow-angle glaucoma: Ativan may increase the pressure inside the eye. 
  4. Kidney or liver problems: Kidney or liver problems may break down how your body reacts to Ativan after you start taking your dose. 
  5. Lowers blood pressure: Ativan slows down the heart rate. It decreases the blood flow in the arteries and lowers blood pressure.

Possible Side Effects Of Ativan

Side effects may negatively affect you. There is no compulsion for you to suffer from any side effects. If you have taken proper precautions, the medicine supports your body wellAtivan has some severe side effects; apart from the profound side effect, typical mon side effects are seen in most patients, usually treated and cared for with utmost attention.

Severe Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Severe drowsiness

Dizziness

Unusual changes in mood or behavior

Drowsiness

Confusion

Weakness

Aggression

Slurred speech

Hallucinations

Memory problems

Muscle weakness

Feeling unsteady

The above side effects are a few examples. If you want the list, ultimately, contact your doctor. They will guide you briefly. 

Ativan And Its Addiction

Ativan is a medicine that is highly addictive. This medicine is usually prescribed with an extensive background check of medical history, substance abuse, or any additional issues from a family's past health.   

According to the DEA, Ativan is a restricted drug since it is habit-forming. They must have a prescription from a licensed doctor to buy from a certified online pharmacy or a local drug store. 

People react differently to Ativan abuse. Personal testimonies on the Internet range from Ativan helping manage panic attacks to long-term users seeking to come off this sedative. Although unsubstantiated, some people describe pleasant, peaceful emotions, while others suffer hallucinations (a rare side effect).

While Ativan addicts may experience various products, it is apparent that this prescription medicine is a recreational drug of abuse.

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Withdrawal Symptoms Of Ativan

When a person discontinues taking a medicine abruptly, then they may have chances to experience side effects. These side effects are known as withdrawal symptoms. The following are the withdrawal symptoms of Ativan.

  • Anxiety 
  • Restlessness 
  • Irritability 
  • Headache 
  • Insomnia 
  • Sweating 
  • Rapid heart rate

The above is only part of the complete list. If you would like more details, please feel free to talk to your doctor. Because sometimes side effects may occur according to the patient's condition. 

Drug Interactions With Ativan

Not only Ativan but interacting different medications with other drugs can create complications. Often doctors suggest their patients not combine Ativan with other drugs. The following are some common drugs whose interactions with Ativan may cause side effects. 

  • Antidepressants
  • Clozapine 
  • Hydroxyzine  
  • morphine
  • Oxycodone 
  • Zolpidem 
  • Sedative antihistamines

It is recommended that alcohol should not be consumed while taking Ativan as it may cause severe side effects. To know more about interactions, talk to your doctor. 

Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solutions

Ativan is a prescription drug that regulates anxiety disorders. There are few warnings to use the drug depending on the patient's history and background. Ativan can alleviate some of the body's discomfort feelings. Ativanis is utilized for pain relief and may also be used as a short-term therapy. People are advised to take Ativan since it can help them sleep and have a less worried mind due to discomfort.

  • Pinosky DG. Clinical assessment of the Safety and efficacy of Lorazepam, a new benzodiazepine derivative, in treating anxiety. J Clin Psychiatry. 1978 Oct;39(10 Pt 2):24-9. PMID: 30763. From https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30763/ Obtain on 19/07/2022
  • Ziemann, U., Lönnecker, S., Steinhoff, B.J. et al. The effect of Lorazepa on the motor cortical excitability in man. Exp Brain Res 109, 127–135 (1996). From  https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00228633 Obtain on 19/07/2022
  • Lawrence, J.M., Edwards, J.E., Briggs, G.S. and Jones, I.H., 1974. From