Ativan, the commercial name for the generic drug Lorazepam, is FDA-approved to treat Anxiety disorders and depression. Depression is a common illness worldwide, with an estimated 3.8% affected within the population. This includes a 5.0% rate among adults and 5.7% among adults older than 60.
Throughout history, Anxiety has plagued humans. Although the symptoms of Anxiety disorders certainly have yet to change. How we treat this problem has seen numerous changes through time.
During the Middle Ages, Anxiety disorders were cured by bloodletting, dipping in a frigid river, or using a staggering number of herbs, balms, elixirs, and potions. Today, one of the medical treatments for Anxiety is Ativan.
However, an important research question remains: Are Ativan and depression connected? Let's discuss Ativan first.
Ativan is a brand-name prescription medication from the category of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines or benzo drugs are "sedatives" or "tranquilizers." It is available in two forms: an oral tablet or an injection. The Food and Drug
Association (FDA) has approved the following:
Drug Forms:
It is a controlled substance and a Schedule IV drug, which means it has limited abuse potential and accepted medical uses.
Licensed medical professionals sometimes prescribe Ativan off-label. This means it is sometimes used to treat other specific health conditions which are not FDA-approved. However, some anecdotal evidence has been found helpful. These conditions include:
Ativan is quick-acting and is typically prescribed as a short-term treatment. When taken orally, most people who begin consuming Ativan will feel the effects in 20 to 30 minutes. On the other hand, it is effective within 1 to 3 minutes when given intravenously.
Ativan regulates the levels of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. It is an "inhibitory neurotransmitter." This chemical reduces the activity of other neurons in the brain and slows down the central nervous system (CNS). GABA reduces Anxiety by producing an immediate calming effect.
Ativan can also reduce the intensity of panic attacks and Anxiety by depressing the CNS. It is a fast-acting drug. This makes Ativan an effective solution to manage panic symptoms temporarily. The drug enters your system relatively rapidly and lasts a few hours.
Depression is a medical condition that affects your mood, ability to function, and quality of life. Depressive symptoms include feeling anxious, sad, or hopeless. The condition can also cause difficulty with eating, thinking, memory, and sleeping.
Various factors can cause depression, including medical conditions, genetics, life events, personality, or brain chemistry. Ativan was found to exacerbate depression symptoms in some people. As stated earlier, it is a CNS depressant.
When it builds up in your system or if you take it at high doses, depression can worsen and even result in suicidal thoughts or feelings. Healthcare professionals should consider possible adverse effects associated with antidepressants, the ability to deliver either intervention, and individual preferences.
Depression influences the way people feel, think, and act. It can also affect physical health and other aspects of an individual's life. Depression can impact anyone and can occur at any age. Still, people are more likely to experience depressive symptoms if they:
Many people take antidepressants drugs to relieve depression, but various natural methods also help manage depression symptoms and reduce the risk of future episodes.
Avoiding or preventing depression is not always possible. However, some lifestyle choices can help manage symptoms and prevent their recurrence. The following activities may help individuals with risk factors or those living with depression manage or avoid symptoms:
Ativan is a potent benzo drug with a high potential for addiction and Abuse. Taking Ativan for any period leads to physical and psychological dependence based on various factors, including personal history, method of misuse, and genetics.
In 2020, 4.8 million (1.7%) U.S. residents of 12 years and older misused benzodiazepines. Among these, 1.2 million people were diagnosed with a prescription sedative use disorder.
An individual's risk for addiction to Ativan increases with the following:
The following criteria may be warning signs for a developing Ativan addiction:
In many cases, the risks of severe withdrawal require vigilant observation. To be safe, all benzo drugs should be tapered gradually rather than quitting abruptly, regardless of the dose and duration of use. This process is known as medical detox, an early treatment for Ativan addiction to ensure safe and easy recovery.
Different people overdose on different amounts of Ativan. Responsible healthcare professionals determine the appropriate dosage for Ativan based on the individual's medical history and their use of other medicines. Therefore, individuals must take Ativan precisely as prescribed to avoid overdose.
The signs of Ativan overdose are similar to overdose with other CNS depressants, such as opioids or other benzodiazepines. Ativan's most common overdose symptoms include respiratory depression, which causes an individual to have abnormally short and labored breathing. Other signs and symptoms include:
While these symptoms may not seem life-threatening, people must receive immediate medical treatment to prevent complications from an Ativan overdose.
Ativan can also create specific side effects with continuous use. Common Ativan side effects that are not dangerous can include:
It is also possible for people to experience confusion, memory problems, and fatigue while taking Ativan. It is essential to be aware of any side effects that appear extreme or markedly different from a person's usual behavior.
Ativan interacts with the GABA neurotransmitter in the brain and increases the amount of GABA in the brain. Ativan also alters the communication between nerve cells, making a person feel relaxed and calm.
If an individual snorts Ativan (insufflation), the drug simultaneously hits the brain. This causes a fleeting but powerful high. Aside from that, the tranquilizing effect of Ativan is more substantial when snorted.
Ativan has severe hypnotic properties and may cause a brief episode of euphoria before the relaxation period. It is usually taken orally and may take up to 2 hours for a person to feel its full effects. The hypnotic properties of Ativan can also cause an individual to experience psychosis or hallucinations.
While Ativan can immediately impact the brain, abusing it may lead to long-term side effects. This includes permanent brain damage or memory problem such as amnesia. People struggling with Ativan addiction might suffer from memory loss or an inability to recall basic details about their lives.
Mild, moderate, or severe side effects may occur with the use of Ativan. The side effects of Ativan tend to be more potent with high doses. Many people experience mild side effects as they get addicted to the medicine, but these usually pass on their own.
If severe side effects occur, contact the doctor immediately. If it appears that someone is in an overdose state due to taking Ativan or other benzodiazepines, get emergency medical help directly.
|
Common Side Effects |
Severe Side Effects |
|---|---|
|
Drowsiness |
Allergic reactions such as hives, rash, or swelling on lips/tongue |
|
Unsteadiness |
Convulsions or seizures |
|
Dizziness |
Suicidal thoughts |
|
Dry mouth |
Erectile dysfunction |
|
Changes in libido |
|
|
Reduced ability to concentrate |
Paradoxical reactions such as agitation, aggression, hostility, or rage |
|
Lightheadedness |
Breathing difficulty (or respiratory failure) |
|
Muscle weakness |
Life-threatening side effects if taken with opioids |
In people who receive the Ativan injection, pain at the application site, redness, or deep skin color can occur.
Some of these side effects might disappear within a few days or weeks. Contact your prescribing doctor immediately if the side effects become more severe or disappear.
Let your doctor know about any other medical conditions you are suffering from. This is important since Ativan might not be appropriate for you if you have these conditions:
Ativan can interact with several medications. It should not be taken with benzodiazepine medications such as alprazolam, Clonazepam, and diazepam.
Different interactions can cause various effects. For instance, some medications can interfere with how well a drug acts, while others can cause increased side effects.
Ativan causes drowsiness. Therefore, utmost precaution should be taken in combination with other medications that cause drowsiness. These medications include:
Ativan can also interact with certain supplements and foods. Taking Ativan with herbs or other sedative supplements can cause excessive drowsiness. These include:
Ativan is a benzodiazepine medication for short-term use to cope with extreme Anxiety symptoms. It has powerful effects on the brain, precisely its chemical composition. However, many users experience "rebound" products or worsening of the same symptoms that the drug is designed to treat. It could also exacerbate depression symptoms for some individuals.
When it builds up in your system, depression can worsen and even result in suicidal thoughts. Seek advice from a licensed medical professional for adequate treatment, and consult with your doctor immediately if you have any concerns about the medication or if your medical condition does not improve.
