About 40 million American adults,†18 % of the U.S. population,†suffer from some form of anxiety, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. It affects the person due to various issues.Â
One might suffer from such conditions due to stress, or some may be affected by different traumas. There are various types of anxiety issues that people go through. Various options are available to cure such conditions, whether natural or medicinal.Â
You must have heard of the Benzo drug Ativan if you have anxiety or panic disorder. Generally, Ativan is safe and effective when used as directed by a physician. Know more about Ativan and all its information.
Ativan (Lorazepam) treats medically diagnosed health disorders such as anxiety and panic disorders and short-term relief of symptoms from anxiety and anxiety-associated depression.Â
Ativan is a Schedule IV benzodiazepine drug that can be classified as a tranquilizer or sedative because of the calming effects and feelings that they cause. Â It is a short-acting tranquilizer that contains Lorazepam as its active constituent.Â
Lorazepam is not suitable for everyone. It can be taken by adults and children of 13 years and older for anxiety. It can also be taken by children 5 years or older as a "pre-medication."
As an Off-label (non-FDA-approved), Ativan is used for Alcohol withdrawal, Rapid tranquilization of the agitated patient, Insomnia, Delirium, Chemotherapy-associated anticipatory nausea and vomiting (adjunct or breakthrough), Psychogenic catatonia, and Vertigo.
Ativan works by Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, a brain neurotransmitter regulating sleep and feelings of anxiety and relaxation. Ativan acts on this receptor to slow down the Central Nervous System (CNS). This reduces excess excitement in the brain and agitation, inducing a calming and relaxing effect.
Ativan can also reduce the intensity of panic attacks and anxiety by depressing the CNS. It is a fast-acting drug, making it an effective solution to manage panic symptoms temporarily. Most people feel its calming effects between 20 to 30 minutes after taking it, exerting a tranquilizing effect on the brain and body.
The FDA indicated that Ativan is meant to fight Anxiety disorders from depression and short-term relief from anxiety-related symptoms. Ativan has tranquilizing and sedating effects. This makes you feel calm, serene, and relaxed.
It can also cause drowsiness or sleepiness as a side effect. When a person takes Ativan in a manner as prescribed, under the close surveillance of a physician, they will not feel high as the drug serves to balance out the previously unbalanced nervous system.
The high effect of Ativan can be directly correlated with that of Xanax, as both drugs are used to treat Anxiety. However, Ativan leaves the Central Nervous System more quickly. Short-term relief is under four months of use.
Suppose a person administers a higher dose of Ativan and is not suffering from any Anxiety or depression stemming from anxiety. In that case, a person can get the euphoric sensations to peak within 30 to 60 minutes of administration. This effect can last 5 to 8 hours, where the subject will experience an amplified sedation effect.
You probably realize that many things, including medications, can affect your exercise performance, eating and sleeping habits, training regimen, and state of mind. It is reported that swallowing a sedating antihistamine (like Benadryl) or a benzodiazepine (like Ativan, Valium, or Xanax) will likely make you tired and impair your coordination at the gym.
The drug's sedating and calming effects may deplete the motivation to exercise. Furthermore, Ativan is addictive, and this can also have a significant impact on appetite, eating habits, and weight fluctuations.
When starting with Ativan medicine, insomnia or Anxiety may improve rapidly, within hours or for days of the first dose. Benzo drugs may produce emotional or physical dependence even when taken as prescribed.
Physical dependence may develop after two or more weeks of regular use. The risk of withdrawal reactions when discontinuing therapy with this drug increases with prolonged medication use.
Mild, moderate, or severe side effects may occur with 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 prescribing doctor immediately. If it appears that someone is in an overdose state due to taking Ativan or other benzodiazepines, get emergency medical help directly.
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Common side effects |
Severe side effects |
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Drowsiness or sleepiness |
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Sedation |
Convulsions or seizures |
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Dizziness |
Allergic reactions |
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Unsteadiness |
Suicidal thoughts |
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Lightheadedness |
Erectile dysfunction |
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Dry mouth |
Breathing difficulty (or respiratory failure) |
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Restlessness |
Agitation |
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Fatigue |
Swelling on lips/tongue |
Before taking Ativan, speak to your doctor about any medical conditions you are suffering from, as Ativan might not be appropriate for you if you have these conditions.
Using Ativan, even in a prescribed manner, can cause physical dependence and withdrawal if you abruptly discontinue taking the drug. Withdrawal of Ativan can be life-threatening, and its misuse can increase the risk of overdose and death.
Ativan (Lorazepam) can interact with several medications. It should not be taken with other benzodiazepine medications such as alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam and midazolam.
Medicine 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, so caution should be taken in combination with other medications that cause drowsiness. These could include:
Ativan can also interact with certain supplements and foods. Taking Ativan with herbs or other sedative supplements can cause excessive drowsiness. These include Lavender, Kava, Melatonin, Chamomile, and Valerian.
Also, Read
Benzodiazepines are CNS depressants that increase the levels of GABA in the brain to produce relaxation and reduce nerve activity. Ativan is a benzodiazepine that relieves feelings of Anxiety. It makes you feel calm, serene, and relaxed. It can also cause drowsiness or sleepiness as a side effect. It should be cautiously administered under the surveillance of the concerned medical practitioner.
Because the drug reduces Anxiety, people may be reluctant to discontinue its use due to fear of Anxiety's return. This is when Anxiety symptoms return with increased severity following the last service.
With this being true, many will continue the pattern of Abuse, addiction, and dependence to avoid the perceived risk.
The unwanted and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms associated with substance dependency can be reduced or eliminated with appropriate, professional treatment.
