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​LESLIE MEDICAL ENTERPRISES IN FINDLAY 

​Ativan

Ativan is a benzodiazepine medication, which is effective in the therapy of seizures, anxiety, and severe agitation. There’s still more to learn about the safety of the drug. Do it by reading on.
Anxiety disorders are considered the most common mental health problem in the United States while insomnia is number one among sleep disorders. Millions of people deal with such medical issues daily, continuously looking for a drug that can help them get back to normal life. One of the best for such purposes is Ativan. This preparation is approved by the FDA, which is a sign of its proven efficacy and safety. Ativan is recommended as a therapy for anxiety disorders, severe agitation, seizures, and trouble sleeping. This drug is often used as a sedative agent for people before surgery and those receiving mechanical ventilation. Doctors prescribe Ativan for a short-term to avoid the formation of tolerance and dependence on the drug.


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How Will Your Body React to Ativan?


People suffering from anxiety and other disorders that respond well to Ativan are often concerned about the way their bodies will react to the drug. The active substance of the medication is lorazepam, which is a benzodiazepine. The drugs of this family work by binding to the GABA receptors in the brain and increasing their activity. Ativan produces pronounced anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, muscle relaxant, and amnesic effects. On ingesting a pill of Ativan, you will feel the effects within an hour. Though, in some people, it may take up to a few days to notice any improvements. The drug has a long elimination half-life, which is why its duration of action ranges from 12 to 24 hours. Within the first days of use, you may feel sleepy and tired, but these effects typically improve as soon as your body gets adjusted to the effects of the medication.


Is Ativan Suitable for Everyone?


The decision about the possibility of taking Ativan should be made taking into account your medical history and current medical condition. Consult a medical specialist who will weigh all the pros and cons of the treatment with Ativan. Some people, anyway, will have to refuse the therapy because of the medical conditions they suffer. You are not recommended to take this medication if you have or have had:

  • acute hypersensitivity reactions to lorazepam or other components of the drug;
  • narrow-angle glaucoma;
  • primary depressive disorder;
  • psychosis;
  • severe renal or hepatic disorder;
  • sleep apnea, COPD, or other breathing disorders;
  • substance abuse.


All the listed conditions may worsen when on Ativan. As for substance abuse, it enhances your risks of developing tolerance and dependence on the drug. Therefore, you’d better avoid its use. Pregnancy and the period of lactation are the reasons to avoid Ativan. The drug can cause inborn abnormalities, as well as other health problems, in newborns and breastfeeding babies.


Can I Use Ativan with other Drugs?


When thinking about the question of can I use Ativan with other medicines, the answer will be: it depends. This is why you should inform your GP about all the drugs you are going to use with Ativan. This preparation may cause severe breathing problems and even lead to death if combined with opioid analgesics. Their concomitant use is contraindicated. You should also be careful with taking cough medicines, as some of them contain opioids as well. As for other drugs that can increase the risks for Ativan adverse reactions and exacerbate their manifestations, they are barbiturates, antihistamines with a sedative effect, anxiolytics, sedative-hypnotics. Other medicines that depress the activity of the nervous system are also not advised when on Ativan. Aside from medicines, lorazepam also interacts with alcohol. Both substances depress the nervous system. Their concomitant intake may cause trouble breathing, severe coordination problems, and other significant side effects. To avoid such a scenario, you should eliminate alcoholic drinks from your diet.


What Unwanted Reactions Can Ativan Cause?


The incidence and severity of Ativan side effects depend on the dosage you use. With higher dosages, the unwanted effects are more pronounced. The common reactions to the drug are usually temporary or don’t require medicinal treatment. They are:

  • dizziness;
  • tiredness;
  • sedation;
  • weakness;
  • problems with coordination;
  • memory problems;
  • low libido;
  • low blood pressure, and so on.


The incidence of some unwanted reactions also depends on the age of a person taking Ativan. In elderly people, coordination problems and sedation are more pronounced. Ativan intake is a great way to fight insomnia, anxiety, and some other mental health conditions that require sedation of the nervous system. It is usually well-tolerated by the users and rarely causes any severe adverse effects if used as prescribed. If you take it responsibly, there shouldn’t be any problems.