What Is Ativan (Lorazepam) Used For? Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, Safety & Addiction Risk

Anxiety may be overwhelming–it may cause the thoughts to run a-mile-a-minute, a person to feel restless, have panic attacks and even physical symptoms such that they cannot carry on with their real life. In the case of anxiety that is hard to manage or escalates, healthcare providers can prescribe medication as a component of a bigger treatment protocol. Ativan or lorazepam is a generic name of a single drug, Ativan.

This is a complete guide on what Ativan is, the mechanism of action, conditions of its prescription by doctors, the optimal dose, the side effects, the possible addiction, and the safe use of this drug.

What Is Ativan?

Lorazepam is a medication of the benzodiazepine group and is known as the brand name, Ativan. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system (CNS) depressants which assist in subduing the brain overactivity.

The short-term medical uses of the drug Ativan prescribed by doctors include:

• Acute anxiety episodes
• Panic attacks
• Medical phobia or medical surgery phobia.
• Severe agitation
• Stress-induced short-term insomnia.
• Intensive anxiety symptom management (emergency).

Compared with long-term anti-anxiety drugs like antidepressants, Ativan is normally taken in the short/situational relief.

How Does Ativan Work?

The action of ativan is through reinforcing the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a neurotransmitter present in the brain. GABA is also important in the process of calming of the nerves.

Ativan helps by adding to the inhibitory effect of GABA:

• Reduce hyperactivity of the nervous system.
• Minimize fear and panic.
• Relax muscles
• Enhance sedation and calmness.

Due to this foreseeable sedative property, Ativan is very common in hospitals, clinics, and the outpatient setting.

How Fast Does Ativan Work?

The main advantage of Ativan is that it is effective in its action.

• Onset: 30 -60 minutes following orally.
• Peak effects: Within 1 to 2 hours
• Time: It is about 6 to 8 hours.

It is especially effective with Ativan because of sudden anxiety attacks or temporary cases when one is in need of immediate help.

Ativan Common Uses in Medicine

1.Anxiety Disorders

Ativan is commonly used in temporary treatment of symptoms of anxiety particularly in cases where the anxiety is intense or debilitating.

2.Panic Attacks

Due to its sedative action, the frequency and severity of panic attacks can be decreased with the help of Ativan.

3. Before medical procedures, anxiety.

Ativan is also commonly administered by physicians to alleviate anxiety prior to surgery, dental treatment, or diagnostic examinations.

4. Short-Term Insomnia

Ativan can be used over a short term period when the sleep issues have direct links to anxiety or acute stress.

Ativan Dosage Guidelines

Ativan dosage depends on the patient and the disorder that is being treated.

Typical Adult Dosage:

0.5 mg to 2mg, one or three times a day.

Physicians typically begin with the minimal dose of use and modify accordingly.

Special Considerations:

The elderly might need less dosage.

Individuals that have liver or respiratory problems should be closely monitored.

One should never take increased dosage without any medical recommendation.

Ativan may have the following side effects

Ativan can be a cause of side effects, just like any other medication. The majority of them are mild when taken in prescription.

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Mild confusion
• Slowed reaction time

Less frequent but Significant Side Effects:

• Breathing difficulties
• Severe sedation
• Memory impairment
• Mood changes

In case of extreme symptoms, an immediate medical treatment is required.

Is Ativan Addictive?

The use of ativan is addictive, particularly when it is taken chronically or in large doses.

When: Doctors point out that the chances of addiction are greater when:

• It takes the drug over long durations.
• Doses exceed the prescribed ones.
• It is taken without the supervision of the medical care.

Nevertheless, Ativan is safe and effective when administered on a short term basis and in a responsible way to treat acute anxiety.

Withdrawal and Dependence of Ativan

Taking a sudden withdrawal after a long use of Ativan can cause the following withdrawal symptoms:

• Increased anxiety
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Tremors

Gradual reduction in the amount of dose (tapering) is advised by doctors to reduce the withdrawal effect.

Who Should Avoid Ativan?

Ativan is not an adequate choice to all. It is contraindicated or not to be used in those individuals who:

• Experience acute respiratory conditions.
• Possess a substance abuse record.
• Pregnancy/breast feeding
• Have severe liver disease

A medical practitioner must always consider the risks and benefits.

Safety Tips for Using Ativan

• Use Ativan like the way prescribed to you.
• The use of Ativan should exclude alcohol.
• Never drive or use machinery before you have found out about its effects on you.
• Do not share your drug with other people.
• Keep safe where kids do not see.

Ativan vs. Other Anxiety Medications.

In comparison with other benzodiazepines:

• The average duration of ativan is medium.
• Lower body accumulation than Valium.
• Late acting but more predictable effects than Xanax.

Ativan is selected by physicians depending on the type of symptoms and the history of the patient.

Final Medical Perspective

Ativan is still a reliable source of short-term anxiety medication as long as it is used properly under medical guidance.

Clinical Anxiety Management Review.

Ativan should not be used in long-term anxiety treatment, although it is a significant factor in both acute and situational anxiety treatment.

Ready to Take Control of Anxiety?

In case your medical practitioner prescribed Ativan as a temporary calming agent or as an anti-panic medication, it is important to select a valid and confidential supply.

At MedsNextDoor, we provide:

• Anxiety drugs that are quality checked.
• Safe and private ordering.
• Fast delivery and guaranteed privacy.
• Guide to assist you in making orders.

Visit the options of Ativan (Lorazepam) solutions at MedsNextDoor and make the first step to a balance and tranquility.

Medical Disclaimer

The information presented is informative; it is not the substitute of the professional medical advice. One should never commence or switch any drug without consulting a licensed medical practitioner.