Ativan

Ativan Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Ativan is a brand name. Its generic name is Lorazepam.

Introduction of Ativan

Ativan is a benzodiazepine medication that is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, or seizures. It is available in both orally administered tablet and injectable form. It depresses the central nervous system and is used as a sedative, for muscle relaxation, and to control seizures.

Uses for Ativan

Ativan is mainly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizure disorders, muscle related disorders or issues with alcohol withdrawal. It can also be used as a sedative before medical procedures.

Mechanism of Action

Ativan works by affecting the brain's GABA receptors, which increases the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). It causes the brain to become more relaxed and calm.

How Long Does it Take to Work

The effects of lorazepam may appear within 20 minutes of taking the medication. Its effects may last up to 6 hours after taking the medication.

Absorption

Ativan is well absorbed when taken by mouth and its absorption is not affected by food.

Route of Elimination

Ativan is eliminated mainly through the kidneys as unchanged (active) drug.

Dosage

The usual adult dosage of lorazepam ranges from 0.5 to 2 mg per day, taken two to three times a day. It is recommended to start at the lowest possible dose and gradually increase it to the desired effect.

Administration

Ativan can be taken orally (in tablet form) or can be injected intramuscularly.

Side Effect

Common side effects of lorazepam include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, headache, weakness, drymouth, coordination problems. More serious side effects may include changes in behavior or depression.

Toxicity

Overdosing on lorazepam can be dangerous and may result in respiratory depression, coma, or death.

Precautions

Before taking lorazepam, it is important to inform your doctor of your full medical history as well as any medications that you are currently taking. People with certain medical conditions, such as severe liver or kidney disease, may not be able to take lorazepam.

Interactions

Ativan may interact with a variety of medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. It can also interact with alcohol, as well as certain herbal supplements.

Disease Interactions

Ativan should be used with caution in people with certain underlying illnesses, such as glaucoma, asthma, or depression. It can also affect people with liver or kidney disease, or chronic respiratory diseases.

Drug Interactions

Ativan should not be used in combination with certain other medications and substances, including alcohol and certain opioids.

Food Interactions

Food does not appear to significantly affect the absorption of lorazepam.

Pregnancy Use

Ativan is a category D drug in pregnant women and should not be taken during pregnancy. If taken in the third trimester, it may cause neonatal respiratory depression.

Lactation Use

It is not known if lorazepam is excreted into human milk. Therefore, breastfeeding is usually not recommended during treatment with lorazepam.

Acute Overdose

Signs and symptoms of acute overdose with lorazepam include confusion, impaired coordination, oversedation, and respiratory depression. If overdose occurs, contact a poison control center immediately.

Contraindications

Ativan is contraindicated in people with a known hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines. It should not be taken by people with a history of drug abuse.

Use Directions

Ativan should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than the prescribed dose. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly as this may cause withdrawal symptoms.

Storage Condition

Ativan should be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature and protected from light.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution (Vd) is the amount of lorazepam that enters the bloodstream after being administered. The Vd of lorazepam is 1-2 L/kg.

Half Life

The half-life of lorazepam is 12-18 hours. This indicates how long it takes for the drug to be reduced by half in your system.

Clearance

The clearance of lorazepam is 0.5-1 L/hr/kg. This indicates how quickly the drug is eliminated from your system.

Here you find in details version of Ativan

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Ativan

What is Ativan?

Ativan is a powerful benzodiazepine that is most commonly used to treat a range of anxiety disorders.

What is the usual recommended dosage for Ativan?

The usual starting recommended dose for adults is 2 mg to 4 mg per day, given in divided doses.

What are the side effects of Ativan?

Common side effects of Ativan include drowsiness, lightheadedness, confusion, dizziness, and appetite and weight changes.

What are the most common uses for Ativan?

Ativan is most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, seizures, and trouble sleeping (insomnia).

Is Ativan addictive?

Ativan is a potentially addictive medication. It is important to take Ativan as prescribed to minimize the risk of addiction.

What is the difference between Ativan and Xanax (Alprazolam)?

Ativan and Xanax both belong to the same family of drugs (benzodiazepines) and have similar effects. Ativan has a longer half-life than Xanax, meaning that it has a longer-lasting effect.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Ativan?

If you miss a dose of Ativan, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as usual.

What should I avoid while taking Ativan?

You should avoid drinking alcohol, operating heavy machinery or driving while taking Ativan, as it can potentiate the effects of Ativan and increase the risk of adverse reactions.

Can Ativan be taken with other medicines?

Ativan may interact with certain other medicines, and so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any other medicines while taking Ativan.

Are there any alternatives to Ativan?

There are several alternatives to Ativan, including other anti-anxiety medications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques.

How quickly does Ativan work?

The effects of Ativan usually begin within 20 minutes of taking the medication and typically last for 3 to 8 hours.

What other conditions can Ativan be used for?

Ativan can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including epilepsy, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, and nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.

What is the shelf life of Ativan?

The shelf life of Ativan tablets is 3 to 5 years from the date of manufacture, and the shelf life of injectable Ativan is 2 years from the date of manufacture.

Can Ativan be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Ativan is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to potential risks to the fetus or infant.

Can I become resistant to Ativan?

Over time, some people can become resistant to the effects of Ativan, meaning that higher doses are needed to achieve the same effects. If this occurs, your doctor may suggest trying an alternative treatment.

Is Ativan safe for long-term use?

Long-term use of Ativan can lead to tolerance, dependence, and potential withdrawal symptoms if the medication is suddenly stopped. Therefore, Ativan should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.

When should Ativan not be taken?

Ativan should not be taken if you have a severe liver or kidney condition, or if you are allergic to benzodiazepines.

Are there any special instructions for taking Ativan?

You should avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while on Ativan, and make sure to take it exactly as prescribed.

What are the common side effects of short-term use of Ativan?

Common side effects of short-term use of Ativan include drowsiness, lightheadedness, confusion, dizziness, and appetite and weight changes.

What are the common side effects of long-term use of Ativan?

Common side effects of long-term use of Ativan include memory impairment, difficulty concentrating, difficulty with coordination and balance, and depression.

Can Ativan be taken with other medications?

Ativan may interact with certain medications and should not be taken with other medications without consulting your doctor.

Can Ativan be used to treat panic attacks?

Ativan can sometimes be used to treat panic attacks, although there are other options that may be more effective.

What happens if I take an overdose of Ativan?

An overdose of Ativan can lead to serious symptoms and even death. If you or someone you know has taken an overdose, call 911 or contact your local poison control center.

Can Ativan be used to treat insomnia?

Yes, Ativan can be used to treat insomnia. However, it should only be used for short-term use, as longer use can cause rebound insomnia.

What are the withdrawal symptoms of Ativan?

Withdrawal symptoms of Ativan can include anxiety, insomnia, nausea, muscle pain, irritability, and hallucinations.

Is there a safe way to taper off Ativan?

If you want to stop taking Ativan, it is important to work with your doctor or psychiatrist to slowly and safely lower your dose over time in order to avoid potential withdrawal symptoms.

Can Ativan be used to treat bipolar disorder?

Ativan can be used for short-term treatment of extreme symptoms of bipolar disorder. However, it is usually not a recommended long-term treatment.

How long does Ativan stay in your system?

The half-life of Ativan is approximately 10 to 20 hours, meaning that it takes 10 to 20 hours for the body to remove half of the dose from the bloodstream.

Can Ativan be used to treat ADHD?

No, Ativan is not indicated for the treatment of ADHD and should not be used to treat ADHD.

What is the recommended starting dose for children taking Ativan?

The recommended starting dose for children taking Ativan is 0.05 mg/kg/day, given in divided doses.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Ativan?

No, you should not drink alcohol while taking Ativan, as the combination can increase the risk of serious side effects.

Can Ativan cause weight gain?

Ativan can cause weight gain as a side effect. If you are concerned about weight gain, it is important to talk to your doctor.

Can Ativan be used to treat anxiety?

Yes, Ativan is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking Ativan for anxiety.

Does Ativan cause brain fog?

Yes, Ativan can cause brain fog, as well as other cognitive side effects such as difficulty concentrating and memory loss.

When should I take Ativan?

Ativan should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Most commonly, it is taken several times a day as needed for anxiety or insomnia.

Can Ativan help with migraine headaches?

Ativan is sometimes used for acute treatment of migraine headaches. It should only be used for this purpose if recommended by your doctor.

Can Ativan be used to treat muscle spasms?

Yes, Ativan is occasionally used to treat muscle spasms and seizure activity. It should only be used for this purpose if recommended by your doctor.

Does Ativan cause sleep apnea?

Yes, Ativan can cause sleep apnea, as well as other sleep disturbances such as daytime drowsiness.

Can I take Ativan if I have asthma?

Ativan can cause respiratory depression and should be used with caution in people with asthma. It is important to talk to your doctor before starting Ativan.

Does Ativan interact with any foods?

No, Ativan does not interact with any foods, but it is important to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Ativan.

Can Ativan be used to treat pain?

Yes, Ativan can be used to treat certain types of pain, but it is usually prescribed as an adjunctive therapy and not as a standalone treatment.

What is the proper way to store Ativan?

Ativan should be stored in a tightly closed container at room temperature (15 to 30 degrees Celsius) away from light and children.