What Is Ativan?
Ativan, generic name lorazepam, is an anti-anxiety medication in the benzodiazepine family. Ativan is FDA approved for the treatment of anxiety disorders, for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms, or for anxiety associated with depression. This drug should not be used for the treatment of anxiety or tension associated with everyday stresses.
Other Ways Ativan / Lorazepam Is Used
Ativan is frequently prescribed for other conditions as well. These include:- Insomnia treatment
- Agitation treatment
- Preventing seizures
- Restless legs syndrome treatment
- Alcohol withdrawal treatment
- Treating spastic disorders and other types of muscle spasms, such as those seen in people with cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis.
Ativan / Lorazepam Warnings
As with all the benzodiazepines, prolonged use of Ativan can lead to physical and/or psychological dependence, therefore it is not recommended for long-term use.There is the potential for abuse in patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse problems. These patients should be monitored carefully while taking Ativan.
Because Ativan acts as a central nervous system depressant, the usual warnings about not driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you apply to this drug.
In patients with depression, Ativan should only be prescribed along with antidepressant treatment.
If you have liver or kidney problems, your doctor should monitor your health very carefully while you are taking Ativan. The same is true for those who have any breathing problems such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or sleep apnea.
Ativan / Lorazepam and Other Drugs
Ativan should be used with caution and monitoring in patients who also take other drugs that depress the central nervous system. These include:- Alcohol
- Barbiturates
- Some antipsychotic drugs
- Other benzodiazepines and sedatives
- Some antidepressants
- Allergy medicines that make you drowsy
- Narcotic painkillers like Vicodin
- Anticonvulsants (many of which are used as mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder)
- Anesthetics
Pregnancy and Nursing
Ativan is not recommended for use during pregnancy. The risk of birth defects when Ativan is used during the first trimester is not known, but the possibility exists; when the drug is used during the late stages of pregnancy, the infant may go through withdrawal (see below).Ativan is secreted in breast milk, and should not be taken by nursing mothers unless the benefit of taking the drug is considered greater than the risk to the baby.
Major Side Effects of Ativan / Lorazepam
The most common side effects of Ativan are sedation, dizziness, weakness, unsteadiness and cognitive changes. The frequency of sedation and unsteadiness increases with age. Many other side effects are possible: see Ativan / Lorazepam Side Effects.
Ativan Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms are a common problem for persons who stop taking Ativan. Unless absolutely essential, you should not stop taking this drug all at once, but instead taper the dosage down over a period of time.The most common symptoms of Ativan / lorazepam withdrawal are irritability, nervousness and trouble sleeping. However, there are many other possible symptoms - see the section on withdrawal effects at Ativan / Lorazepam Side Effects. Withdrawal symptoms are likely to be worse the longer a person has been taking Ativan.
Sources:
Ativan Full Prescribing Information. Drugs@FDA. 18 Apr 2007. Food and Drug Administration. 22 Aug 2009.
Ativan Uses. eMed-TV. 21 Apr 2009. 22 Aug 2009.
