What Is Ativan?
Ativan is a drug that is included in the benzodiazepine category, this drug is used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders caused by anxiety.
In addition, Ativan is also used to help feel more relaxed before undergoing surgery or medical treatment.
It works by increasing levels of a calming chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Ativan is available only with a doctor’s prescription and is available as tablet and a liquid to be taken orally.
In addition, it can also be given by injection in the hospital in cases of seizures or emergency conditions.
Benefits of Ativan
Doctors can prescribe Ativan tablets to relieve anxiety disorders and as a treatment for short-term anxiety symptoms.
In addition, it is often prescribed outside of its official indications to treat panic attacks.
Ativan tablets are also effective in treating temporary insomnia caused by anxiety or stress.
Meanwhile, the liquid form of Ativan is used in the treatment of severe seizures called status epilepticus, a condition where seizures continue or recur without stopping, as well as to induce sleep before surgery.
Ativan Side Effects
Common side effects of Ativan include:
- Excessive drowsiness or tiredness during the day.
- Muscle weakness.
- Problems in coordinating or controlling movement.
If you experience these side effects, consult a doctor or psychiatrist for advice on how to deal with the problem.
In addition, there are serious side effects that can occur, tell your doctor immediately or call the emergency medical number:
- The whites of the eyes turn yellow.
- Yellowing of the skin, which may indicate liver problems.
- Experiencing hallucinations or delusions.
- Imbalance or frequent falls.
- Experiencing unusual mood changes, such as talking more than usual, feeling overly excited, restless, irritable, or aggressive.
You need to know that these side effects are more likely to occur in children or in people over 65 years of age.
Ativan Dosage
The dosage rules for Ativan can only be obtained through a doctor’s prescription and are adjusted to the specific purpose of its use.
For example, to treat anxiety, the form used is a tablet. The dose given to adults ranges from 1 to 4 mg per day, with the use divided into several doses over a period of 2 to 4 weeks.
Meanwhile, to treat insomnia associated with anxiety, Ativan in tablet form is also used.
The recommended dose for adults is about 1 to 2 mg, taken at bedtime.
For preoperative use, Ativan is also available in tablet form. For adults, the dose starts at 2 to 3 mg the night before surgery, with a follow-up dose of about 2 to 4 mg taken 1 to 2 hours before the procedure.
Children aged 5 to 12 years are given 0.5 to 2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight, not less than 1 hour before surgery.
How to Use Ativan
Ativan tablets can be taken before or after meals.
If taking the liquid form of Ativan, use a measuring device such as a syringe or plastic spoon to help measure an accurate dose.
If you do not have a suitable measuring tool, ask your doctor or psychiatrist for advice.
Avoid using household teaspoons as they do not provide accurate measurements.
Ativan Usage Precautions
Before starting this medication, tell your doctor or psychiatrist about your medical history.
Especially if you have a history of allergies, kidney disease, liver disease, glaucoma, breathing problems (such as sleep apnea), mental/mood disorders (such as depression, psychosis), or a personal or family history of substance use disorders (such as drug/alcohol abuse or addiction).
Avoid driving or doing any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can do it safely.
Also, avoid drinking alcohol at the same time as it can increase the effects of dizziness or drowsiness.
Ativan Interactions
Some products that may interact with this drug include clozapine, kava, and sodium oxybate (also known as gamma hydroxybutyrate or GHB).
The risk of serious side effects such as slow or shallow breathing, and severe drowsiness or dizziness, may be increased if this medication is taken with other products that also have the potential to cause drowsiness or breathing problems.
Be sure to tell your doctor or psychiatrist if you are taking other products, such as:
- Opioid pain relievers or cough medications (such as codeine, and hydrocodone)
- Alcohol
- Other sleeping or anti-anxiety medications (such as alprazolam, diazepam, and zolpidem)
- Muscle relaxant medications (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine)
- Antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Ativan Contraindications
Ativan may not be right for everyone. To ensure the safety of Ativan for you, it is important to tell your doctor before starting use if:
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to Ativan or any other medication?
- Have liver or kidney problems.
- Having trouble breathing.
- Having myasthenia gravis, a condition that causes muscle weakness.
- Having sleep apnea, a condition that causes breathing problems during sleep.
- Have ever experienced depression or had thoughts of harming yourself?
- Has been diagnosed with a personality disorder.
- Ever had problems with alcohol or drugs?
- Having atherosclerosis, a condition that affects blood flow.
- Have balance problems or are at risk of falling.
- Are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding?
- Having glaucoma, a condition that causes high pressure in the eye.
- Will undergo general anesthesia for surgery or dental treatment.