Ativan

What is Ativan

Ativan refers to a unique treatment belonging to a collection of medications mentioned as benzodiazepines – some of the best medicines that help to tranquilize the mental state of somebody. It is also called anxiolytic therapy or sedative-hypnotics.

The main purpose for utilizing Ativan is towards the alleviation of nervousness, insomnia, plus stabilize epileptic’s indicators. Additional essential usages also include surgery, as it’s often given before the performance of the operation to induce sleep to the patient through the limitation of nerve stimulation activities.

Ativan exists in two primary forms which are:

• Ativan tablets
• Ativan solution for intravenous (IV) injection

Either of the two types is prescribed depending on the patient’s condition and how urgent the need for it is.

Ativan Side Effects

Like most of its counterfeit medicines, usage of Ativan also comes with its unique after use consequences which, depending on the patient, can be severe.

The following list gives a detailed description of this consequences, for both mild and severe cases.

Common symptoms you will go through while using this medication include:

• A feeling of drowsiness
• Patients will always feel dizzy 
• General body weakness, lack of body energy

Less frequent ones are:

• Becoming easily confused
• The absence of proper coordination
• Depressive feelings
• General body fatigue
• Mild to severe headaches
• Unsettlement, restlessness

In exceptional cases, reddening of the injected area may occur in addition to pain. These indications may disappear within a few days, a week at most; if not, consult a medic.

Severe after use effects

The after use consequences from the utilization of this treatment can sometimes be very cruel towards life. When they arise, it is highly advisable that you notify your doctor right away. 

These ill-health indicators occur infrequently and might include:

• Difficulty during breathing. Users will breath slower 
• Failure in the respiration system may sometimes occur 

Other indicators yields from dependence situations. They mainly happen towards those with higher dosages or those who use other stimulant elements, such as alcohol. The blending of the two can lead to serious addition causing the following symptoms:

• depression
• nausea
• muscle weakness
• nightmares
• vomiting
• anxiety
• body aches
• sweating

Grave allergic responses from the use of the drug may comprise of:

• Rash developments
• Complications relating to swallowing or inhalation
• Unusual swelling on lips and tongue
• Faster heartbeat rates
• Severe depressive feeling which may lead to suicidal thoughts

Ativan Dosage

Dosage prescription for this medicine depends on the aspects listed below:

• The seriousness of one’s condition 
• Age of the patient
• The form of the medicine given to you, either tablets or injection
• Health state of your body

Ordinarily, doctors will keep on changing your dosage from high to low depending on your progress. Small dosage will be prescribed when your condition has improved to almost complete healing.

Below is dosage prescription of various categories. Note that your doctor might give you different ones – go by them.

Forms of drug and their strengths

Tablets: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg

The solution for injection (IV): 2 mg per mL, 4 mg per mL

Information on general dosage 

The typical dosage for tablets ranges between 2 to 6 mg every day. Prescription on this can either be twice or thrice a day. 

Ativan Dosage for Anxiety

Tablets are swallowed twice or thrice a day and should be between 1 to 3 mg. A typical dosage would be 2 to 4 mg when one is entering his or her bed.

Intravenous (IV) Ativan always requires proper management by a medical specialist. They will help you get a suitable dosage. 

How fast these dosages work remains subjective to how responsive your body system is.

Dosage for lack of sleep due to anxiety or stress

A daily dosage of 1 to 2 mg Ativan is swallowed two or three times a day, just before bed. 

Note that if you miss a dosage, avoid overdosing that will only worsen your situation; instead, skip it and wait for the next time you are supposed to take the medicine.

Ativan Utilizations

The utilization of Ativan has the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) towards the management of particular conditions. These conditions comprise of:

• Anxiety

The FDA recommends the use of Ativan as a useful treatment option for nervousness. Though, it is sometimes utilized off-label to address situations of worry and fear. 

• Sleep/insomnia

Ativan helps reduce stress within a brief moment and invites sleep. Insomnia is a disorder treated off-label by the treatment.

• Seizures

This drug help curb problems caused by epileptic type seizures.

• Sedation during surgery

This treatment is approved to be utilized in the process of operation to cause the patient to sleep

Unauthorized uses

• Nausea from vertigo

In most cases, medics have been utilizing Ativan towards the cure of disorders of nausea and vomiting off-label.

• Depression

Ativan works best in reducing depressive condition in a person. It helps ease a person’s mind, even introducing sleep.

However, your doctor may prescribe different medicine in case this doesn’t work.

• Ativan for pain

Stubborn pains are sometimes treated by the use of Ativan as a medical procedure. The medicine helps alleviate anxiety, depressions and other disorders which bring about prolonged discomfort, including:

• Agitation
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Nausea or vomiting/chemotherapy
• Anxiety when flying

Is Overdosing Possible on Ativan?

Yes, it is. Overdosing means consuming extra drugs than the prearranged amount. It can lead to severe conditions, even of an emergency, especially if your body is very reactive to the drug’s chemical compositions.

In case of overdose, consult a doctor as fast as possible. 

Ativan Withdrawal

Prolonged utilization of Ativan prescription may consequence in a severe obsession, of which coming out of it may be quite the hefty task. The removal process may cause some of these following symptoms:

• worry
• depression
• panic attacks
• anxiety
• irritability
• trouble sleeping
• tremor

A doctor will help one with the right removal procedure to avoid any of the mentioned indicators. They can be extremely inconveniencing and discomforting. 

The Addictive Nature of Ativan

Taking Ativan can sometimes be frequent and may lead to both psychological as well as a physical obsession.

This medication is given for treatment purposes; however if used for a prolonged period, the person might quickly become dependent. 

Notify your doctor in case one feels habituated to its use.

Conclusion

Since its user authorization by FDA, Ativan has been an excellent solution for various stubborn illnesses. Many doctors across the entire world have been using it to bring back life to different patients, especially those who suffer from mental disorders. Despite being allowed only for specific treatments, the medication has also been of great significance in off-label therapies.

According to medical experts and the history of its use, Ativan functions in relaxing the main nerves of the brain, thus helping eliminate stress, anxiety, and depression. Other applications of it are in the operation room, where it is administered to those suffering in order to induce sleep in them.

As it would be expected, use of this medication comes along with consequences which can sometimes develop into something more severe. These consequences include depression, nausea, muscle weakness, nightmares, vomiting, anxiety, body aches, dependence and sweating, among many others.

Dependence forms the worst consequence of this medication. Ativan can lead to severe dependence, which can influence severe suffering in its users. Your doctor should provide you with explicit instructions to avoid any dependency cases.