Lorazepam Information (Ativan)
Lorazepam is sold under the brand name Ativan, among others. Prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, trouble sleeping, and active seizures. It is also used for surgery to sedate, for those who are being mechanically ventilated. It is also used for alcohol withdrawal and for chemotherapy patients with nausea and vomiting. It can be taken by mouth or as an injection into a muscle or a vein.
Electrical activity in the brain and nerves slows down after the user takes Ativan, which affects cognitive function, learning, memory, response times, and reflexes.
Common side effects of lorazepam include:
- agitation,
- sedation, and
- tremors
Other side effects include:
- dizziness,
- drowsiness, and
- excessive sleepiness
Symptoms of overdose:
Lorazepam mixed with other substances can substantially increase the likelihood of having a medical emergency. The combined use of Ativan and alcohol can end in overdose, coma, or death. Alcohol and depressants like Ativan have similar effects on the body and can produce more pronounced effects. Here are a few;
- Changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
- increased sweating
- confusion
- muscle weakness
- loss of balance or coordination
- feeling light-headed, and fainting
- loss of strength or energy
- low blood pressure
- nightmares
- shakiness and unsteady walk
- slurred speech
- trouble in speaking
- unsteadiness, trembling,
- unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
- unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability
- unusual paleness
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Withdrawal Symptoms
When the dosage is significantly reduced, severe, suddenly stopped withdrawal symptoms may be experienced.
Withdrawal symptoms can include:
- abdominal cramps
- agitation
- confusion
- diarrhea
- extreme anxiety
- headache
- irritability
- memory impairment
- muscle pain
- nervousness
- restlessness
- sleep problems
- tension
- tremors
- vomiting
To prevent or reduce the withdrawal symptoms, lowering the dosage under medical supervision is recommended. For severe addiction, medical detox is a must before undertaking a residential drug rehabilitation program.
Ativan addiction warning signs
- Taking increasingly large doses to get the desired effects
- Persistent abuse despite negative effects on one’s health or wellbeing
- Preoccupation with obtaining and using, at the expense of responsibilities and relationships
- Physical or psychological signs of withdrawal when attempts to quit or reduce the dose
- Multiple attempts to stop using Ativan without success
- Becoming more secretive
- Irritability
- Changing friends
- Running out of medication early
- Visiting different physicians for numerous prescriptions
- Stealing prescription pads
- Forging prescriptions
- Stealing money or medications
Marc J. Bernard
Author,
Substance Use Disorder & Recovery Professional,
Referral & Consultation Counsellor
