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Generic Name : LORAZEPAM (ORAL/INJECTION)

ABSTRACT –

Ativan is a drug recommended by psychiatrists to treat various degrees of general anxiety disorders. This drug resolves chemical imbalance in the brain that is responsible for anxiety, by interacting with the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex. Ativan is classified as a benzodiazepine anticonvulsant that is sedative in nature as well.

DOSAGE –

• • Ativan is to be taken as directed by the doctors. Do not take this drug longer than is prescribed, and do not stop taking this drug suddenly. Dosage is generally individualized.
  • This drug is never to be shared with another patient that does not have a prescription.
  • General Adult Dosage available:

Oral tablet – 0.5mg, 1mg 2mg (up to 2-6mg a day)
Injection – 2mg in 1mL

SIDE EFFECTS –

• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Problems with memory
• Lack of balance

RARE SIDE EFFECTS:

• Severe drowsiness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Mood swings
• Increased aggression
• Restlessness/Hyperactivity
• Muscle weakness
• Problems with vision
• Upper stomach pain
• Jaundice

DRUG INTERACTIONS –

• Alfentanil
• Buprenorphine
• Butorphanol
• Codeine
• Clozapine
• Dezocine
• Droperidol
• Fentanyl
• Hyrdocodone
• Hydromorphone
• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• Remifentanil
• Sufentanil
• Tapentadol
• Tramadol

Ativan has major interactions with 27 different drugs.

MODERATE DRUG INTERACTIONS –

• Acebutolol
• Amobarbital
• Aripiprazole
• Baclofen
• Benazepril
• Betaxolol
• Biperiden
• Bisoprolol
• Captopril
• Carvedilol
• Cetirizine
• Digoxin
• Diltiazem
• Eprosartan
• Escitalopram
• Ethanol
• Fluvoxamine
• Furosemide

Ativan has moderate interactions with 288 different drugs.

PRECAUTIONS –

• Provide the doctor with a detailed and accurate medical history prior to drug prescription. Notify especially in case of epilepsy, kidney/liver disease, asthmatic conditions, open-angle glaucoma, mental illnesses, a history of substance abuse or the usage of a narcotic substance.
• Do not use Ativan in case of an allergy to the drug itself, conditions such as myasthenia gravis or in case of narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Avoid this drug while pregnant to prevent birth defects and drug dependency that may occur to the newborn.
• Do not use this drug while nursing as Ativan may transfer through breast milk and cause harm to a feeding baby.
• Avoid alcohol while on drug course to prevent aggravation of side effects.

WARNINGS –

• Keep out of reach of children. This drug is not approved for any individual under the age of 18.
• Avoid engaging in activities that demand complete alertness while on drug course, such as driving – this drug impairs thinking and reaction time.
• This drug is habit forming and must not ever be shared with another individual. The patient or any associate must reach out for help in case of substance abuse.
• The side effects of Ativan last longer in older adults. Take care as to securing the patient and keeping them in a non-hazardous environment.
• Certain online vendors of this drug may add extremely dangerous ingredients to the composition of Ativan. Avoid buying Ativan from an unreliable and unregistered source.
• In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Fatal overdose symptoms generally include extreme drowsiness, confusion, lack of balance and fainting.