Ativan

What Is Ativan in USA?

Ativan (lorazepam) is classified as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant within the benzodiazepine category of medications in USA. It has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of anxiety disorders, anxiety symptoms, and anxiety associated with depressive symptoms. Lorazepam functions as a sedative-hypnotic, working to calm an overexcited nervous system and producing a calming and sedative effect.

Ativan Side Effects in USA

The use of lorazepam, like any prescription medication, can lead to a range of side effects . This fast-acting benzodiazepine may produce both desired and undesired effects within minutes, depending on how it is administered. The severity of these effects can vary from person to person, and more severe side effects are typically associated with higher doses of lorazepam or its use in combination with opioids, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants. Long-term use over an extended period also increases the risk of certain lasting consequences.

Short-Term Side Effects of Ativan

When using Ativan, some common short-term side effects to be aware of include sedation, dizziness, weakness, and feeling unsteady. The specific side effects and their severity can be influenced by various factors such as the dosage, frequency, and duration of use, as well as the individual’s overall physical and mental health. It’s important to note that combining Ativan with opioids, alcohol, or other sedatives can result in a drug overdose, which can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening side effects, including respiratory depression.

How should this medicine be used in USA?

Ativan is available as a tablet, extended release capsule (Loreev), and concentrate (liquid) for oral administration with or without food in USA. Typically, the tablets and concentrate are taken two to three times daily, with or without food. When used for treating insomnia, lorazepam is usually taken at bedtime. The extended release capsules (Loreev) are generally taken once daily in the morning, with or without food. It is important to carefully follow the directions on your prescription label, and if there’s anything you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for clarification. Take lorazepam exactly as prescribed.

The extended release capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be chewed or crushed. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, you can open it and sprinkle the entire contents onto a tablespoon of applesauce. You can prepare this mixture in advance and store it for up to 2 hours. When ready to take the medication, swallow the entire mixture without chewing, and then drink water to ensure you have consumed all of it.

Do not store the medication mixture for future use. Lorazepam concentrate (liquid) is equipped with a specially marked dropper for accurately measuring the dose. Your pharmacist can demonstrate how to use the dropper. Dilute the concentrate in water, juice, or carbonated beverages just before consumption. Alternatively, you can mix it with applesauce or pudding right before taking the dose. Gently stir the mixture for a few seconds, and consume the entire mixture immediately without storing it for future use

It is important to take special precautions when using Ativan in USA. Before beginning lorazepam treatment, it is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any allergies, particularly to medications such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium, in Librax), clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium, Valtoco), estazolam, flurazepam, oxazepam, temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam (Halcion).

It is also important to disclose any allergies to the ingredients in lorazepam tablets, extended release capsules, or concentrate. For those prescribed with extended release capsules, informing your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to aspirin or tartrazine is essential.

Additionally, it is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and nonprescription medications, as well as any vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to adjust the doses of your medications or monitor you for any potential side effects.

If you have narrow angle glaucoma, a serious eye condition that may lead to vision loss, it is imperative to inform your doctor, as they may advise against taking lorazepam.

Furthermore, disclosing any history of seizures, sleep apnea, lung problems, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart and liver disease to your doctor is essential. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is crucial to discuss this with your doctor. Taking Ativan late in pregnancy may lead to sedation and withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth. If this occurs, prompt medical attention is necessary. Breastfeeding while taking lorazepam is not recommended.

Lastly, it is important to note that lorazepam can cause drowsiness. Therefore, it is advised to avoid driving or operating machinery until you understand how the medication affects you.