Buy One Get One free -Llimited Time Offer X
Ativan is a prescription medicine that is available as a Tablet. Anxiety are some of its major therapeutic uses. Secondary and off-label uses of Ativan have also been mentioned below.
The optimal dosage of Ativan is largely dependent on the individual's body weight, medical history, gender and age. Besides the medical condition it is advised for, the route of administration also plays an important role in determining the correct drug dosage. Detailed information has been provided in the dosage section.
Some other side effects of Ativan have been listed ahead. Normally, these side effects of Ativan are not long lasting and go away when the treatment is finished. However, if these continue for a longer time, consult your doctor right away.
Ativan's effect during pregnancy is Moderate and Mild while nursing. Further, the section on Ativan related warnings talks about Ativan's effects on the liver, heart and kidney.
Ativan is not recommended if you suffer from certain medical conditions as it can have adverse effects. Liver Disease, Respiratory Depression are examples of such conditions. Other contraindications of Ativan have been discussed in the sections ahead.
Drug interactions for Ativan have been reported in the medical literature. Refer to the list below for further details.
In addition to these precautions, you may also note that Ativan is not safe while driving, and is is not addictive in nature.
Ativan is used to treat the following -
Main Benefits
Other Benefits
This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.
Find the right dosage based on disease and age
Age Group | Dosage |
Adult |
|
13 - 18 years (Adolescent) |
|
Geriatric |
|
Is the use of Ativan safe for pregnant women?
Ativan may cause moderate side effects during pregnancy. If you feel its harmful effects, then stop taking this drug immediately, and do not take Ativan again without your doctor's advice.
Is the use of Ativan safe during breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding women can take Ativan as it bears very minor side effects for them.
What is the effect of Ativan on the Kidneys?
Ativan is not harmful for kidneys.
What is the effect of Ativan on the Liver?
The liver can be affected by Ativan. If you experience any unwanted effects of this drug, stop taking it and consult your doctor. You should restart Ativan only after medical advice.
What is the effect of Ativan on the Heart?
Ativan has very mild side effects on the heart.
Ativan should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -
Severe
Moderate
Mild
If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Ativan unless your doctor advises you to do so -
Is this Ativan habit forming or addictive?
Ativan can be addictive. You should not take it without medical advice.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?
After taking Ativan you may feel sleepy. So it is not advised to perform these activities.
Is it safe?
Ativan should be used only after doctor's advice.
Is it able to treat mental disorders?
Yes, taking Ativan can treat mental disorders.
Interaction between Food and Ativan
When consumed with certain foods, Ativan may take longer to have an effect. Contact your doctor about this.
Interaction between Alcohol and Ativan
Consuming Ativan with alcohol can have many serious effects on your body.
Yes, Ativan can cause stomach upset. It is a common side effect of this drug. Take light meals, try to avoid spicy and high-fat content meals when experiencing stomach upset while taking Ativan. In case of severe stomach upset consult your doctor, take medication and follow his/her instructions.
Yes, Ativan may cause dry mouth because it decreases the saliva secretion in your mouth. It is a known side effect of this drug. If you experience excessive dry mouth after taking this drug then try to keep yourself hydrated with juices, shakes and ample water.
No, Ativan should not be discontinued without doctors advice because sudden discontinuation of this drug might result in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as (anxiousness, sleeplessness, and irritability). You should decrease the dose of medicine gradually as per your doctor's instructions to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Hence, you are recommended to always consult a doctor before discontinuing this drug.
Yes, Ativan may cause respiratory depression in some cases because it acts on the central nervous system (CNS) and decreases its activity. If you are experiencing slow and shallow breathing which is a symptom of respiratory depression then consult it with your doctor immediately further any further delay.
Ativan works by relaxing the muscles of the body and suppressing abnormal activity of nerve cells in the brain through an increase in the activity of a chemical messenger known as GABA. Thus, providing relief from sleeplessness and anxiety to the patient.
This medicine data has been created by -
B.Pharma, Pharmacy
5 Years of Experience
References
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Ativan (lorazepam)
KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 424,466
April Hazard Vallerand, Cynthia A. Sanoski. [link]. Sixteenth Edition. Philadelphia, China: F. A. Davis Company; 2019: Page No 791-792