Ativan

Ativan, generic name lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine and it affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety. Ativan is used to relieve anxiety. It can also be used to treat epilepsy, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment, to control agitation from alcohol withdrawal, to reduce symptoms that occur in a manic episode of bipolar, and as a pre-med before surgery. A lorazepam injection is sometimes used to control repeated epileptic seizures when a patient does not recover consciousness between fits.

Ativan should be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician. This medication should only be used short term. Your doctor may change your dose occasionally and they may need to check your progress on a regular basis. Keep track of your medication because ativan is a drug of abuse. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Ativan comes in 0.5 mg, 1mg, and 2mg. it can come as a tablet or concentrate and is administered orally. Most patients take 2-6mg per day in divided doses. Your symptoms may come back when you stop using this drug after using it for a long period of time. You may even experience withdrawal symptoms.

The possible side effects of ativan include but are not limited to:

Ð'* confusion, depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;

Ð'* hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;

Ð'* hallucinations

Ð'* feeling light-headed or fainting

Ð'* blood disorders or low blood pressure

Ð'* crying

Ð'* drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness

Ð'* blurred vision

Ð'* sleep problems

Ð'* muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination

Ð'* amnesia or forgetfulness, trouble concentrating

Ð'* nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea

Ð'* appetite changes

Ð'* skin rash

Ð'* dry mouth

Ð'* difficulty urinating

Ð'* change in sex drive or ability

If you experience any of the following, call your doctor immediately:

Ð'* shuffling walk

Ð'* persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still

Ð'* fever

Ð'* difficulty breathing or swallowing

Ð'* yellowing of the skin or eyes

Ð'* irregular heartbeat

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