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 can have harmful effects in pregnant women. If you experience any discomfort after using Ativan, then discontinue the use and take your doctor's advice.
Is the use of Ativan safe during breastfeeding?
Ativan has been seen to have minimal side effects on breastfeeding women.
What is the effect of Ativan on the Kidneys?
Ativan is completely safe for kidneys.
What is the effect of Ativan on the Liver?
Ativan can have moderate side effects on the liver. If you notice any harmful effects then stop taking this drug right away. Consult your doctor before using this medicine again.
What is the effect of Ativan on the Heart?
Ativan may have mild side effects on the heart. Most people will never see any effect 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?
Yes, Ativan cause dependence in some cases. Talk to your doctor before taking it.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?
No, you should do not do anything that requires concentration and attention as the Ativan can make you feel drowsy.
Is it safe?
Yes, but consume Ativan only on doctor's advice.
Is it able to treat mental disorders?
Ativan has been seen to have positive effect on patients with mental disorders.
Interaction between Food and Ativan
Eating certain foods may increase the time it takes Ativan to have an effect. You should consult your doctor about it.
Interaction between Alcohol and Ativan
Consuming Ativan with alcohol can have many serious effects on your body.
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 does not treat bipolar disorder. However, sometimes it is used to control an acute episode of agitation in bipolar disorder. You are advised to consult with your doctor for better treatment options for bipolar disorder.
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.
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.
Yes, Ativan is safe to use, if taken in prescribed quantity for the prescribed duration. However, there are few side effects which have been observed at a therapeutic dose level such as drowsiness, dizziness, hallucination, shortness of breath, unusual changes in behavior, and problems with coordination or balance.
This medicine data has been created by -
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
