Ativan Prescription Information
Ativan (a brand name for Lorazepam) can help treat severe, chronic anxiety. Symptoms include heart palpitations, racing heartbeat, intense fear, sweating, shortness of breath, trembling/shaking, nausea, dizziness or abdominal discomfort. Ativan is also used to treat insomnia or to help patients stop smoking.
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Indications
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Ativan is used for short periods (up to four months) to relieve symptoms associated with anxiety disorders and general anxiety. It belongs to the benzodiazepine family and works in the brain to restore balance to specific chemicals. Common dosages range from 2 to 6 mg per day. In the treatment of anxiety, the usual dose is 2 to 3 mg per day in two or three smaller doses. To treat anxiety-related insomnia, common doses range from 2 to 4 mg, usually taken at bedtime. This medication has not been evaluated for safety in children younger than 12. Older adults should take smaller doses, not more than 1 to 2 mg per day, to avoid oversedation.
Contraindications
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Do not take Ativan if you are allergic to benzodiazepines (Xanax, Tranxene, diazepam or oxazepam).
Do not take Ativan if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, bronchitis, COPD, emphysema, asthma, glaucoma, liver disease, kidney disease or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have any history of depression, suicidal thoughts/behavior or a history of alcohol or drug addiction, as this may require careful monitoring or a dosage adjustment. -
Side Effects
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Common side effects include blurry vision, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, insomnia, lack of coordination, weakness, skin rash, appetite changes, constipation and nausea or diarrhea.
If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the throat, tongue, lips or face, seek emergency medical care. Other possible, serious side effects include confusion, thoughts of suicide, thoughts of hurting yourself, hostile feelings, increased agitation, hyperactivity or hallucinations. Contact your doctor at once if you experience any of these symptoms.
Medications to Avoid
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Ativan's effectiveness can be compromised by other medications. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any medication to induce sleep, since sleep drugs can combine with Ativan to create marked drowsiness and depress the central nervous system. Other drugs that may interact include barbiturates, MAOIs, psychiatric medications (like haloperidol, pimozide, chlorpromaxine or thioridazine), narcotics or certain antidepressants (like amoxapine, citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, desipramine or nortriptyline).
Warning
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Ativan can be very addictive.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Ativan.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery or doing any activity that requires you to be alert until you know how Ativan will affect you (it can impair reaction time and thought processes).
Ativan is not recommended for use in pregnant or nursing mothers.
Do not buy Ativan online; there have been cases of the medications sold by online pharmacies or overseas vendors containing harmful additives.
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