ativan (LORAZEPAM)

What is Ativan?

Ativan is a benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. It works by calming the brain and nervous system.

What is the usual dose of Ativan?

The dose depends on the condition being treated. For anxiety, the typical dose is 2-3 mg daily in divided doses. For insomnia, a single dose of 2-4 mg at bedtime may be prescribed

How do I take Ativan?

Take your LOREEV XR medicine once a day in the morning. You can take it with or without food. Don't crush or chew the capsules; swallow them whole, or if you can't, open the capsule, sprinkle the medicine on a spoonful of applesauce, and eat it right away. Don't save any sprinkled medicine for later.

For how long do I take Ativan?

We don't have enough solid research on how long anxiety lasts beyond four months. For quick anxiety relief, doctors sometimes prescribe Ativan as needed. The amount and how long someone takes it depends on the individual.

What is Ativan used for?

Ativan helps calm anxiety quickly, but it's only for short-term use, like when anxiety is really bad. It's not for everyday worries. Doctors don't know for sure if it continues to help after a few months.

How long does it take for Ativan to start working?

Imagine you take a pill. The medicine in that pill doesn't go everywhere in your body instantly. It takes time to be absorbed into your bloodstream. "Peak plasma concentration" means the highest amount of medicine is in your blood. This happens about two hours after you take the pill because that's how long it takes for your body to absorb most of it.

Is Ativan effective?

Imagine your brain has tiny switches that control how calm or anxious you feel. Ativan works by turning down the "anxiety" switches. It does this by fitting into special spots on those switches, making them more effective at calming things down. This leads to a feeling of relaxation and less anxiety.

How does one know if Ativan is working?

Symptoms such as reduced anxiety, better sleep, or cessation of seizures indicate that Ativan is effective.

How does Ativan work?

Ativan is a medicine that calms anxiety. It works by attaching to special spots on brain cells called GABA receptors. This makes those brain cells less active, leading to a calming effect. It's like turning down the volume on a noisy brain.

Who should avoid taking Ativan?

Ativan is a strong medicine with serious risks. Mixing it with opioid painkillers can be deadly. It makes you sleepy and dizzy, so don't drive or use machinery. It's addictive, and stopping it suddenly can be very dangerous. It can also make depression worse. Common side effects include feeling sleepy, dizzy, weak, and unsteady.

Can I take Ativan with vitamins or supplements?

Some supplements, like valerian root or melatonin, may amplify Ativan’s sedative effects. Discuss any supplements with your doctor.

Can I take Ativan with other prescription drugs?

Ativan may interact with:

• Other sedatives or opioids (increased risk of respiratory depression)
• Antidepressants
• Anticonvulsants
• Alcohol
  Always inform your doctor about other medications you are taking.

Can Ativan be taken safely while pregnant?

Taking Ativan late in pregnancy might make a newborn sleepy or go through withdrawal. Studies in people haven't shown a strong link to major birth defects. However, high doses harmed animals in studies. There's a natural risk of birth defects and miscarriage anyway (2-4% and 15-20%, respectively). Doctors are keeping track of pregnancies where Ativan is used.

Can Ativan be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Ativan is a medicine that can make you sleepy. If you're breastfeeding and take Ativan, the medicine can pass into your breast milk and make your baby sleepy and sluggish, affecting their feeding and growth. We don't know for sure how Ativan affects your milk supply, but because of the risk to the baby, breastfeeding isn't advised while you're taking it.

Is Ativan safe for the elderly?

Older adults often need smaller amounts of medicine than younger people because their bodies process drugs differently. They may feel sleepy or unsteady more easily, so it's best to start with the smallest dose that works. If the person has liver or kidney problems, even smaller doses might be needed.

How should I store Ativan?

Keep the liquid Ativan in the fridge and away from light. Use it within 3 months of opening. The pills and capsules can be kept at room temperature. Keep all medicine tightly closed and away from kids.

Does Ativan make people tired or drowsy?

Yes, drowsiness and fatigue are common side effects.

Does Ativan cause stomach upset?

Stomach upset is uncommon but may occur in some individuals.

Does Ativan affect sleep?

Ativan can make you sleepy and dizzy. This might actually make it harder to sleep well. If you have trouble sleeping while taking it, tell your doctor right away.

Does Ativan make it hard to think or concentrate?

Yes, Ativan can impair focus, memory, and cognitive abilities, especially at higher doses.

Does Ativan affect mood?

Ativan typically reduces anxiety, but in rare cases, it may cause mood swings, irritability, or depression.

Does Ativan interfere with sexual function?

Ativan may decrease libido or sexual arousal in some people.

Does Ativan affect appetite?

Ativan is not commonly associated with changes in appetite.

Does Ativan cause weight gain?

Weight gain is not a typical side effect, but changes in appetite or activity levels may indirectly affect weight.

Does Ativan cause headaches?

Headaches are a less common side effect of Ativan.

Does Ativan limit driving?

Ativan can make you sleepy, dizzy, and slow down your thinking and reactions. Don't drive or use heavy equipment until you see how it affects you. If driving becomes hard, stop and call your doctor right away.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Ativan?

Drinking alcohol while taking LOREEV XR can make the medicine work differently and might be unsafe. Studies show that alcohol significantly speeds up how quickly the medicine is released into your body. This could mean you get too much medicine too fast, which isn't good. It's best to avoid alcohol completely while you're on this medication.

Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Ativan?

Caffeine in coffee or tea may counteract Ativan’s sedative effects but is generally safe in moderation.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Ativan?

Light to moderate exercise is safe, but avoid activities requiring high alertness or coordination. Be cautious if you feel drowsy.

What are Ativan possible harms and risks?

Ativan's most common side effects are drowsiness (the most common), dizziness, weakness, and feeling unsteady. Older people are more likely to experience drowsiness and unsteadiness. Serious, but rare, side effects include trouble breathing, changes in blood pressure, stomach problems, allergic reactions, and blood or nerve problems. In some cases, it can even cause the opposite of what it's supposed to do, like making someone more anxious or aggressive.