Ativan (Lorazepam) Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Precautions

 About the medicine:

Ativan, also known by its generic name Lorazepam, is used to treat anxiety. It works by helping your brain & nervous system calm down. It consists of a group of medications called benzodiazepines. Ativan is only valid for the original prescription medication.

How to Take Ativan:

You must take this medication with water or as directed by your healthcare provider at the same time daily. Keep taking it unless your doctor’s team tells you to stop taking this medicine. For your anxiety issues, a good consultation team will be provided to you for better care. Make sure this medicine is not for long-term use; it is only for short-term use. Discuss the use of this medication in children with your consultation team. It is usually prescribed for adults. Do not stop taking this medicine all of a sudden without consulting your healthcare provider. The conditions get worse if taking this medicine is stopped instantly. It must be discontinued gradually.

If this medicine is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk to your doctor if the problem continues or the condition gets worse…

What are the side effects of Ativan (Lorazepam):
Many side effects are caused by its wrong use or high dose, like drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, change in sexual interest/ability, constipation, heartburn,  loss of coordination, headache, or change in appetite. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist immediately if any of these effects are seen or worsen.

Always remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication as he or she knows that there are more benefits of this medicine than the risk of side effects. A large number of people using this medication do not have any side effects.

Talk to your doctor now if you have any unexpected but serious side effects, like: vision changes, unusual weakness, trouble walking, memory problems, mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations, depression) ,slurred speech or difficulty talking, signs of infection (such as fever, cough).

This medicine may cause allergic reactions unexpectedly. Whenever needed, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, like:  severe dizziness, rash, itching/swelling (of the face/tongue/throat), and trouble breathing.

There are more possible side effects that are not listed here. So, if any other side effect is noticed, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

In the US, Talk to your doctor for medical advice about side effects. If you experience any side effects, you can report them to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or visiting www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Where & How To Store Ativan ?

Ativan should be stored at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Never store it in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Never flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless directed to do so. Properly throw away this product when it expires or when there is no need for it. Consult your doctor or local waste disposal company.

Correct Dosage Of Ativan ?

If someone has overdosed on this medicine and has serious reactions(symptoms) such as passing out or trouble breathing, consult your doctor immediately. Or else, call a poison control center on the spot. The people of the USA may call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
There are many symptoms of overdose, like clumsiness, deep sleep, loss of consciousness, slow reflexes, and confusion.
We must make lifestyle changes to any stress reduction event to improve the efficiency of medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about these changes, which might benefit you. Never share this medication with others, as sharing this medication is illegal or against the law. All the medical(blood counts) or laboratory tests should be performed

timely to be known about the progress or any side effects in the body.Talk to your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose and take more than one dose daily, do not take it if it is almost the time for the next dose. Rather, skip the missed dose and restart your daily dosing schedule. Never take the double dose if one is missed. If you take it once daily at night and miss a dose, do not take it the next morning. If you want any advice, then call your doctor immediately.

What Precautions Must Be Taken Before Taking Ativan:

Talk to your healthcare provider before taking Ativan if you are allergic to lorazepam or any of the medications, like diazepam, alprazolam, or clonazepam. It must be known to your doctor if you have any kind of allergies because this medicine may have side effects due to its chemical composition. It's important to tell your doctor if you have had any of the problems, like :

  • Kidney or liver problems

  • Glaucoma (eye condition)

  • Breathing issues like sleep apnea

  • Mental health conditions like depression or psychosis

  • A history of drug or alcohol problems

Lorazepam can make you feel dizzy, tired, or make it hard to see clearly. The conditions get worse if you drink alcohol or any other liquid that is more harmful. Driving must be avoided at the time of inhalation. Let your doctor or pharmacist know about all the medications that you are taking before any surgery.
Lorazepam can have more side effects on adults. It makes them feel drowsy, dizzy, or causes changes in mood. These conditions can get worse, so they have to be more careful before taking it.

Lorazepam is not safe for children. Rather, this medicine may cause them to be more restless, shaky, or cause a behavior change.

Lorazepam should not be used during pregnancy. It is harmful for the baby as it may have side effects that can have a bad effect on the baby too. Pregnant women or those planning to become mothers must consult a doctor before taking this medicine.
If you're a breastfeeding mother, then talk to your doctor immediately before taking it.

Be Aware of Drug Interactions

This website doesn't cover every possible drug interaction. Some of the interactions may change the working of medicine works or increase the risk of serious side effects. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the medications that you’re taking that include herbal products or any kind of medicine. Always consult with your doctor before taking or changing the dose of any medicine.

The products that may interact with drugs are :

  • Clozapine (an antipsychotic)

  • Kava (an herbal product)

  • Sodium oxybate (GHB)

Slow breathing, deep sleep, or dizziness can be increased by taking this medicine with other sedating or breathing-slowing down products (like opioid painkillers, cough medicines,or alcohol) can increase risks. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you're also using drugs like:

  • Codeine, hydrocodone (painkillers)

  • Alcohol, THC (cannabis)

  • Sedatives like alprazolam, diazepam, and zolpidem

  • Muscle relaxers like carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine

  • Antihistamines like cetirizine, diphenhydramine

Always check the labels of all your medicines that include allergy, cold, or cough products, as they may have components that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist whether both can be used together or not...


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