Other signs of benzodiazepine addiction to watch for include:. It is crucial that individuals who are addicted to seek medical assistance when trying to reduce or eliminate usage.
Ativan acts as a sedative, which helps to reduce anxiety in patients with certain psychological disorders. However, when taken with alcohol or other depressants, the sedative effects can be dangerously magnified, and may result in extreme drowsiness, depressed breathing, coma, and even death. In addition, the concurrent use of Ativan and alcohol can result in impaired judgement and reduced physical and cognitive function, which can lead to falls and accidents.
Individuals who suffer from Ativan and alcohol addiction will often use the two substances together in order to enhance the sedative effects of the drug. Since both Ativan and alcohol are addictive, concurrent use can result in increased tolerance, and users will often increase the dosage of both drugs to elicit the same effect.
Ultimately, this behavior can result in overdose, coma, and death. In order to avoid the negative effects of Ativan and alcohol addiction, users should seek medical assistance. Do not attempt to detox from Ativan or alcohol without medical help, as symptoms of withdrawal can be severe and sometimes life-threatening. Ativan and other benzodiazepines are typically prescribed in moderate doses for only short periods of time.
Although physicians may consider extending the use of Ativan along with clinical therapy, long-term use is contraindicated. Due to the addictive nature of Ativan, abrupt cessation of use can be dangerous to the user, especially after long-term use or abuse of the drug. Generally, treatment for addiction involves slowly reducing usage to minimize withdrawal symptoms, followed by intensive addiction therapy. If you need help stopping Ativan use, start by talking to your doctor.
Physical dependence can occur even if you take the drug exactly as prescribed. Quitting Ativan suddenly can be dangerous or even life-threatening due to the increased risk of seizures during the withdrawal process. You must be monitored by a medical professional as you go through the withdrawal process.
In most cases, you can detox from the drug on an outpatient basis. There are no medications approved to treat Ativan dependence, but the standard approach is to slowly reduce the amount of the drug used over a period of time to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms.
Your doctor will monitor your progress as you slowly taper off of the drug. Your doctor may also recommend other treatments such as psychotherapy. Types of psychotherapy that may be used during drug recovery include cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. If you need help with your treatment, ask your doctor to refer you to a psychiatrist or another mental health professional who specializes in addiction recovery.
For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Updated February 18, Food and Drug Administration. Updated September Greenblatt D. Clinical pharmacokinetics of oxazepam and lorazepam.
Clin Pharmacokinet. Windows of detection of lorazepam in urine, oral fluid and hair, with a special focus on drug-facilitated crimes. Forensic Sci Int. False-positive urine screening for benzodiazepines: An association with sertraline?
A two-year retrospective chart analysis. Psychiatry Edgmont. Effect of short-term ethanol administration on lorazepam clearance. Your Privacy Rights.
To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellMind. Ativan is used to treat anxiety symptoms, insomnia trouble sleeping , and status epilepticus a type of severe seizure. Generic drugs are often less expensive than the brand-name version. In some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be available in different forms and strengths. Ativan can cause mild or serious side effects.
The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Ativan. For more information on the possible side effects of Ativan, or tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
In people who receive the Ativan injection, redness and pain at the injection site can commonly occur. Some of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. Call your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects. In older adults, Ativan should be used cautiously or avoided altogether. Many seniors are more likely to experience side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness. This can increase their risk of falls, which can lead to bone fractures.
Lower dosages are often needed for seniors. Ativan is FDA-approved for short-term use, up to four months. Long-term use of Ativan should be avoided because it can cause serious side effects. These include:.
Ativan can impair your ability to drive. This side effect may go away with continued use of the drug. Some people who take Ativan report having headaches afterward.
Ativan can cause your breathing to slow down. In rare cases, this can lead to respiratory failure. However, weight changes may still occur. Some people who take Ativan say they have a bigger appetite. This might cause them to eat more and gain weight. And other people who take it have a reduced appetite.
This might cause them to eat less and lose weight. Some people who take Ativan can have temporary memory loss. If this happens, you may have trouble remembering things that occurred while you were taking the medication. People with vertigo often feel dizzy. If you have this side effect, talk with your doctor about alternatives to Ativan. The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended.
However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs. The usual oral dosage for Ativan tablets is 2 to 6 mg daily. This dosage amount is usually divided and taken two or three times daily. Intravenous IV Ativan will be given by your doctor or nurse. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for your condition.
Older adults and people with certain physical conditions may need to start with a lower dosage. This might be 1 to 2 mg, taken two or three times daily for anxiety or once at bedtime for insomnia. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. Ativan is approved to treat several conditions. Ativan is FDA-approved for the short-term treatment of anxiety symptoms. Ativan is also used off-label for other types of insomnia. Ativan is also sometimes prescribed off-label.
Off-label use is when a drug is approved for one use but is prescribed for a different use. Ativan is sometimes used off-label for the short-term treatment of symptoms of vertigo. These symptoms include nausea and vomiting. In some cases, Ativan may be used along with other medications for this purpose. However, some people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety or insomnia. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe Ativan to reduce those symptoms.
However, people who have severe, long-lasting pain are often prescribed Ativan or similar medications. This may be because they have anxiety or trouble sleeping due to their pain. People with severe pain are often treated with opioid pain medications. This is due to the risk of life-threatening side effects such as serious sedation, decreased breathing, coma, and death. Consuming alcohol with Ativan can increase the risk of serious side effects such as:.
Ativan can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements and foods. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects. Below is a list of medications that can interact with Ativan. Before taking Ativan, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take.
Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. If you find that you are addicted to Ativan, you should contact a reputable drug rehab program near you.
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional. She currently practices in the public domain in South Africa. She has an interest in medical writing and has a keen interest in evidence-based medicine. Popular Post Recent Posts. Abused Substances. The immune system is a complex group of glands, organs, and cells that work together… Read More.
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