Ativan is a highly versatile drug that is said to treat depression, anxiety and even insomnia while also controlling seizures. Commonly known as Lorazepam, Ativan is a very reliable medication but only when the correct dosage is prescribed. This is because Ativan is a part of the group of drugs called benzodiazepines which enhance calming effects in the brain. So, there is a validation of the risk of dependency on the drug and consequently harm, hence it is prescribed with a prescription. However, there is much to learn about Ativan as its possible range of applications is pretty wide.
First: What is the mechanism of working of Ativan? How does it work?
Ativan primarily acts by increasing the levels of GABA which is a neurotransmitter responsible for reducing activity in multiple areas of the brain, resulting in decreased anxiety, panic, and even insomnia. This is possible because unlike most anxiolytics reaching the bloodstream, ativan is very quick to reach the bloodstream, taking approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
But also targeting another market, ativan can be substituted in instances where:
Seizures take place; stabilization of neuron activity or faster recovery may be required.
Alcoholics are undergoing rehabilitation; calming nervous systems is a requirement.
Muscle spasms and insomnia: Its muscle-relaxing properties promote sleep and physical relaxation.
Vomiting or nausea is a side effect due to Chemotherapy.
Perceptions And Effects In The Beginning
For a majority of the users, Ativan is helpful in a way that they feel relaxed, calm and mentally clear. A number of users also say that they feel more in the present and do not get as many racing thoughts or unfounded fears. In contrast to other prescription drugs, when used as recommended, Ativan does not seem to induce any kind of drowsiness or interfere with the way a person thinks. Rather, users are said to be more active due to a sense of being woken up and are relatively more self-sufficient.
Ativan helps with muscle relaxation and reduces physical strain or tension. While these effects are said to be beneficial most of the time, it can occasionally backfire and make people feel drowsy or sleepy. They should also be careful while performing tasks that need them to be coordinated such as driving since their motor skills might be affected as part of the side effects.
Dosage and Individual Variability
Ativan can be used in different forms such as oral tablets (0.5 mg, 1 mg, and Ativan 2mg) and injectable liquids (2 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL). Age, body weight, metabolism or even how stalwart the person is can be factors influencing the required dosage. Generally, physicians aim for the lowest effective dosage in order to reduce the risk of side effects and dependency of the drug.
Older patients are frequently prescribed lower doses due to heightened drug sensitivity on their part. No matter the dosage
Emotional and Psychological Effects
Patients say that Ativan immediately calms them. Some say they feel different, in that they are less stressed and possess more emotional strength. However, using Ativan over long periods may inhibit their ability to feel any emotions, or more worryingly, void them of all emotional experience and feeling – this is known as emotional blunting. This justifies why most patients are asked to avoid using Ativan unless directed by a qualified medical professional.
Disadvantages and Risks
Ativan maintained Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval, and like any approved medication, comes with various side effects. Some includes the following:
- Excessive sleepiness
- Lightheadedness or a state of balance disorders
- Decreased muscle strength
- Problems with gait and body coordination
Additionally, patients may experience impaired ability to focus or be fully attentive to situations and events. Experiencing an aggressive outburst is infrequent but does happen. However, some have claimed that certain productive reactions will occur but not for everyone
Dependency, withdrawal, and tolerance are some of the most dangerous side effects or diseases related to Ativan. This substance may alter the chemical composition of someone’s brain. After two weeks of treatment, patients may notice various signs that bring about changes to their mental state and emotions. This is concerning for many because it causes unfavorable situations in patients concerning quitting Ativan.
Withdrawal and Dependency
To avoid withdrawal symptoms, it is best not to stop taking Ativan suddenly. These symptoms usually develop within 24 hours of the final dose of the drug These side effects may include:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors and excessive sweating
- Heart palpitations
- Severe cases may result into seizures
As such, it is crucial that a patient seeking to stop using Ativan engages a qualified health professional. Together, they can come up with a plan to slowly reduce the dosage of the medication. This approach helps to increase the chances of positive health outcomes.
Personal Experiences: A Wide Range of Opinions
75% of users consider Ativan to be useful in the management of anxiety and in improving their quality of life. For one user, it was clear that Ativan had worked stating “Ativan is on an as-needed basis and has helped tremendously.” However, there is the other side of the coin. Some users are not pleased with the medications with about 12% reporting negative outcomes. A feeling of confusion, dependency and worsening of symptoms are quite common. “This is by far the scariest experience I have EVER had with a drug,” shared one individual.
There are several aspects that many tend to ignore. Firstly, such anecdotal reports do increase the importance of personalized medical advice. Secondly, individual body chemistry, preexisting conditions and dosages all play a significant role.
Short Term and Long term Use
Due to the potential for a dependence and tolerance forming, Ativan is usually recommended by healthcare experts for short term use only. The chronic utilization of this medication may result in heightened and intolerable effects like extreme sleepiness, plus memory loss. Conditions that require chronic treatment may however allow for other options that include use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), changing of one’s lifestyle or use of other medications that are not Diazepines, that do not have the risk of long term dependence on Ativan.
Recognizing overdose symptoms
That said, grave outcomes await an individual who overdoses on Ativan. Here is a list of various risks:
- Hypotension
- Excessive weariness
- Disorientation
- Lack of coordination
- Unresponsive state