What is Ativan?
Lorazepam, or as it's more commonly known brand name, Ativan, is a drug used to treat anxiety. It is a benzodiazepine drug with a short to medium half-life. Lorazepam was introduced in 1977, and is sometimes used as an adjunct antiemetic in chemotherapy. Lorazempam is generally used to treat severe but shorter term anxiety, but is generally not as effective when treating panic attacks. With regards to anxiety, Ativan is an effective sedative which makes it a good choice for short term insomnia. Another interesting use of lorazepam is as a sedative prior to anaesthetia for surgery. It helps ease anxiety and induce amnesia for the surgery procedure. Ativan can also be used to terminate acute seizures, due to it's anticonvulsant properties, and in rare cases be used to treat petit mal epilepsy. The anticonvulsant in lorazepam (the CNS depressant) are also useful for treating alcohol withdrawal. Luckily, lorazepam does not require oxidation (hepatic, the liver) to metabolize, so this makes it useful for alcoholics. Lastly, Ativan can be useful in treating nausea and vomitting that occur with cancer chemo.
Potential for Abuse?
Lorazepam has a high potential for abuse. People with addictive personalities or a history of drug abuse are most likely to abuse lorazepam. It has been used to un-inhibit criminals and as a date rape drug, usually when combined with alcohol. Benzodiazepines are also commonly used in attempted suicides.
Ativan Side Effects
Serious Ativan side effects:
- thoughts of suicide, depression or confusion
- agitation, hyperactivity, or hostility
- hallucinations
- light-headed
- fainting
Less serious Ativan side effects:
- sleep problems
- blurred vision
- drowziness, tiredness, dizziness
- muscle weakness
- forgetfulness
- trouble concentrating
- vomitting, nausea, constipation
- appetite changes
- skin rash
Interesting Ativan Tidbits
Here are some interesting places Ativan has been seen in pop culture
- In the TV series House to treat seizures.
- In the movie Saw III, where Jigsaw is convulsing and Ativan is requested.
- The band 'Blue October' mentions it in their song HRSA.
- In the movie The Departed, Billy Costigan suffers from anxiety and is seen taking lorazepam.
- Fall Out Boy mmber Pete Wentz attempted to overdose on lorazepam when attempting suicide.
- Tony Soprano is given Ativan when he first awakens from a coma and is kept in an induced coma using Ativan.
Share your Ativan experience
Female /
42
05/06/2011
Rating: 9
Time Taken: 15 Years
I never had any bad side effets.
This Drug made it possible for me to resume a normal life after suffering for years with acute anxiety. At one point I was unable to leave the house because of the anxiety. Over the years I have been on much higher doses and now I am at the lowest amount I have ever taken. But, I will admit I need to take it. If I do not the side effects from withdrawl suck!
Male /
34
08/16/2010
Rating: 9
Time Taken: 70 Times
None
Over the course of a year, every once in a while I would feel a sensation come over my entire body. Other times I would feel like I am going to pass out or be dizzy. I also might experience very strong heart palpitations. During that year I had several panic attacks and thought I was going to die. When I was having some of the symptoms I would be very lethargic and irritable. After going to my Cardiologist and having all the tests come back negative, I went to my family doctor and told him what was happening. He had previously prescribed Ativan 1mg to me for use when I would go on an airplane (I've had some bad experiences with flying). The Ativan worked well for me when I flew so I asked my doctor if he could prescribe it to me on an as needed basis. For about the past year that is what I have been doing. If I feel any symptoms coming on or an the rare occasion am having a panic attack I take a pill and within 30 minutes or so my issues are relieved. I take no more than the 1mg dose in a 24 hour period. I can go weeks without having to take a single dose. Other weeks, I might have to take a pill every day for 6 or 7 days. I've had nothing but good experiences with this medication.
Female /
52
06/27/2010
Rating: 1
Time Taken: 5 Years
husband on ativan. side affects hostility,hallucinate, low blood press., depression.nausea . i found him deceased a gun shot wound to the head....
he was dependent on ativan and he had side affects from it and his doctor didnt see it ...i think that the atvan may have depressed him into commiting suicide. he was on a high dose.
Female /
60
06/24/2010
Rating: 9
Time Taken: 3 Years
Sleepiness for the first few days of taking Ativan.
I was given ativan for anxiety and as a sleep aide. It was wonderful. All my stress and worries just melted away. I am able to fall asleep quickly and wake up in the morning feeling refreshed, ready to face the day.
I have no problems with this drug.
Female /
21
06/19/2010
Rating: 10
Time Taken: 6 Years
sleepiness, slight short term memory loss
I've been on Ativan for years to treat my severe Panic Disorder. Honestly, this medication is the best thing that could of happened to me. I take it whenever I feel the sudden onset of my anxiety, and within no time I feel calm. Also, its very very effective used as a sleeping aid. I take a half before I go to sleep and it allows me to sleep soundly without tossing and turning through the night. The only downfall is you definitely wake up with a hangover. I learned that taking an entire pill of 1mg before bed made for a really hard wake up the next morning. As far as anxiety and Panic Disorder goes....thing medication is absolutely something I reccommend trying out. Everyones tolerance is different and for me it took no time to figure out that I cant take an entire pill before going to work as a waitress when you have to run around all night. This med will make you slow to react to things, and just give you a general feel of calmness and peace. If you sit there in agony constantly feeling like your dying, or convinced something is going on internally, or your going to have a heart attack....give Ativan a try, you won't regret it.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The ativansideeffects.net website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician.