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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
HomeAtivanPatient Tips Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on July 26, 2024. How it worksUpsidesDownsidesBottom LineTipsResponse/effectivenessInteractions 1. How it works Ativan is a brand (trade) name for lorazepam which may be used to treat anxiety, as an anticonvulsant, or for its sedative effects.Experts aren't exactly sure how Ativan (lorazepam) works, but believe its effects are due to its ability to strongly bind to the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex, which enhances the affinity for GABA (a neurotransmitter that blocks impulses between nerve cells in the brain). Low levels of GABA have been linked to anxiety, mood disorders, seizure disorders, and pain.Ativan belongs to the class of medicines known as benzodiazepines. 2. Upsides May be used for the short-term relief of anxiety (such as before surgery) or in the management of anxiety disorders (although studies have not documented use beyond 4 months).Also available in an injectable form that may be used for the treatment of prolonged seizures.May be used off-label (this means for an indication that has not been approved by the FDA but may still have a place in therapy) for some other indications such as lower back pain.Generic Ativan is available under the name lorazepam. 3. Downsides If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Drowsiness, sleepiness, or dizziness are the most common side effects reported. Any one of these side effects may impair reaction skills, affect a person's ability to drive or operate machinery, or increase the risk of falls. Alcohol may potentiate these effects and should be avoided.Amnesia, confusion, unsteadiness, visual problems (blurred or double vision), sexual dysfunction, nausea, constipation, and several other side effects have also been reported.May rarely cause respiratory depression (unusually slow and shallow breathing). The risk is greater with larger dosages of Ativan, in people with pre-existing respiratory conditions, or if Ativan is used in addition to other medications that also cause respiratory depression (such as opioids).Ativan may increase the risk of depression or unmask depression or increase the risk of suicidal
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