Ativan is one of the most popular and widely used benzodiazepines currently one the market. It’s available under a number of names, including Lorazepam, Loraz, Alzapam, Lorazepan and Intensol. It’s often considered to be the safest and best tolerated type of benzodiazepine, since it has less of and effect on the liver than other, closely related drugs from the same benzodiazepine pharmacological category. This enables Ativan to be used by patients in a combination with other commonly used drugs that can have an effect on the liver. These include birth control pills, ulcer medications, propranolol, anti-abuse drugs and paracetamol.
As safe as Ativan is and as beneficial as it can be, the use of Ativan is not without it’s dangers. This is especially true if Ativan is used for prolonged periods of time, not according to instructions or doctor’s prescription, or if the patient is self-medicating. Some of the most common side effects of Ativan include sleepiness, drowsiness and dizziness, feelings of disorientation or confusion, as well as digestive issues and muscle weakness. Other, more severe side effects of Ativan can include mood swings, lack of appetite, blurred or double vision, insomnia, hallucinations, involuntary eye movements and difficulty speaking. If you notice one or more of these symptoms in yourself or someone close to you who is using Ativan, you should cease using the drug and get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible.
Ativan is a tranquilizer with mild effect, and it can have many different application. Although it’s very safe when used properly, responsible usage can lead to the development of wide array of side effects. Ativan is often prescribed to treat anxiety, to relieve manic schizophrenics, and as a pre-surgical sedative. It can also be prescribed to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, as a treatment for seizures, amnesia, and to treat severe vomiting that’s common for chemotherapy patients.
Potential dangers of Ativan are as wide and diverse as it’s beneficial effects and indications. Although it’s very well known and safe, Ativan can have a number of side effects and negative interactions with certain medications. First rule of thumb with any prescription medication with a relaxing or sedating effect is never to take it with alcohol, street drugs or other relaxants, tranquilizers or CNS depressants. Same goes for Ativan – the combination of Ativan’s tranquilizing effects and the relaxing effects of other drugs can have a very negative impact on one’s health and well being. It can also increase the chance of side effects of Ativan.
Some of the most common side effects of Ativan include allergic reactions that can manifest as breathing difficulties and swelling of the throat, lips, tongue or face. In some rarer cases patients develop yellowed skin and eyes, rashes and even sores in the throat and mouth area. Some patients develop hallucinations, vision problems and severe mental confusion. As rare as these side effects are, they can seriously endanger one’s quality of life, and if you notice any of these in yourself or someone close to you, you should consult with your doctor as soon as possible.