Approved by the FDA in 1981, Ativan is a prescription drug used to treat many different conditions linked with anxiety or panic disorders. It works by stopping your brain cells’ ability to absorb gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is often linked with feelings of stress and panic in people with anxiety disorders.
What Are the Effects of Ativan on The Brain and Body?
Most people take Ativan and experience no significant side effects. However, long-term use can result in tolerance and dependence on this drug. Although this medication is usually prescribed for short-term treatment, doctors may prescribe it for two months. Over time, many users develop a tolerance to the drug and need more than prescribed to achieve the same effects. Long-term usage can also lead to dependence on Ativan, including physical symptoms if you stop taking the drug suddenly (withdrawal). During withdrawal, you may experience Headache, Nausea or vomiting, Anxiety, Tremors, Sweating, Weakness, Fever, Seizures.
What are the physical and mental health effects of Ativan?
When taken as directed, Ativan may help control symptoms of anxiety and panic. It may also be prescribed to those with chronic anxiety disorders or those who need immediate treatment for panic attacks. This drug can reduce the frequency of attacks or stop them completely in some cases. For most people with anxiety disorders, their responses to everyday situations are either heightened or exaggerated. For example, a person may have an intense reaction to being in a crowded area or speaking in public.
Ativan can help people reduce the intensity of their reactions and take more control over how they respond to these experiences. In some cases, Ativan may produce mild side effects such as: A feeling of dizziness, Memory problems, Slurred speech, Blurred vision, Headache, Constipation.
Overdosing, especially when you take an extra dose of this medication on top of the one you’re supposed to be taking, can cause: Drowsiness, Double vision, Slowed breathing, Nausea, and Vomiting, Seizures, Hallucinations, Irregular heartbeats, Cardiac arrest, Breathing problems. If you or someone else overdosed on this drug and is unconscious, call 911 immediately.
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Why Is Ativan Used?
Ativan’s primary purpose is to help people who suffer from anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia, and seizures (epilepsy). When used as intended, this medication can be a valuable tool that reduces debilitating symptoms.
How Is Ativan Administered?
The prescription medicine is administered orally (via the mouth), usually in tablet form or mixed with food or drink that won’t interfere with its absorption. The FDA cautions against crushing these pills because they could release too much drug, which could cause serious side effects. You can see how long this medication remains active in your body by reading the label; it usually lasts up to 5 hours.
How Long Should I Take Ativan?
If you suffer from anxiety disorders and have been prescribed this medicine, you must take it as directed. Long-term use aims to ensure that symptoms continue to be treated, and the only way to do this is with a consistent routine. In most cases, doctors recommend taking Ativan daily for no more than 12 weeks.
Can I Take More than The Prescribed Dosage?
The dosage suggested on your prescription can be as high as 4mg, but it’s essential to understand that taking more significant amounts of this medicine can lead to serious health risks. You might experience drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, and even a drop in blood pressure. In some cases, Ativan can result in a coma or death if taken improperly.
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What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Ativan?
Anxiety medication Ativan has been on the market for quite some time, but it hasn’t been without controversy. The FDA began investigating its risks in 2013 after many patient deaths were linked to prolonged usage. While the drug agency issued an official warning about large-scale usage of Ativan, it is still being used widely today. Here is what you need to know about the long-term side effects of this medication and how it could impact your quality of life if misused or for an extended period.
As with any prescription drug, you should be aware of all long-term side effects associated with Ativan. If you are currently taking this medicine or are thinking about taking it, learn more by carefully reading the warning label on your prescription bottle. It’s also important to discuss these potential risks in detail with your doctor, who will help you determine if this medicine is right for you.
Some of the most commonly reported long-term effects of Ativan use include: Drowsiness, Loss of coordination, Trouble thinking, Slurred speech, Shortness of breath, Sedation, Slow reaction times, Memory impairment, Coordination problems, dizziness.
Suppose you’re struggling to cope with the side effects of long-term use. In that case, you might also experience Depression, Suicidal thoughts, or behavior Suicidal thoughts or attempts, Agitation, Hives, or breathing difficulties. If you notice any of these symptoms (or similar ones) while taking Ativan, make sure to contact your doctor right away.
Are There Long-Term Side Effects that Might Persist?
Some long-term side effects of Ativan may be so severe that they persist even after you have stopped taking medicine. If you are concerned about this happening to you, it’s best to avoid taking this drug in the first place. Some potentially lingering symptoms include anxiety, muscle cramps, muscle or joint pain, abdominal pain, confusion, difficulty sleeping.
If you are struggling with restless leg syndrome, this condition may appear after long-term use of Ativan. This is a common problem among people who have been prescribed benzodiazepines for extended periods. If your doctor hasn’t diagnosed you yet, it’s essential to talk about this issue during your next checkup. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments
Is there a risk of dependence?
Because Ativan is classified as a benzodiazepine, psychological dependence (addiction) can be an issue for some people who take this medicine. If you’ve developed a habit of Ativan or feel that you can’t stop taking it yourself, seek help immediately. If you don’t, you could end up suffering severe withdrawal symptoms.
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How Do I Withdraw from Ativan?
Many doctors recommend tapering off of this drug, and this means that you gradually reduce your dosage over time; the process typically lasts anywhere from 7 to 10 days. No matter what your doctor recommends, it’s essential, to be honest with yourself about your addiction to Ativan. If you can’t stop taking it on your own, make sure to seek help right away.
Is it possible to develop tolerance?
Some people may develop tolerance to this drug after they’ve been taking it for a long time. This means that their bodies adjust to the medication and gradually need higher doses to achieve the same benefits. If you are concerned about tolerance, discuss this issue with your doctor during your next checkup.
How do I know if Ativan is right for me?
Before starting treatment with any drug, including Ativan, make sure to get all the information you need. It is crucial to understand how this medicine works and what it can do for you, but also vital that you are honest about your concerns and symptoms with your doctor. The more open you are with them, the easier it will be for your doctor to determine whether Ativan is suitable for your treatment plan.
Treatment for Ativan Addiction: Rehab and Detoxification
Many people who use Ativan may not need treatment. However, if the benefits of taking the medication begin to fade over time, your doctor will likely recommend that you stop using it. In some cases, mental health professionals may use Ativan to treat severe depression or anxiety. In these cases, the usual treatment is medication and psychological counseling.
If your doctor prescribes a dosage of this medication that you find uncomfortable or if you think it might be too high for you, speak with your healthcare professional immediately. Some of the most common causes of addiction to Ativan include:
Using this medication for a long time or in high doses
Significant changes to dosage or abruptly stopping use
Neglecting health problems associated with the drug
Using this medication without a prescription from your doctor
Losing interest in activities once enjoyed as a result of taking medicine.
Long-term usage can also change how you think and feel about the drug, and it can also contribute to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it suddenly. This is why your doctor will likely recommend that you gradually stop using Ativan under medical supervision. Just like any other addiction, the earlier you seek treatment for an addiction to Ativan, the easier it can be to recover.
What behavioral modifications occur as a result of Ativan?
People often take Ativan to reduce anxiety or quiet an overactive mind. It may also be prescribed along with other medications for treating depression or panic disorders, including: Benzodiazepines, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, Antidepressants, Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
What social effects occur as a result of long-term Ativan use?
Once you take this drug, it changes the way you think and acts. Over time, it can change how you respond to situations in your life, including your job or education. This may result in: Missing days at work or school, A disruption in personal relationships with friends and family, Problems at home due to neglecting responsibilities.
In some cases, people will stop taking Ativan because they don’t see the need for it anymore. When this occurs, a person may attempt to stop using it without seeing a doctor. Trying to quit this drug on your own can be dangerous and may result in: Worsening of symptoms, Headaches, Nausea, Nightmares, Trouble sleeping.
Can Ativan be used to treat other medical conditions?
In the past, Ativan was prescribed more frequently because of its sedative effects. It is not a first-line drug for treating depression anymore, but it may still be prescribed in cases where a person doesn’t respond well to other medications. Sometimes this drug may treat epileptic seizures, but only when other medications fail to work.
Is Ativan addictive?
If you or someone you love takes this medication for a long time without talking to your healthcare professional about the potential risks, it can cause an addiction. Over time, your body becomes used to the effects of the drug and doesn’t usually react without it. This can create both physical and psychological dependence. When you stop taking Ativan, the body becomes overwhelmed because it is not functioning without the drug. As a result, people may experience withdrawal symptoms that are difficult or even dangerous to manage at home.
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How to Overcome Ativan Abuse?
If you are concerned that you may be dependent on Ativan or think that someone you love is abusing this drug, talk to your doctor. They can help overcome the addiction by gradually reducing the dosage and managing withdrawal symptoms, so they are more manageable. Talk with your healthcare professional about treatment options available in your area for addiction to this and other types of medication.
If you want to overcome Ativan addiction, there are several treatment options available. The most effective treatments combine medical management and behavioral therapy to create an environment where it is possible to withdraw from the drug while minimizing adverse side effects safely. This may also reduce the risk for relapse in the future.
The first step to overcoming an addiction to Ativan is getting help from a medical professional. If you or someone you know struggles with this drug, talk to your doctor about the best course of action for treatment and recovery. Unfortunately, most people will find it difficult to stop taking Ativan without a plan for withdrawal and rehabilitation. If you’re interested in therapy for Ativan addiction, talk to your healthcare professional about options available in your area.
In conclusion, taking this drug regularly can lead to lasting effects that impact your lifestyle and well-being for years to come. Visit a doctor if you would like a better understanding of the risks associated with Ativan use.
