Description
Ativan (Lorazepam) (its commercial name is Ativan) belongs to the benzodiazepine group of drugs, intended for the treatment of anxiety state. Simultaneously, it relieves excitement, eliminates insomnia, relaxes muscles and helps with cramps and nausea. It is not recommended to use the drug for more than four weeks. Therapy should be carried out strictly according to the scheme prescribed by the doctor. As this medicine is addictive, it should be used on a short-term basis.
What is Ativan (Lorazepam)? Origin and history.
Ativan (Lorazepam) is an indispensable tool for relieving a rapidly developing anxiety attack. It can be used before operation, dental visit and other situations that create a feeling of fear. Taking the medication 10 minutes before the procedure allows you to reduce tension while waiting for pain or trouble.
This medication ranks equally with diazepam, clonazepam, oxazepam, nitrazepam, fluorazepam, bromazepam and clorazepam. These are “classic” benzodiazepines- effective anti-anxiety medications, used all over the world. Lorazepam (under the trade names of Ativan and Temesta) appeared on the market in 1977. It was developed by the pharmaceutical company “Wyeth Pharmaceutical”. President of the development team was D. J. Richards. The drug was patented in the USA.
The medication is available in the forms of solutions for injections and tablets. Modern pharmacology mastered the production of Lorazepam in the form of skin patches and mouthwash.
Effect of Ativan (Lorazepam) on the body:
Therapeutic value of the drug is that it doesn’t only treat panic attacks, but also relieves neurotic conditions caused by stress.
It is used as a muscle relaxer for the treatment of muscle tension. Removal of muscle spasms occurs quickly (regardless of their psychological or physical cause during training).
It is effective against seizures.
The drug should be used with caution in case of epileptic seizures.
The medication has a sedative and hypnotic effect.
It can be used to prevent vomiting.
It must be remembered that abuse/frequent use of the drug can reduce its efficiency and lead to the development of a drug addiction.
How can a person become dependent on Ativan (Lorazepam)?
As a rule, addiction starts from violating the regime of treatment. This applies to the dosage and duration of treatment. Treatment course must not exceed four weeks. The maximum dosage is:
ampoules: 4-8 ml;
pills: 0.5-2.5 mg, intermediate — 1, 2 mg.
It is recommended to take the drug regularly (two, three or four times a day).
If the patient violates the regime of treatment, he/she can become a drug addict. Peak effects in abusers can be reached 10 minutes after intravenous injection or 1 hour after intramuscular injection. In case of oral intake, this period is extended and reaches 90-120 minutes.
Effects of use:
Only drug abuse can cause harmful consequences. If therapeutic treatment is performed without violations, the body tolerates the drug well. However, addicts can suffer from disorders of different organs and systems.
CNS — undue fatigability, muscle weakness, dizziness, attacks of amnesia and ataxia.
GI tract — dry mouth and nausea, loss of appetite and stool disorder.
Internal organs — liver dysfunction and renal failure.
Possible reaction of vessels to the intravenous administration are phlebitis and thrombosis.
The pathological changes can be minor or strong. This depends on the degree of addiction and level of intoxication.
Withdrawal of Ativan (Lorazepam) causes severe withdrawal symptoms. They can be relieved only with the help of purifying droppers, which must be made in hospital settings or at home (but only by a professional). Detoxification is only the first stage of addiction treatment. After that, you should undergo a rehabilitation course. Only the comprehensive treatment in a narcological clinic can help the patients get rid of addiction forever.
