Ativan, Its Proper Use and Abuse
Background
Lorazepam belongs to a family of drugs called benzodiazepines which are used as mild tranquilizers. Lorazepam is prescribed as an anxiolytic, sedative-hypnotic, and anticonvulsant and is classified as a CNS or Central Nervous System depressant. It is more commonly known for its brand names Ativan, Temesta, Tavor, and Apo-Lorazepam in Canada. The drug is available in pill form for oral intake, and in liquid form as a parenteral medication for either the intravenous or intramuscular route. Lorazepam is also marketed in parenteral patch form. Ativan tablets may take effect in less than an hour while intravenous administration may take effect in several minutes. Like other benzodiazepines, Ativan should not be taken for a period longer than 4 months.
Proper Dosage, Use and Precautions
Like other benzodiazepines, Ativan is widely prescribed as a short-term treatment for insomnia. The drug is also used to treat anxiety disorders, particularly effective on treating Panic Disorder, and is also used for alcohol withdrawal treatment. Ativan’s muscle-relaxant property also makes it an option as a supportive treatment for CVS or Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. Ativan is also given as a premedication prior to various surgical procedures to increase the potency of a primary anesthetic drug, and illicit a certain degree of anterograde amnesia during the whole period of the procedure. Ativan, together with Haldol (Haloperidol,) is also used as treatment for acute delirium. This treatment occasionally has a paradoxical effect, increasing aggression and hostility, which is speculated to be due to preexisting personality disorders.
Ativan’s tablet form is available in the market in 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg tablets. Required doses for Ativan are highly individualized, depending on the case in which it is to be used. Insomnia is usually treated by taking a 0.5 milligram tablet before bedtime, while Catatonia can be effectively controlled with 2 milligrams of Ativan taken either orally or slow IV drip. Aggressive treatment to control status epilepticus may require doses ranging from 2 to 8 mgs administered via slow IV drip. In any case, the patient’s respiration and blood pressure must be closely monitored due to the drug’s hypotensive and respiratory depressant effects.
Used properly, Ativan is an effective medicine, but irresponsible use of the drug can prove to be damaging and even fatal. Certain precautions should be taken if prescribed with Ativan. Alcohol, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants are also known to increase the potency of Ativan and several cases of irresponsible use, such as taking Ativan and Xanax simultaneously, lead to varying degrees of coma and even death.
Common Side Effects
Ativan is known to cause the following side effects:
- Drowsiness, lethargy, dizziness, vertigo, ataxia, sedation, anterograde amnesia
- Blurred vision, impaired or decreased hearing, slurred speech
- Ativan is also known to reduce a person’s inhibitions, leading to a change in perceptions
The following side effects are produced due to a severe adverse reaction with Ativan and medication should immediately be stopped if the patient experiences:
- DOB or difficulty of breathing
- leukopenia or decreased WBC
- hypotension
- seizures and tremors
- hallucinations
- fever
Ativan Addiction and Abuse
Ativan is a schedule IV drug, which means it is highly regulated. Like other benzodiazepines, Ativan is also subject to abuse. Like other benzodiazepines, Ativan also has a tendency to develop resistance and dependence. Due to Ativan’s lower half-life and higher potency, the likelihood of abuse is significantly higher than other drugs belonging to the same family. Ativan is abused as a "chill pill" to escape from life stresses. Ativan is also abused to boost the euphoria-inducing effects of opioids such as heroin.
There are also incidences of using Ativan as a "date rape drug" due to its ability to illicit anterograde amnesia. Ativan is tasteless and soluble in alcohol, and if mixed, it acts faster. This is very dangerous because alcohol augments the effects of Ativan and, in high doses, could lead to varying degrees of coma and may even be fatal.
Ativan addiction rehabilitation
Addiction to Ativan is a problem that should be immediately addressed. Prolonged use and abuse could lead to cognitive defects. Proper rehabilitation is essential because Ativan has a higher likelihood of eliciting withdrawal symptoms than other benzodiazepines. Rehabilitation varies depending on the length of addiction and other factors such as alcoholism.
What Ativan Rehabilitation Patients say about Malibu Horizon
The identities of the people writing these testimonials have been withheld to protect their inalienable right to privacy. The names that follow are fictional names of the author’s choosing.
"I admit it. I was addicted to Ativan. I would still be addicted if it weren’t for Malibu Horizon." –Matthew
"I was taking Ativan to help with my recurring Insomnia. Eventually I became dependent on the pill and it came to the point that I realized that I needed help, which was exactly what Malibu Horizon did for me. And I’m grateful for that." -Mark
"Having a large family and a hectic job put me in to too much stress, and I tried various ways to cope. I made a bad decision when I started taking these pills to help me "chill." It became a habit, then before long, I had to admit I was addicted. Malibu Horizon helped me overcome this trial and now, I’m a better father, husband, work mate, and a better person." –Luke
"If it weren’t for Malibu Horizon, I’d probably wind-up as a junkie, or worse, I’d probably be dead. Thank you so much for helping me take my life back." –John
"I divorced with my husband 2 years ago. I knew something was wrong with my daughter when she became increasingly withdrawn. I guess I was too busy with other things that I failed to see it that she was stressed out due to the divorce. I was shocked to find out that she was taking Ativan to cope. Thankfully, Malibu Horizon helped us rebuild our family and now we are more open to each other." -June
"Everybody has problems, and for a time I thought I had the worst of ‘em. It didn’t take long before I was drowning myself in alcohol and popping pick-up pills. One time I almost died when my friends found me unconscious in my apartment. I was rushed to the ER and the hospital staff brought me back. That experience was a wake-up call and I knew I didn’t want this anymore. One of my friends referred me to Malibu Horizon and you guys really helped me realize that there are so many reasons why I should value everything that I’ve taken for granted, and I’m forever in your debt."-Jude