Ativan is a benzodiazepine tranquilizer widely used in psychiatry, narcology, and general medical practice. The drug effectively relieves anxiety in various pathological conditions. However, it can cause severe addiction, so its long-term use should be under strict medical supervision.

Description and composition

Ativan (Lorazepam) is a highly effective anxiolytic of medium duration of action used to treat anxiety and somatoform disorders, as well as a number of psychosomatic diseases and sleep disorders. It has a calming, hypnotic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effect. Lorazepam is an effective remedy for the treatment of mental disorders and other diseases. Indications for use:
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• Anxiety and panic states
• Depressive disorder with severe anxiety
• Neurosis
• Relief of anxiety with vegetative manifestations
• Insomnia
• Relief of alcohol withdrawal symptoms (acute agitation, tremor, threatening delirium)
• Convulsive seizures, including those caused by epilepsy
• Relief of spasms in degenerative diseases

Ativan is used for premedication before operations and painful procedures, providing a sedative effect and eliminating fear.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines
• Myasthenic syndrome
• Closed-angle glaucoma
• Acute intoxication with psychotropic drugs that depress the central nervous system
• Respiratory depression
• Renal and hepatic failure
• Pregnancy (especially the first trimester), lactation period
• Children and adolescents under 18 years of age

Effect on the body

• Reducing anxiety
• Reducing feelings of fear, anxiety, tension, emotional excitability and irritability
• Facilitating sleep and improving sleep quality
• Elimination of muscle spasms and tension
• Stopping convulsions and involuntary muscle contractions
• Stabilization of the functions of the autonomic nervous system
• Amnestic effect (with intravenous administration)
• Antiemetic effect

Lorazepam acts on benzodiazepine receptors, increasing the sensitivity and affinity of inhibitory GABA receptors to gamma-aminobutyric acid. This causes hyperpolarization of membranes and reduces the excitability of neurons, slowing down the transmission of nerve impulses. As a result, inhibition processes in the limbic system are enhanced, which leads to an anxiolytic effect.

Overdose

Ativan abuse causes serious harm to health and significantly increases the risk of developing drug addiction. Side effects are similar to those observed when taking other benzodiazepines, including addiction and withdrawal syndrome when abruptly stopping the drug.
Adverse reactions to the drug:

• General weakness
• Inhibition
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness
• Impaired balance
• Paradoxical manifestations: anxiety, sleep disturbance, agitation, aggressiveness
• Memory impairment
• Dyspeptic disorders
• Allergic reactions

An addicted person constantly increases the dose of the pharmacy drug or mixes it with other substances. One of the most severe consequences of addiction is an overdose.
Symptoms of an Ativan overdose that require immediate medical attention:

• Drowsiness, increasing weakness
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Slow reactions, speech impairment
• Depression of respiratory function
• Bradycardia, drop in blood pressure
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• Impaired coordination of movements

Failure to promptly provide medical care in case of an overdose may result in cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Ativan addiction destroys liver and kidney function, causes muscle weakness, ataxia, decreased memory and concentration, problems with appetite, and sleep disorders. Long-term abuse of the tranquilizer provokes the development of personality defects, cognitive impairment, decreased critical thinking, changes in behavioral norms, and loss of ability to work.

Combination with other medicines

The simultaneous use of Ativan generic with other drugs that depress the functions of the central nervous system can enhance their depressant effect and lead to acute intoxication.
Ativan enhances the effect of narcotic analgesics, hypnotics, barbiturates, antihistamines, and the action of general and local anesthetics. When combining lorazepam with alcohol, pathological intoxication, psychomotor agitation, and aggressive behavior are possible. The risk of acute intoxication increases significantly.