Ativan (Lorazepam)

Description

🔹 What is Ativan (Lorazepam)?

Ativan is the brand name for lorazepam, a benzodiazepine medication primarily used to treat anxiety disorders. It enhances the activity of a neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has calming effects on the nervous system.

🔹 Uses of Ativan / Lorazepam

1. Anxiety Disorders – Short-term relief of severe anxiety symptoms.

2. Insomnia – Helps with sleep when anxiety is a contributing factor.

3. Preoperative Sedation – Reduces anxiety before surgery or procedures.

4. Seizures (Status Epilepticus) – Used intravenously in emergency settings.

5. Alcohol Withdrawal – Helps manage agitation, tremors, and risk of seizures.

6. Nausea/Vomiting from Chemotherapy – Sometimes used with anti-nausea medications.

🔹 How It Works

Lorazepam binds to GABA-A receptors in the brain, increasing GABA’s calming effect. This slows down nerve activity, reducing:

• Anxiety

• Seizures

• Muscle spasms

• Insomnia

🔹 Common Dosage Forms

• Tablets: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg

• Injectable Solution: For hospital use

• Oral Concentrate: A liquid form for patients who can’t swallow pills

🔹 Typical Dosages

(Doses vary depending on condition, age, and health)

• Anxiety: 1–4 mg/day in divided doses

• Insomnia (due to anxiety): 2–4 mg at bedtime

• Preoperative sedation: 0.05 mg/kg IM, 1–2 hours before procedure

🔹 Side Effects

Common:

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Weakness

• Confusion

• Unsteadiness

Serious (seek medical help):

• Respiratory depression

• Severe sedation

• Memory problems (especially in older adults)

• Paradoxical reactions (e.g., aggression, agitation)

🔹 Precautions and Warnings

• Addiction risk: Can be habit-forming if used long-term

• Withdrawal symptoms: Can include seizures, tremors, anxiety, and insomnia if stopped abruptly

• Avoid alcohol: Increases sedative effects and risk of respiratory depression

• Not recommended for long-term use due to dependency risk

• Caution in elderly: Higher risk of falls and confusion

🔹 Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to lorazepam or other benzodiazepines

• Acute narrow-angle glaucoma

• Severe respiratory insufficiency (unless being used to manage seizures)

🔹 Interactions

May interact with:

• Other CNS depressants (e.g., opioids, alcohol, sleep aids)

• Antidepressants

• Anticonvulsants

• Some antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole)

• Clozapine (increased risk of sedation and confusion)

🔹 Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Pregnancy: Category D (positive evidence of risk); may cause fetal harm or withdrawal in newborn

• Breastfeeding: Can pass into breast milk; not recommended unless benefits outweigh risks

🔹 Summary

Let me know if you want a comparison with other benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Valium), patient counseling tips, or a printable summary.