Anxiety Medication Overview of Ativan
Ativan (available generically as lorazepam) is a powerful anti-anxiety drug in the class of medications known as benzodiazepines. It is a fast-acting drug that is used in the short-term treatment of anxiety disorders.
Ativan is extremely effective at easing anxiety and can be quite helpful in treating panic attacks. However, Ativan has the potential to be even more addictive and prone to abuse than other benzodiazepines, due to its potency, short half-life, and inactive metabolite. To avoid tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms, it is recommended that Ativan be used regularly for no longer than 4 weeks.
Ativan is usually taken as a tablet, either two to three times per day or only as needed (not to exceed two to three times per day). The most common side effect is sedation, followed by dizziness, weakness, and unsteadiness. Ativan has low toxicity and is rarely fatal in overdose unless the overdose is taken in combination with alcohol.
Photo: Pixabay
More Articles
A new study has successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of a novel treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using drugs that don't...
This article was written exclusively for LivingWithAnxiety.com by Camille Rynd. She explains why she resorted to self-medicating and how much...
There are a lot of techniques and good advice available on how to overcome panic disorder, from watching what you eat and drink to changing the...
If you suffer from a generalized anxiety disorder, you probably feel fearful a lot of the time. Don’t let fear and anxiety rule your life!...
Sometimes an anxiety attack can strike in a less than a comfortable place, such as the office. When dealing with stress and anxiety while at work...
