Addiction To Ativan - Symptoms And Treatment

Ativan is an anti-anxiety medication. Ativan is a brand name; its chemical name is Lorazepam. It acts as a depressant and affects the central nervous system directly. It is highly addictive. Therefore regular use of this drug results in addiction to Ativan. Its ability to alter the normal brain function chemically is what causes addiction. The addiction causes psychological and physical dependency and decreases self consciousness.

Lorazepam has strong sedative and hypnotic effects and is taken for short-term treatment of severe anxiety and insomnia. Tinnitus responds well to Lorazepam, and so is used by sufferers for this condition. It is also used as a general anesthetic.

Ativan is considered to be a safe medicine. But it is not free of side effects. Poor coordination, drowsiness, weakness and sedation are its most expected side effects. These effects are not very intense but one should contact a medical professional as and when he recognizes these complications.

Normal dose may result in nervous system depression. So the patient should avoid driving unless he knows how he responds to this medicine. Some other mild side effects include amnesia, blurred vision, confusion, slurred speech, sweating and low appetite. Use of Ativan may also result in allergic reactions.

But overdose of Ativan produces serious side effects in the long run. These are low white blood count, difficulty in breathing, anger and excitement, hallucination and yellow skin and eyes. These symptoms are highly dangerous but quick treatment may reduce the severity of the condition. The overdose of Ativan is very common. But it should be avoided. It may prove fatal though rarely. But in combination with alcohol it is more dangerous.

In the beginning the Ativan dose is just 1 to 3 mg daily. It is taken thrice daily. Its maintenance dose is 2 to 6 mg daily divided in to 3 times. Its maximum dose should be not more than 10 mg per day. It is usually taken before bed time. There are three forms of Ativan available in the market. These are oral solution, sublingual tablets and .05 gm tablets. Taking more than 10 gm of Ativan with alcohol may be lethal for the users. That is why only a recommended dose of this drug should be taken.

There are withdrawal symptoms of Ativan addiction. It is very much similar to that of alcohol and other barbiturates. A patient may have tremor, muscle and abdominal cramps, vomiting and sweating after he discontinues taking this drug. In some cases frequent convulsions have been noticed. A patient may face severe withdrawal symptoms if he used to over dose on Ativan for a long period of time.

Getting off Ativan requires rehabilitation and recovery. The treatment program for Ativan addiction may range from certified counseling to residential rehabilitation like that of other drug addiction. But it also depends on the extent of the addiction and some factors such as the patient's personal condition.

Since Ativan addiction is a mental condition a patient may find solace in meditation. Meditation may make him calm and provide a kind of activity to engage in. It may be a permanent solution for the addict.

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