Ativan Side Effects
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Ativan is the brand name for lorazepam, a prescription drug that is FDA-approved for the relief of anxiety symptoms and anxiety associated with depression.[1] Ativan is generally prescribed for short-term anxiety relief and has not been clinically studied for long-term use (more than 4 months).[2] Belonging to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, Ativan works by enhancing the effects of the chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that brain cells use to transmit messages to one another. Anxiety and other psychological disorders are believed to be caused by excessive nerve activity in the brain. By enhancing the effects of GABA, Ativan reduces nerve activity in the brain and causes a calming effect.[3] [4]
Potential Ativan side effects include drowsiness, nausea, restlessness or excitement.[1]
 Flickr: Ed Yourdon | |
| Brand name for | Lorazepam |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Biovail/Valeant Pharmaceuticals International |
| Uses | Treats anxiety |
| Common side effects | Drowsiness, nausea, and restlessness[1] |
| Who should not take Ativan? | Patients who are hypersensitive to benzodiazepines, and patients with acute narrow-angle glaucoma[2] |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Contents |
Common Ativan Side Effects
Some of the common Ativan side effects include:[1]
- Weakness
- Unsteadiness
- Constipation
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Vision problems
- Problems urinating
Some Ativan patients may also experience:[2]
- Apnea/worsening of sleep apnea
- Blurred vision
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in libido, impotence, decreased orgasm
- Difficulty in urinating
- Dry mouth
- Frequent urination
Paradoxical reactions sometimes occur in patients taking Ativan. A paradoxical reaction is when a drug has the opposite effect of what was intended. In the case of Ativan, paradoxical symptoms would include outbursts of rage, sleeplessness, agitation, hostility, and increased anxiety.[2]
About Drug Side Effects
Ativan Allergic Reactions
The use of Ativan is contraindicated for patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to lorazepam or to any of the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, polacrilin potassium, and microcrystalline cellulose.[2]
Serious side effects that could indicate a patient is having an allergic reaction and may require medical attention are difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe skin rash, fever, irregular heartbeat, shuffling walk and a persistent, fine tremor, or inability to sit still.[1]
Ativan Precautions and Warnings
- Ativan may cause pre-existing depression to emerge or worsen. Ativan is not recommended for use in patients with a primary depressive disorder or psychosis as suicidal thoughts or actions could occur.[2]
- The use of benzodiazepines such as Ativan may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression in patients with respiratory problems such as COPD or sleep apnea syndrome.[2]
- Ativan can be highly addictive. The use of Ativan by patients with a history of alcoholism or drug abuse may lead to physical and psychological dependence.[2]
- Ativan is known to cause interactions when mixed with other central nervous system depressants such as clozapine.[2]
- Valproate, a gout medication and an antiepileptic drug and probenecid, is known to cause interactions when taken with Ativan.[2]
- Ativan is classified as FDA pregnancy category D, which means that animal reproduction studies have shown that Ativan may increase the risk of miscarriages and various birth defects. Ativan has been shown to pass through breast milk in studies of nursing mothers and may cause serious side effects to infants.*Ativan has not been successfully studied for safe use in children under the age of 12.[2]
Also See: Lorazepam Side Effects, Drug Side Effects, Clobazam Side Effects, Valium Side Effects, Versed Side Effects, Xanax Side Effects, Klonopin Side Effects
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000560/
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=07cae057-a593-4e4d-a478-2d7fc9f06857
- ↑ http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=11882
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16971751
