What is Ativan?
Ativan belongs to a category of drugs which are known as the benzodiazepines that affect the chemicals in our brain and these might become unbalanced and even lead to anxiety. The drug Ativan is used for treating anxiety problems. It might even be used for different purposes which have not been listed in the medical guide.
Ativan Details
You should not take Ativan in case you have allergies in using lorazepam and other forms of benzodiazepines like Serax oxazepam, Librium chlordiazepoxide, Valium diazepam, Tranxene clorazepate or Xanax alprazolam. This is a medication which can lead to problems in the birth of a child and hence if expecting moms have been recommended the drug, they are advised against using it.
Before you take Ativan, you need to notify your doctor in case there are any kinds of liver or kidney diseases, glaucoma, breathing trouble, a case history of depression, addiction towards alcohol and drugs or suicidal thoughts.
You should not drink consume while you are on Ativan which can enhance the effects of the alcoholic substance. You should even avoid the use of other types of medication which make you feel sleepy as Ativan has ingredients that may lead to sleepiness.
Ativan can be a habit forming drug and hence it should only be used by the person to whom the drug was prescribed. It should not be shared along with someone else all the more so if the person has a record of addiction or drug abuse. The medicine should be kept in a safe place where it cannot be accessed by others.
It is not recommended to purchase Ativan unreliable vendors, as their ingredients are not reliable. It is also available with the vendors who are located outside the US. Hence, you should ensure that the drug is purchased from a pharmacy that is licensed. Generally, the unlicensed products are rich in the antipsychotic component Haldol which has detrimental side effects. To know more, you can get in touch with the FDA Food and Drug Administration or contact them at www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide.
| Order Brand Ativan | Order Generic Ativan |
What to Ask Your Health Expert before Taking Ativan
Ativan is a medication which should not be used in case you are suffering from narrow angle glaucoma, and in case you have allergic reactions on taking the drug or benzodiazepines like Serax oxazepam, Librium chlordiazepoxide, Valium diazepam, Tranxene clorazepate or Xanax alprazolam. Before taking the drug, you need to inform your physician if you have allergic reactions to drugs or any of the following: |
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| • | Asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, breathing problems or CORD chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder |
| • | Glaucoma |
| • | Liver or kidney diseases |
| • | Seizures or epilepsy |
| • | History of depression, behavior like or thoughts about suicide, mental illness or History of alcohol or drug addiction |
| or | |
| • | History of alcohol or drug addiction |
If there are these conditions, ask your doctor to adjust your Ativan dose or take a special test for taking the medication safely.
Category D Pregnancy according to the FDA: Ativan might lead to birth problems in an unborn child. Hence, pregnant moms are advised against using the drug without the consent of the doctor. Hence, it is best to inform your doctor in case you become pregnant in the process of treatment. You should use an efficient birth control contraceptive while you have been prescribed with the medicine. It is not certain whether Ativan is passed into the breast milk and affects the nursing baby. You should abstain from using the medication without informing your general practitioner if you are breastfeeding during the time.
The sedative influences of Valium may take a longer time to last for older adults. Elderly patients are likely to encounter accidental falls while taking the benzodiazepines. This is why you should be careful in avoiding accidental injuries or falls while under the medication. This medication should not be prescribed to kids who are less than 12 years of age.
Ativan Side Effects
If you note any of the following signs, it is time to seek emergency medical help while using Ativan:
| • | Hives |
| • | Swelling of the face, tongue, throat or lips |
| • | Breathing trouble |
| In case you encounter the following serious side effects, it is best to immediately notify your doctor: | |
| • | Unusual thoughts and behavior or confusion |
| • | Anxiety, agitation, hyperactivity or hostility |
| • | Hallucinations or double vision |
| • | Feeling of unconsciousness or lightheadedness |
| The less serious side effects of Valium are: | |
| • | Feeling tired or drowsy |
| • | Spinning sensation or dizziness |
| • | Blurry vision |
| • | Insomnia, problems of sleep |
| • | Weak muscles, lack of coordination and balance |
| • | Amnesia or forgetfulness |
| • | Vomiting sensation, constipation, nausea |
| • | Skin rashes |
| • | Changes in appetite |
| There may be other side effects of taking Ativan for which you need to seek medical advice. You should immediately notify your doctor or report the side effects to the FDA at 1800-FDA-1088. | |
