Ativan is a brand-name prescription medication approved for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Lorazepam, which is the generic name of the drug, is a class of medications known as benzodiazepines. Ativan affects chemicals in the brain that when imbalanced can cause anxiety. Patients with a respiratory function disorder, such as sleep apnea, should used extreme caution with drugs like Ativan, which work by depressing the central nervous system.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a very serious condition in which your sleep is interrupted multiple times throughout the night because you stop breathing. It's not unusual for people with the condition to be awoken hundreds of times and not be aware of it all. There are two types of sleep apnea. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the throat muscles relax. Central sleep apnea is caused when signals from the brain to muscles that control breathing are faulty. When your airflow is disrupted during sleep, oxygen levels in the blood drop and your brain responds by disturbing your sleep and kick starting your breathing. These episodes are often accompanied by a gasp or a choking sensation.
Remedies
MayoClinic.com suggests avoiding drugs that depress your central nervous system, including alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers, such as Ativan. Sleeping pills and benzos can relax muscles in the back of your throat and interfere with breathing. If you already have sleep apnea and take a tranquilizer, you're at higher risk for not waking up while asleep when you stop breathing. Drugs.com suggests taking no more than 2 mg of lorazepam if you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea.
Considerations
One of the most common treatments for moderate to severe sleep apnea is a medical device known as a CPAP, or continuous positive airflow pressure machine. A CPAP provides immediate symptom relief and can restore energy levels and reduce fatigue as soon as you start using it. Because a CPAP is a mask-like device that's strapped over your mouth and nose, it won't allow you to stop breathing. People with sleep apnea who suffer from panic attacks have a much lower risk of complications when using a CPAP while taking sedative.
Complications
Sleep apnea is a serious condition on its own. Taking sedatives, drinking alcohol and being overweight can worsen it. Complications from sleep apnea include sudden drops in blood oxygen, which can strain your heart. People with the condition are at two to three times higher risk for high blood pressure. You're also at increased risk for stroke and vascular diseases. Waking up repeatedly throughout the night can cause chronic daytime fatigue and irritability. It can interfere with concentration and put you at risk when operating a motor vehicle. Patients with breathing problems are at higher risk of experiencing surgical complications, especially during recovery when they're asleep on their backs and sedated.
