Ativan and Lorazepam Intensol are the brand names of lorazepam, a medication used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. It is a benzodiazepine, which is a CNS, or central nervous system, depressant. This means that it reduces the speed of the human nervous system. Ativan is a prescription-only medication available as a pill or a solution for intravenous administration.
Benefits
Taking Ativan can help to soothe you because it is a mild sedative. It can help to take the edge off anxiety disorders, and make it easier for you to cope with day-to-day life and activities. It is often used in combination with the drug clonidine in drug rehabilitation facilities to help lessen the withdrawal anxiety and restlessness associated with the cessation of drugs such as heroin.
Serious Side Effects
Consult your physician immediately if you experience any of the many serious side effects associated with the use of Ativan. These may include drowsiness, discouragement, aggression, speaking difficulties, agitation, breathing difficulties, anxiety, reduced urination, the use of force or an assault or attack, urine discoloration, usually dark, feces or urine that contains blood, cough, or skin or lips that are blue. Other serious side effects may include blurry vision, hyperventilation, consciousness changes, hives, chills, headaches, coma, bodily weakness or tiredness, mental confusion, fever, convulsions, drooling, unconsciousness, memory loss, bad coordination, decreased appetite or changes in breathing. Others are tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), irregular heartbeat, nausea, empty or sad feelings, trembling or spasms in the muscles, irritability, itching, insomnia, a shuffling walk, difficult and painful urination, shortness of breath, skin redness, vomiting, restlessness, throat soreness, limb stiffness, shaking, facial swelling of the nose and eyes, swelling in the hands or ankles, and concentration difficulties. Lorazepam also poses the risk of addiction or chemical dependency.
Overdose Side Effects
Taking more than the recommended doses of Ativan can induce serious side effects. Go to the emergency room if you have taken an overdose and experience any of these side effects: abnormal paleness, speech changes, abnormal irritability, abnormal sweating, abnormal restlessness, decreases in energy or bodily strength, uncommon nervousness or excitement, hypotension (low blood pressure), nightmares, speaking difficulties (including speech slurring) and walking unsteadily.
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