The medication Ativan is the brand name for Lorazepam. This drug is a benzodiazepine and has sedative and hypnotic properties. The drug is also an anticonvulsant. Ativan's mechanism of action is slowing down central nervous system activities. It is mainly prescribed for treating anxiety disorders. Long-term side effects of Ativan are psychological dependency, tolerance and addiction.
Dependence
A long-term side effect of Ativan is dependency, which includes psychological and physiological dependence on the medication. According to an article published in May 2006 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a person has developed physiological dependence when signs and symptoms of withdrawal manifests upon stopping the drug or tolerance has developed. Psychological dependence (addiction) manifests in particular symptoms of obsessive and compulsive drug-seeking behaviors including loss of control and actions with adverse consequences. Treatment for Ativan dependency involves drug tapering or gradual dose reduction, therapy, counseling and a 12-step program. Psychological side effects, such as depression, lack of motivation and lethargy, can occur in abrupt withdrawal of the drug.
Tolerance
Long-term users of Ativan can increase the risk of developing a tolerance to the drug. Tolerance occurs when the effect of the drug decreases and higher dosages are required to achieved the same result. In this case, the body has adapted to having the medication in the body's circulation, resulting in reduced responsiveness to the drug. An article published in The British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 1983 by researcher Sandra File reported that benzodiazepine subjects developed a tolerance to Lorazepam on a weekly scheduled dosing of the drug. Tolerance to Ativan is reversible depending on the rate, frequency of use and dosage levels. An abrupt discontinuation of Ativan can cause multiple side effects, such as sweating, anxiety and irritability. Other effects are restlessness, confusion, and tingling or numbing feelings in the hands and feet.
Addiction
Benzodiazepine is class of medications that has a high abuse potential. Long-term use of Ativan will increase the risk of addiction to the medication. According to an article called "Addiction: Identification and Management of the Drug-Seeking Patient," published by the American Academy of Family Physicians in April 2000, cases of addiction disorders are seen in about 50% of hospitalized and psychiatric patients, and 15% to 30% of patients in primary care settings. But in a large percentage of the patient population, addiction diagnosis is missed or left untreated. Addiction to Ativan consists of several components, such as psychological and physiological dependency, drug tolerance, loss of control and obsessive compulsive drug-seeking behaviors.
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