Ativan is a benzodiazepine and not an antipsychotic.
Ativan is the brand name for Lorazepam and is used to treat anxiety as well as seizure disorders like epilepsy and can also be used before surgery and other medical procedures to relieve anxiety.
When taken as directed Ativan can help reduce many of the common symptoms of anxiety, including panic attacks, unjustified fears, sleeplessness, agitation, and restlessness.
In addition to treating anxiety, Ativan is also prescribed for seizure, spasms, alcohol withdrawal, or insomnia.
Ativan also known as lorazepam is not a narcotic and benzodiazepines like lorazepam or Ativan can be abused similarly to opioids, so a common misconception may be that the two are similar or the same drug.
In fact, they are very different.
Benzos are nervous system depressants that are used to treat anxiety, while opioids or narcotics are pain relievers.
Drowsiness is the most commonly reported Ativan and lorazepam side effect.
You should not use Ativan if you are pregnant.
Ativan or Lorazepam can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn.
You should not use Ativan if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, severe respiratory insufficiency, myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to Valium or a similar medicine.
Ativan works by slowing down activity in the central nervous system to produce a calming effect in the brain.
Ativan is a type of benzodiazepine, a class of medications sometimes referred to as sedatives or tranquilizers due to their calming and relaxing effect on the body.
It's not likely that Ativan itself will cause weight gain or weight loss. Weight changes weren't side effects reported in studies of Ativan tablets and Ativan injections.
But you might still experience weight changes while taking the Ativan.
And because of benzos' effects on the brain, long-term abuse often leads to addiction. With an Ativan addiction comes a variety of health issues, such as heart problems.
Ativan affects the heart by slowing your heart rate and lowering your blood pressure.
Ativan can also cause respiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening), especially when used with narcotic pain medicines.
Tell your doctor if you are using any narcotic medicine.
Things you should not mix with Ativan are drowsy or sedating antihistamines, such as chlorphenamine or promethazine.
strong painkillers, such as codeine, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, pethidine or tramadol.
HIV medicines, such as ritonavir, atazanavir, efavirenz or saquinavir. rifampicin, a medicine for bacterial infections.