Ativan is a white substance which is nearly insoluble in water. A tablet of Ativan should contain 0.5mg-2mg of lorazepam which is the main ingredient used to create Ativan. There is however some other ingredients which are termed as inactive used to make the drug. These ingredients include polacriline potassium, lactose monohydrate and microcrystalline cellulose. Lorazepam is known to harmful to the fetus and therefore it is highly advisable not to get pregnant when using Ativan. Lorazepam is also present in breast milk and therefore it is required that you avoid breastfeeding while using Ativan.
The main use of Ativan is to treat anxiety but can also be used for other purposes when prescribed by a certified doctor. Ativan which belongs to the class of benzodiazepines has been proven to show withdrawal symptoms in infants at the postnatal period. Pregnant patients should not take Ativan to avoid harming the unborn baby. The symptoms that are proven to be caused by the use of benzodiazepines especially at the late stages of pregnancy to newborns include hypothermia, apnea, hypoactivity, hypotonia, respiratory depression and cold stress. A report of a study in mice showed that lorazepam can cause cleft palate if a dose of 20mg-36mg.
Lorazepam which is the main ingredient in Ativan is present in the human breast milk in little amounts which is harmful to the baby who is being breastfed. Health specialists consider the administration of Ativan to breastfeeding mothers a high risk to the baby. It is therefore not allowed to be prescribed for use by breastfeeding mothers unless the benefits gained highly outweigh the risks associated with the use of lorazepam to the baby. Though sedation has not been proven in lorazepam it still remains a concern for breastfeeding mothers. It has however been observed in breastfeeding mothers taking other benzodiazepines. Inability to suckle, sedation and irritability are among the pharmacological effects that occur to a baby when the mother uses benzodiazepines.
Breastfeeding mothers should consider other methods of curing anxiety for example natural methods. There are few ways to cure anxiety without the use of drugs such as Ativan. A natural way of curing anxiety involves self realization and acceptance. Here are some simple steps to take for a natural risk free way to cure anxiety for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
The first step is the recognition of the anxiety. The patient should be able to recognize that she is suffering from anxiety.
The patient should take time to identify the cause of their anxiety. Some patients think that they know the trigger to anxiety but when keenly checked it turns out to be different.
The patient should be diagnosed by a fully qualified doctor to know which type of anxiety she is suffering from. It is a step that is vital in the patient getting relief from the fear and panic.
Find natural ways to cope with the anxiety, most natural anxiety remedies are found in the internet for free. The patient should also avoid the things they find to trigger anxiety as a precaution.
