Ativan is a prescription drug used in the treatment of anxiety. Ativan works by improving the effects of GABA which is a natural chemical found in the human body. The drug like the others found in its classification of drugs, works on the central nervous system and the brain resulting in a calm effect to the patient. There are other uses of Ativan which may not be approved by the professional labeling but may be used if prescribed by a qualified professional. The drug can be used for treatment of insomnia, to avoid nausea and reduction of alcohol withdrawal symptoms when only prescribed by a health specialist.
Ativan oral is normally taken through the mouth as the name suggests. It can be taken with food or without food according to the prescription of the physician. Ativan oral dosage is provided by the doctor who prescribes it considering the medical condition of the victim and the patient’s response to therapy. It is highly advised that the drug be used regularly as prescribed by the doctor to get the best out of the medication.
When Ativan oral is used for along time, it can cause some withdrawal symptoms. When the drug is used regularly for long time like more than four weeks, in high dosage, by a victim with alcoholism history, personality disorder or associated with drug abuse, the victim suffers from withdrawal symptoms. Some of the symptoms that are associated with Ativan oral are insomnia, seizures, mood swings, vomiting and loss of appetite, hallucinations, muscle pains, high fever, and high sensitivity to light/touch/noise. These symptoms only occur when the patient stops using Ativan oral suddenly. One way to avoid the symptoms is by reducing the dosage as prescribed by the doctor gradually and when the symptoms are experienced contact the doctor immediately.
Ativan oral use should not be stopped suddenly especially if not instructed by a qualified professional. Some of the withdrawal symptoms of Ativan oral may worsen such as memory loss, increased heartbeat and numbness of legs and arms. Victims who have had an alcoholism or drug abuse history should contact their physician for gradual dosage reduction. Ativan oral should be used like any other drug where you need a prescription from a doctor to avoid over dosage or under dosage which may be harmful to the victim’s body.
Ativan oral should not be used together with alcohol. The drug can highly exaggerate the effect of alcohol on a victim. The victim should be very careful when using Ativan because it may cause severe side effects. It is advisable for the patient to inform the doctor when using other drugs such as, narcotic pain medicines, muscle relaxers, allergy medications and depression medications. Ativan causes sleepiness and may increase the effect if the above drugs are used alongside it. The drug also has some side effects which may include but not limited to, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, fainting, light headedness and hostility. The above side effects are termed as serious and a patient should contact he doctor immediately they experience one of the symptoms.
