Ativan belongs to a class of drugs known as Benzodiazepines that are approved by the FDA for the treatment of anxiety, sleep difficulty due to stress, insomnia, status epilepticus, and is also used as anesthesia. This medication is also used to help treat patients suffering from alcohol withdrawal.

This is an anxiety medication that is used also in the treatment of the symptoms such as restlessness, concentration difficulties, irritability, disturbed sleep, fatigue, and tension in the muscles.
Like all benzodiazepines, Ativan also has its own possible side effects.

The side effects of Ativan are,

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Loss of coordination and motor issues
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Blurred vision
  • Decreased sexual interest
  • Heartburn
  • Changes in appetite

If these side effects worsen or increase, contact your doctor immediately and seek medical advice. Stop the usage of the medication immediately if the effects have become severe. The medication might have been prescribed to you only after a careful evaluation of your health and if it does not cooperate with your body then you need to ask for a change in the prescription pills.

Serious side effects of the drug include,

  • Hallucinations
  • Depression
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Difficulty talking, slurred speech
  • Blurred vision
  • Unusual feeling of weakness
  • Difficulty in walking
  • memory problems or cognitive issues
  • Sore throat, fever

Yellowing of eyes and skin, breathing difficulties such as swallowed or slowed breathing should be tended to immediately as worsening of these symptoms can pose danger to one’s life.

Allergic reactions such as rashes and itching also occur and in such cases, it is better to seek medical attention immediately. If in case the person experiences any other effects that are not mentioned above, it is wise to consult your doctor rather than dismissing it as a minor issue.

Ativan Overdose: Cause, symptoms and effects

Taking more than the required dosage amount can cause the body to develop tolerance which can cause one to take higher than the prescribed doses. Ativan overdose is dangerous and can even lead to coma or death. As per a recent survey taken by the National Institute On Drug Abuse, there has been a drastic increase in the number of deaths occurring due to benzodiazepine overdose.

How does one overdose of Ativan? Well, the answer is that since the medication works on the brain and the central nervous system, their activity is slowed down more than the regular level which causes the person to experience an increased feeling of seductiveness, and unconsciousness. Apart from this, there are some who choose to abuse the drug by taking it along with alcohol or other illicit substances to experience the euphoric feeling that the drug gives them. The overdose cases that have been reported are mostly due to the combination of the medication with alcohol, pain medication, Hypnotic drugs, and other anti-anxiety medications.

The following are the symptoms of Ativan Overdose:

  • Shallow and slowed breathing
  • Heavy sedation and extreme drowsiness
  • Memory loss
  • Confusion
  • Cognitive disabilities
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Pale skin than is bluish in color

Ativan overdose can be fatal if immediate medical attention is not given. Call the emergency number helpline immediately if you notice anyone experiencing an overdose.

Missed Dose:

Taking more than the prescribed dosage amount for a particular time is highly not recommended. If you miss a dosage and if you remember the missed dosage in time for your next dosage, skip the missed dose and make them as soon as you remember it. Do not take two doses at a time to make up for the missed dose. Take the highest prescribed dosage before bedtime to avoid any unnecessary adverse effects during the daytime due to the effect of the drug.

Contraindication to the Use Of Ativan:

The medication is contraindicated in those who are hypersensitive to the active or inactive ingredients of the medication. It is also contraindicated in those having acute narrow-angle glaucoma.

This is a short-term prescription medication and should be used only as per the instruction of your doctor for the required period of time. Habitual and prolonged usage can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression that leads to coma and death