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Ativan Addiction
An estimated 9 million people aged 12 and older used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons in 1999. More than a quarter of that number reported using prescription drugs non-medically for the first time in the previous year. More recent statistics show that addictions to such prescription drugs as Ativan are increasing annually. Q) What is Ativan? A) Ativan is the brand name for Lorazepam, an anti-anxiety agent. It is a benzodiazepine and mild tranquilizer, sedative, and depressant for the central nervous system . Ativan is manufactured in pill form. There is also a liquid form for injection. Q) How is Ativan used? A) Ativan tablets are composed of a nearly white powder. Theyare almost insoluble in water. Each Ativan tablet contains either.5mg, 1mg, or 2mg of lorazepam. In liquid form Ativan is intended for intramuscular or intravenous use. Each ml or Ativan injection contains either 2.0 or 4.0 mg of lorazepam, 0.18 ml polyethylene glycol 400 in propylene glycol with 2.0% benzyl alcohol as preservative. Q) When are the effects of Ativan typically felt? A) The effects of Ativan are usually felt one to five minutes after receiving it intravenously, 15 to 30 minutes after muscular injection, or 1 to 6 hours after taking it orally. Q) Is Ativan considered addictive? A) Yes, Ativan is very addictive. It can cause psychological and physical dependence if abused. Q) What are the side effects of Ativan? A) There are many side effects that come with the use and abuse of Ativan, they include, but are not limited to:
Injectable Ativan results in an increased incidences of:
Cognitive Side Effects Q) What are the symptoms of withdrawal? A) Withdrawal symptoms are similar in character to those noted with barbiturates and alcohol. They may include convulsions, tremor, abdominal and muscle cramps, vomiting, and sweating. More severe withdrawal symptoms have usually been limited to those patients who received excessive doses over an extended period of time. Q) What are the symptoms of Ativan overdose? A) Symptoms of Ativan overdose include various degrees of central nervous system depression ranging from drowsiness to coma. In mild cases, symptoms include drowsiness, mental confusion, and lethargy. In more serious cases, and especially when other drugs or alcohol are ingested, symptoms may include ataxia, hypotonia, hypotension, hypnotic state, stage one (1) to three (3) coma, and very rarely, death. Q) What drug interactions occur with Ativan? A) Drugs or substances that may interact with Ativan include:
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