Ativan can safely treat short-term anxiety disorders and anxiety symptoms. It is the brand name of Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine primarily prescribed for the short-term relief of anxiety. But is Ativan safe for long term use? Well, long-term use of this medication is typically not recommended. Healthcare providers usually prescribe it for 3-4 weeks.
As a potent CNS depressant, it can lead to side effects, such as dependence, if used for an extended duration, even when taken as prescribed. Ativan Tablets act on the brain and nervous system. When taken to treat anxiety, it works within 30 minutes by enhancing the effects of the chemical messenger gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which calms the brain.
What are the Uses of Ativan?
It is a widely prescribed medication because Ativan uses are not limited to anxiety or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms. It is also used to manage insomnia, seizure disorders, alcohol withdrawal, and nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment.
It is sometimes used for preoperative sedation. However, you should only have this if your doctor has prescribed it with a valid prescription. It is important to note that one should always follow the prescribed dose and duration to avoid side effects, especially dependence and addiction.
Effects and Risks of long-term Ativan use
A long-term Lorazepam dosage can lead some people to develop a physical dependence on the drug. This means that your body will get used to taking the Ativan 2mg pill more often to function normally. Thus, if you suddenly stop taking the medication or drastically reduce the daily dose, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
The risk of dependence increases with long-term use and higher doses. Therefore, the typical treatment duration for anxiety with Ativan is 2 to 4 weeks. However, signs of dependence and overdose may still appear. Even at the prescribed dose, it is especially important if you have a history of drug addiction and substance use disorder.
Long-term use of this medication can also increase the risk of overdose and tolerance. Physical dependence on the drug can eventually lead to addiction. So while consuming a benzodiazepine (Ativan), follow your prescription and immediately inform your doctor if you experience an increased urge to take the medication.
Lorazepam Overdose
Overdose from this medication can result in CNS depression, respiratory depression, severe drowsiness, and mental confusion. However, life-threatening overdoses occur if you use opioids, other CNS depressant drugs, and alcohol with them. Taking this lorazepam with opioids and alcohol may result in dangerous overdose symptoms, which are mentioned below:
- Extreme sedation
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Fainting
- Allergic reactions
- Coma
If you experience any of these symptoms, call for emergency medical help immediately. To learn more about overdosing, read the medication guide you received with your Ativan 2mg.
Ativan Withdrawal
When you develop a physical dependence on this medication due to long-term use, you may likely experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Symptoms can appear as soon as 6 to 8 hours after the last dose and typically last for 4 to 5 days.
Ativan Symptoms of withdrawal may include:
- Headache
- Muscle tension
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Increased irritability
- Restlessness
- Confusion
- Diarrhoea
- Panic attacks
It is important to notify your doctor if you want to stop taking this medication. The severity of withdrawal symptoms usually increases with long-term use. Therefore, be sure to clear up any doubts about its usage, dosing, and treatment duration with your pharmacist while consuming Ativan 2mg.