Ativan Overview

Ativan is a popular benzodiazepine for treating anxiety and sleep disorders. While demonstrating an efficacy similar to that of Xanax in helping with anxiety attacks, comparison studies between Xanax vs Ativan have shown Ativan to have a quicker onset period. Ativan 2mg is an effective treatment option for anxiety symptoms and sleeping difficulties arising from anxiety disorders. It also has the potential for misuse and can be habit-forming, because of which several countries have declared it a Controlled Drug Status. Knowing about its usage, dosage, side effects, and drug interactions will provide a better idea of using it.

What Is Ativan

Ativan is the brand name of Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine that works on the CNS to treat conditions of psychiatric and psychosomatic disorders. In addition to providing you with a calming effect, it also has hypnotic and sedative qualities that help you sleep better. In addition to its anxiolytic qualities, Ativan has also shown effectiveness in active seizures, in patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and in sedating patients before a surgical procedure.

How Is Ativan Used

Ativan increases the effect of GABA neurotransmitters and produces a calming effect on the body and mind. The medicine comes in strengths of 2 mg to 6 mg, of which physicians mostly recommend Ativan 2 mg two to three times a day for anxiety conditions. Depending on your intensity of anxiety and tolerance to Ativan, your health provider can further adjust the dose. For insomnia due to anxiety or situational stress, your health provider will decide the strength and dosage of Ativan with the time for which you will use it. In elderly or debilitated patients or those with systemic complications, physicians recommend a lower strength of the drug. It would be best if you used Ativan strictly under the guidance of a health professional as it is addictive, and you can develop a tolerance to it after some time.

What Are the Side Effects of Ativan

Because of its benzodiazepine nature, Ativan has the risk of side effects that can intensify if you don’t use it as per the doctor’s advice.

Mild Side Effects
Sedation
Dizziness
Weakness
Unsteadiness