Key findings by the U.S. Congress: 1) Americans unjustly pay up to 1000 percent more to fill their prescriptions than consumers in other countries and
prescription drug imports could save American consumers at least $635 billion of their own money each year- H. R. 2427, 108 th Congress, Passed 7/25/
Ativan drug belongs to a class Anti-anxiety drugs which are more commonly known as a "benzodiazepines". Usually doctors use this powerful medicine to treat muscle contractions that may accompany harsh pain. Ativan drug may also be given with other drugs to cancer patients to help control sickness and vomiting. Many sleeping disorder patients experienced improvement after using this medicine. But doctors' usually use this drug in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, because Ativan is removed from the blood more rapidly than many other anti-anxiety drugs, there is less chance that Ativan concentrations in blood will reach high levels and become toxic.
Ativan Warnings
The following precautions should be taken while on Ativan:
Be very cautious while driving car, operating machinery, or performing any similar activity of hazardous nature.
Patients should not take more dose than the amount prescribed and should not suddenly stop taking this medication.
If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, then take a suggestion of your doctor before taking it.
Consult your doctor or chemist before taking any new medicine.
Pregnant women and those trying to become expecting baby should not take this drug.
Ativan Side Effects
Some common side effects of Ativan are as follows:
Somnolence (A very sleepy state)
Increase in Blood pressure
Difficulty in walking
Upset stomach
Constipation
Dry mouth
Aggressiveness & excitation
Some more severe side effects include:
Abnormal thinking or abnormal dreams
Irregular heartbeat
Chest pain
Skin rashes
Itching
Difficulty in breathing
Fever
Behavior changes
Ativan Dosage
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Ativan may be taken by mouth, injected into a muscle or administered through a vein. Approximately 0.5 mg and 1 mg of Ativan may be given every six to eight hours to aid in controlling treatment-related nausea and vomiting. Sleeping disorder patients may take this drug from 2 mg to 4 mg before bedtime. This is a very addictive drug that’s why do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor.
Ativan Missed Dose
If you missed a dose of it, try to take it as soon as possible. Avoid taking double dose in next dose. Instead, leave out the missed dose and carry on your usual dosage as planned. Never take 2 doses at once either you might be in danger.
Ativan Overdose
If you have an overdose of this medicine and feel anything unusual then please contact your doctor right away. An overdose of Ativan may cause symptoms like unusually fast or slow heart beat fast breathing, confusion, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, chest pain and may even cause unconsciousness.
Possible food interactions
Do not drink alcohol while you are on Ativan. You may feel drowsiness and dizziness after taking it with alcohol. During the period of medication avoid taking antidepressants, antihistamines, other anxiety medicines, pain relievers or any muscle relaxants. Because with these drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important that you consult your doctor before combining Ativan with the up listed drugs.
Get in touch with your doctor if you experience any of the following withdrawal symptoms:
Cramps in the abdomen
Chest pain
Nervousness or feeling of panic
Seizures, flushing, or lightheadedness
Unusual sweating
Tremors or feeling of crying
Mental confusion
Excessive tiredness