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What is Ativan?
Overview of Ativan (Lorazepam)
Ativan or also known as Lorazepam, is a drug in the benzodiazepine classification, that is used when treating anxiety, panic disorder, or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms in patients. Taking Ativan for an extended period can cause you to become dependent, building a tolerance to the medication and needing more and more to obtain the same feelings.
Ativan is taken orally and for the best outcome, the dose, frequency of use and duration of therapy should be individualized based on the patient response. Some of the street names for Ativan can include heavenly blues, goofballs, stupefy or benzos. Because of the intense effects that Ativan causes, it can be highly abused and addictive.
Many of the clients we help at AToN Center are suffering from prescription drug abuse. Our comprehensive, premier treatment center can help with the symptoms associated with drug misuse.
How Does the Drug Ativan Work?
The drugs classified as “benzos” work by acting on the brain and central nervous system to produce a relaxing, calming effect. These drugs block the neurotransmitter, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric-acid) which results in a slowed down hyperactive mental process. Despite its’ uses being for treating short-term depression, anxiety or panic attacks, there is not enough research to find its’ long-term effectiveness.
How Ativan Works and its’ Uses
What is Ativan used for? You can find Ativan as a concentrated, liquid that is colorless, or more commonly as a quick-dissolve tablet. When it is taken how it is prescribed, it is usually taken orally. Due to the high potential that there is for abuse, it should only be given intravenously by an IV from a health care professional or doctor.
It takes somewhere between 45 minutes to about two hours for Ativan to begin working in the body, and you will begin feeling the effects. It can range anywhere from 20 to 100 hours for the medication to leave your system, depending on the dose and how it was administered.
Side Effects of Ativan Medications
- Skin rash
- Changes in appetite
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Tiredness
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Forgetfulness or amnesia
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
Additional information on The Side Effects of Ativan: How Does It Feel.
Ativan Dosage
The Ativan dosage that you are prescribed is based on multiple determining factors that include:
- the form of Ativan you take
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using Ativan to treat
- your age
- other medical conditions you may have
Risks and Abuse of Ativan Medicine
Because this medication is prescribed by doctors, many people don’t realize that they are not using it properly or beginning to abuse it. They find that it must be safe because it is given by their doctor or physician and there isn’t a risk when taking it.
Abuse to Ativan can begin to occur the moment you start taking the medication when you no longer need it for a medical condition. It can also happen when you are taking more than what is prescribed by your doctor, or for a longer duration than what has been recommended. It’s important to be aware of the warning signs, so that you can get help for your drug abuse problem.
There are some known risks when taking Ativan. During pregnancy or breastfeeding it is advised not to take Ativan so that there is no risk to you or your unborn child. It’s important to tell your doctor if you are taking Ativan, to ensure that you are being safe and effective while taking it. Learn How Long Does Ativan (Lorazepam) Stay in Your System.
If you believe that you have any of these warning signs, please reach out to the caring staff members at AToN Center and begin healing from your substance abuse.
Severe Health Risks
There are some serious side effects that can happen if you take Ativan, especially at high doses or for long periods. Some of these side effects can include respiratory failure, slowed or shallow breathing, muscle weakness, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, sweating, body aches, nightmares, severe hives or rashes, rapid heartbeat, swelling in the face or trouble swallowing or breathing.
Ativan Substance Use Disorder
Prescription drug addiction is a serious problem, that is continuing to grow in the United States. Currently, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any medications to treat addiction to benzodiazepines such as Ativan. There are other behavioral treatment methods that can help to relieve the symptoms that cause you to want to misuse drugs such as cognitive behavioral methods or holistic care.
Like many other drugs, Ativan can cause a physical dependence to occur. The first obvious symptom of developing a dependence is when you become tolerant of the medication and need more of it to feel the same effects that you previously did. The second symptom is when you begin to develop withdrawals whenever you are not using the drug. This occurs because your body gets used to the drug in its’ system that when it is no longer there it begins to crave it and withdrawals happen.
Symptoms of Addiction
- Financial issues
- Social isolation
- Losing interest in what used to matter
- Issues with family or friends
- Getting into dangerous situations
- Failing to follow through with work, school, or home obligations
Treating Ativan Addiction at AToN Center
AToN Center is a luxury, drug and alcohol rehab center that specializes in treatment for many types of drugs and alcohol. Our multi-faceted treatment program works hard to create individualized care with multiple levels of treatment for every client that comes to our facility, ensuring that their needs are met.
We consider ourselves a first-class, resort-style, treatment center and we are unlike any other facility in the country. Our on-site chef prepares daily, fresh, nutritious meals to each of our clients to maintain a healthy lifestyle not only for the mind but also for the body. You won’t feel like you are in treatment at AToN Center, the rooms are comfortable and spacious, and you will be attended to 24-7 by our well-trained clinicians.
How Does Treatment for Drugs Work?
The first step in getting treatment for your substance use disorder is to reach out to one of our admissions staff to perform an assessment and determine what type of treatment is necessary for your recovery. After an assessment is performed, our coordinators will develop a treatment program specifically, tailor-made for you.
If you have any doubts about treatment, reach out to one of our staff. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about treatment and what the process looks like.
Types of Treatment Methods for Substance Use Disorder
At AToN Center we don’t believe that one type of treatment works for every one of our clients. We cater each treatment program to meet the individual needs of our clients and we develop a relationship with them to fully understand what their beliefs around recovery are.
Some of the many amenities that we offer include:
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Physical fitness
- Mindfulness
- Hiking
- EMDR
- SMART recovery tools
If you or a loved one is suffering from a prescription drug problem, please reach out by phone or email to one of our admissions staff and get the help you need to live a healthy, fulfilling, lifestyle.