Ativan

Ativan (lorazepam) is a highly-efficient medication used for the treatment of anxiety disorders. It belongs to the class of benzodiazepines and works by restoring the balance of chemicals in the brain, therefore making it possible for the patient to keep the symptoms under control. Before you begin your treatment with Ativan, it’s very important to discuss all the aspects with your doctor. Some health conditions you have (narrow angle glaucoma) and some drugs you are taking (ketoconazole) may prevent you from taking this medicine. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding taking Ativan is not recommended, as this medicine is FDA pregnancy category D. It can affect the health of a nursing or unborn baby. In most cases the risks related to taking this medication are not justified, as the possibility of health problems in babies is too high. Before starting to take Ativan you need to report any of the following drugs you are taking at the moment, as they may affect the dose you are prescribed: barbiturates, antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, psychiatric disorder meds, and narcotic medications. There are other medications that are not supposed to be combined with Ativan as they can add to some of the side effects you experience and make them worse: depression or anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, cold medicines, medicines for seizures, and pain medications. Sometimes people taking this medication report side effects that can be related to the fact the dose it too high or your body just needs some time to adjust to the dose prescribed. The following mild side effects are possible: forgetfulness, constipation, lack of coordination, tiredness, drowsiness, vomiting, sleep problems, nausea, dizziness, and skin rash. As you can see, the side effects mentioned are not too serious to be reported, and therefore you just need to wait for them to go away. Serious side effects are also possible, although they are rare. If any of the side effects you get appear to severe or prevent you from doing your everyday activities, you need to report them to your health care provider. Never share your medicine with other people to whom it was not prescribed, as this may cause serious health effects in these people. You are responsible for keeping this drug away from children and other people to whom it was prescribed and make sure no one is using your drug without your knowledge.