Anti-seizure drugs increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviour
- Carbamazepine (marketed as Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR)
- Felbamate (marketed as Felbatol)
- Gabapentin (marketed as Neurontin)
- Lamotrigine (marketed as Lamictal)
- Levetiracetam (marketed as Keppra)
- Oxcarbazepine (marketed as Trileptal)
- Pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica)
- Tiagabine (marketed as Gabitril)
- Topiramate (marketed as Topamax)
- Valproate (marketed as Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon)
- Zonisamide (marketed as Zonegran)
Antidepressants may not help many patients
Death after heart attack tied to drug prescriptions
One-legged exercise may help COPD patients get fit
Socially connected people do better after surgery
Many unfavorable drug studies aren’t published
Ativan Oral is used to treat:
Symptoms from Anxiety, Alcohol Withdrawal, Psychosis caused by Sudden Alcohol Withdrawal, Manic Bipolar Disorder Adjunct Treatment, Tension Headache, Muscle Spasm, Delirium, Chronic Trouble Sleeping, Nausea and Vomiting caused by Cancer Drugs, Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy
They are tranquilizers and used for treating anxiety, irritability, insomnia, mania and even in schizophrenia.
They may be abused due to their sedative effects and they do cause physical dependence. Stopping this drug abruptly after a few months of use is not recommended as it may lead to produce seizures, tremors, muscle cramping, vomiting, and/or sweating.
The most common side effects are dizziness, weakness, sedation, sedation but it may also cause depression, insomnia, etc
If you notice any other problems while on this drug, it would be wise to report it to your doctor and see if you need a change in dosage or a substitute.
Broader Terms
Facts
- Lorazepam belongs to benzodiazepines drug type.
- It is a minor tranquillizer used to treat anxiety and some seizure disorders (such as epilepsy), and also to prevent nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy treatment. Lorazepam can additionally treat tension and insomnia.
- Alcohol may also increase the risk of having a seizure if lorazepam is being taken for a seizure condition.
- Lorazepam is prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety and anxiety associated with depression.
- Lorazepam has five actions such as sedative/hypnotic, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic, amnestic and anticonvulsant.
- Lorazepam is readily absorbed with an absolute bioavailability of 90 percent.
- Injectable lorazepam is useful as an initial anticonvulsant medication for the control of status epilepticus and for producing sedation (sleepiness or drowsiness), relief of anxiety, and a decreased ability to recall events related to the day of surgery.
- Lorazepam is extremely potent and it may cause greater problems than other benzodiazepines. Its anxiety-relieving activity per milligram is estimated to be up to 10 times that of diazepam [Valium].
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Benzodiazepine
Used for
flumazenil, flunitrazepam, Rohypnol
See for
Broader Terms
Narrower Terms
alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, clozapine, diazepam, flurazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, oxazepam, triazolam
Facts
- It is worth noting that the hepatic catabolism of benzodiazepine is a very complex one, because it leads to derived molecules which are sometimes active and/or present in the common metabolic route of major commercial drugs.
- A short-acting benzodiazepine is cleared from the body in a short period of time, whereas long-acting benzodiazepines may either accumulate in the bloodstream or take a much longer period of time to leave the body.
- As the benzodiazepine is withdrawn, the patient begins to experience symptoms of agitation and anxiety; if this isn’t treated, the patient is likely to return to benzodiazepine abuse for symptomatic relief.
- No epidemiological evidence is available to suggest that one benzodiazepine is more responsible for the development of dependency or withdrawal symptoms than another.
- Recently it has been suggested that the combination of SSRI and benzodiazepine is rational, because each drug has a different mechanism of action.
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Ativan Side Effects
While most people tolerate Ativan well, side effects can still occur during treatment with the drug. Common side effects of Ativan can include dizziness, weakness, and unsteadiness. A few other possible Ativan side effects include nausea, constipation, and fatigue. Some side effects of the drug are more serious and require immediate medical attention; be sure to report side effects such as seizures or suicidal thoughts to your healthcare provider right away.
v:shapes="tocbk">Ativan Drug Information
- Ativan
- Ativan Side Effects
- Ativan and Weight Gain
- Ativan Sexual Side Effects
- Ativan and Hair Loss
- Ativan Uses
- Ativan Dosage
- Ativan Drug Interactions
- Ativan Warnings and Precautions
- Ativan and Pregnancy
- Ativan and Breastfeeding
- Generic Ativan
- Ativan Overdose
- Ativan Addiction
- Ativan Withdrawal
- Alcohol and Ativan
An Introduction to Ativan Side Effects
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Ativan® (lorazepam); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
Ativan has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
- A sleeping or calming effect (known medically as sedation) -- in up to 15.9 percent of people
- Dizziness -- up to 6.9 percent
- Weakness -- up to 4.2 percent
- Unsteadiness -- up to 3.4 percent.
Some other possible Ativan side effects included:
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Vertigo (a spinning sensation)
- Vision changes
- Headaches
- Slurred speech
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Sex drive changes
- Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction or ED (see Ativan Sexual Side Effects)
- Orgasm problems
- Hair loss (see Ativan and Hair Loss)
- Slightly lower blood pressure.
Serious Ativan Side Effects
Some side effects with Ativan, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
- Depression (or worsening of existing depression)
- Suicidal thoughts
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Anxiety, excitation, or agitation
- Hostility, aggression, or rage
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations
- Signs of an allergic reaction, including unexplained rash, hives, itching, and unexplained swelling.
Final Thoughts on Ativan Side Effects
It is possible that you may experience some or none of the Ativan side effects listed in this article. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking Ativan. Also let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that "just does not seem right" during treatment with the medicine. While it may not be a side effect of Ativan, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
"Adavan"
Ativan
Generic Name: lorazepam (oral) (lor A ze pam)
What is Ativan?
Ativan is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Ativan affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.
Ativan is used to treat anxiety disorders.
Ativan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Ativan
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Ativan or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), or oxazepam (Serax). This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use Ativan if you are pregnant.
Before taking Ativan, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Ativan. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol.
Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by Ativan.
Ativan may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Ativan should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
It is dangerous to try and purchase Ativan on the Internet or from vendors outside of the
Before taking Ativan
It is dangerous to try and purchase Ativan on the Internet or from vendors outside of the
Do not use this medication if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are allergic to Ativan or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), or oxazepam (Serax).
Before taking Ativan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
· glaucoma;
· asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;
· kidney or liver disease;
· a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
· a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Ativan, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category D. Ativan can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use Ativan without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. It is not known whether Ativan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. The sedative effects of Ativan may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking Ativan. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 12 years old.
How should I take Ativan?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
Measure the liquid form of Ativan with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Ativan should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medication for longer than 4 months without your doctor's advice. Ativan may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Ativan should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Contact your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your symptoms. Do not stop using Ativan suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Your symptoms may return when you stop using Ativan after using it over a long period of time. You may also have seizures or withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Ativan. Withdrawal symptoms may include tremor, sweating, muscle cramps, stomach pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, and seizure (convulsions).
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your doctor may need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store Ativan at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Benzodiazepines are drugs of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of Ativan can be fatal.
Ativan overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, fainting, or coma.
What should I avoid while taking Ativan?
Do not drink alcohol while taking Ativan. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol. Ativan can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Ativan. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these other medicines.
What are the possible side effects of Ativan?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
· confusion, depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
· hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;
· hallucinations; or
· feeling light-headed, fainting.
Less serious side effects may include:
· drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness;
· blurred vision;
· sleep problems (insomnia);
· muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination;
· amnesia or forgetfulness, trouble concentrating;
· nausea, vomiting, constipation;
· appetite changes; or
· skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs will affect Ativan?
Before taking Ativan, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
· a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);
· an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
· medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), mesoridazine (Serentil), pimozide (Orap), or thioridazine (Mellaril);
· narcotic medications such as butorphanol (Stadol), codeine, hydrocodone (Loratab, Vicodin), levorphanol (Levo-Dromoran), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph), naloxone (Narcan), oxycodone (OxyContin), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet); or
· antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), amoxapine (Ascendin), citalopram (Celexa), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), protriptyline (Vivactil), sertraline (Zoloft), or trimipramine (Surmontil).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Ativan. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about Ativan.
What does my medication look like?
Lorazepam is available with a prescription under the brand name Ativan. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
· Ativan 0.5 mg - five-sided, white tablets with a raised "A" on one side
· Ativan 1 mg - five-sided, white tablets with a raised "A" on one side
· Ativan 2 mg - five-sided, white tablets with a raised "A" on one side
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the
http://www.drugs.com/ativan.html
Ativan for Addiction and Substance Abuse - Is it a Safe Alcohol Addiction Withdrawal and Detox Option?
What is Ativan?
Ativan, otherwise known as Lorazepam or Temesta, is a drug in the benzodiazepine class of drugs which includes most tranquilizers. Ativan has many uses which include: sedative/hypnotic effects, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic (to reduce anxiety), amnesic and anticonvulsant (or to prevent seizures). It has also been used in conjunction with other drugs as an anti-emetic, which means it can stop vomiting.
How do you take this drug and how long does it take to work?
Ativan can be taken multiple ways. Lorazepam may be administered orally, by patch, sublingually or under the tongue, through muscular injection or by IV. If administered through IV, effects can begin within one minute. If given via injection, it can take up to an hour for the recipient to feel the results. When taking Ativan by mouth it can take up to two hours in order to work. Unlike other benzodiazepines, because Ativan has been found to have a high affinity for GABA receptors in the brain which may explain the strong amnesic effect it can have. Because of the strength associated with the drug, it is important that the dosing of Ativan not be all in one shot. So, unless Ativan is prescribed just for night sedation, its best to split up the doses to several throughout the day.
Under what conditions is Ativan usually prescribed?
• Substance Abuse Withdrawal – Treatment and prevention of symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
• Vomiting and Nausea- Often administered with chemotherapy treatment to treat nausea and vomiting. It’s usually combined with other medications to prevent vomiting.
• Anxiety- For severe anxiety disorders.
• Pre-medication- Often administered orally or IV before a general anesthetic which should help to reduce anxiety. Health staff must take precautions (chaperoning and avoiding ambiguous language and gestures) against patients later making unjustified allegations of sexual abuse during treatment, due to impaired memory and to drug-induced misinterpretations.
• Mania and Extreme Agitation- To quickly offer sedation to violent or agitated patients. It is usually given with haloperidol, another sedative.
• Seizures- Often administered for treatment of status epilepticus (refers to the brain being in a state of persistent seizure which can be life threatening).
• Insomnia- Short-term treatment of insomnia, particularly if associated with severe anxiety.
Is Ativan Addictive? YES
Like all benzodiazepines, Ativan has potential for being addictive. Since Ativan is utilized specifically to help individuals detox from alcohol, there is potential for dependence on this drug. If Ativan has been prescribed to help with detoxification, it should be done under supervision. Dependence isn’t the only reason Ativan can be a problem, since perhaps the most dangerous part of Ativan use, is mixing it with alcohol. Ativan itself is not usually fatal in overdose; however, it can cause respiratory depression, which means an individual’s breathing may slow, if taken in overdose with alcohol. This occurrence is mixed with the usual effects of alcohol which include disinhibition and anterograde amnesia or memory loss. All these factors together can lead to severe problems.
In addition, continuous Ativan use can lead to a slue of side effects that can cause immediate damage (respiratory depression, i.e. not breathing) to causing social problems (amnesia- not remembering you insulted your in-laws) to bring on serious long term damage (liver failure- which means drinking alcohol is truly no longer an option).
More side effects of Ativan are as follows:
• Cognitive Defects- Long term therapy can produce thinking problems, especially in the elderly. This may be reversible after a period of discontinuation.
• Liver failure- Though Ativan is safer than other benzodiazepines, it can still affect liver function if not monitored.
• Kidney failure- Possibility of kidney damage.
• Respiratory failure- Excessive use (especially when mixed with alcohol) can cause an individual to stop breathing.
• Pregnancy and breast feeding- If Ativan is used during the first trimester of pregancy, it can cause harm to the unborn baby. This includes= respriatory depression and neonatal jaundice. For mothers planning on breast feeding, Ativan is excreted in breast milk, so one must be careful.
• Reduced Responsiveness- After an Ativan injection, a patient should not be aloud left alone due to residual effects like: vertigo, hypotension, sleepiness. Furthermore, driving a car is probably not a good idea for about 24 hours.
• Paradoxical effects- there are some instances in which, instead of calming the person down, Ativan use results in increased hostility and aggression. This is thought to be attributed to disinhibition and the incidence is higher in people with personality disorders. These side effects are dose related and usually subside when dose is reduced, or after a complete withdrawal.
• Suicidality- There is the chance that Ativan can bring out suicidal ideations in depressed patients. The thought behind this is again, disinhibition. This may cause one to be more willing to express suicidal thoughts. This is why Ativan should be prescribed with another antidepressant.
• Amnesia- After 2-3 days of regular use, Ativan probably won’t still be causing amnesia. To avoid amnesia/sedation from being an issue, patients should not be prescribed above 2 mg a day initially, including at night.
• Tolerance- this can occur with any benzodiazepine. With Ativan, after 4-6 months, the drug is not shown to continue working. Meaning after this period of time, chances are, continued use would not have the desired effect. This does not mean, however, that use should be stopped abruptly. Doing so can cause symptoms of withdrawal which include severe anxiety, which most cases, was what the drug was being used for to begin with.
Why Would Someone Abuse Ativan?
Most likely abusers started out using Ativan to decrease anxiety and became addicted to it. In all likelyhood they did not start out using Ativan which intention of becoming addicted. However, whatever their reasons are, abuse of the drug can be deadly and does need to be treated.
Rachel Hayon, BSN, MPH
HEROIN USER DIED AFTER DEADLY DOSE March 20 2008
There are Videos at the site as well.
Inderal / Propranolol Side Effects
SIDE EFFECTS: Propranolol is generally well tolerated, and side effects are mild and transient. Rare side effects include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, depression, dreaming, memory loss, fever, impotence, lightheadedness, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, numbness, tingling, cold extremities, sore throat, and shortness of breath or wheezing.
( Maybe more common then we know.)
A few Comments from people taking Propranolol
Bisphosphonates are Highly Inflammatory Drugs Jan 15 2008
Drugging Our Poor October 23, 2007
September of 2007
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