Ativan 1mg (Lorazepam) – Uses, Benefits, Safety & Key Information

The active ingredient of Ativan is lorazepam, which is a benzodiazepine medicine. Doctors prescribe this medication to treat anxiety disorders and for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. “It’s working on the central nervous system, it has a sedative effect. Therefore, this medicine should be used under the supervision of a doctor.

What is Ativan 1 mg?

Ativan 1mg contains lorazepam as the active ingredient. The tablet is part of a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. Inactive ingredients may include lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and polacrilin potassium, among others, depending on the manufacturer.

What does Ativan 1mg do?

Lorazepam acts on the central nervous system and has a sedative effect. This in turn helps to decrease excessive anxiety and the symptoms associated with it. After oral administration, the maximum blood concentrations of the drug are reached in about two hours, although individual responses may differ.

Ativan 1mg Uses

Doctors can prescribe Ativan to treat:

• Anxiety disorders
• Acute relief of anxiety symptoms
• Anxiety with depressive symptoms comorbidity
• Insomnia with anxiety in appropriate clinical settings

But everyday stress or normal tension usually does not need treatment with a benzodiazepine. The long-term effectiveness has not been adequately established, so doctors should also periodically reassess ongoing treatment.

Possible Benefits

Ativan 1mg might have a calming effect and help lessen symptoms of anxiety if a doctor thinks it is suitable. Thus, patients may experience less nervous tension and are better able to cope with short-term symptoms of anxiety.

Ativan 1mg Safety and Side effect

Ativan may cause sleepiness, dizziness, weakness and less alertness. Advise patients not to drive or operate machinery until they know how this medicine affects them.

More importantly, lorazepam has the potential for abuse, misuse, addiction, physical dependence and withdrawal reactions. Suddenly stopping regular treatment can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and patients should follow a tapering plan directed by a doctor.

Important Drug Interactions

Do not take Ativan with opioids unless your health care provider tells you to. Benzodiazepines and opioids taken together can cause severe sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death. Alcohol and other central nervous system depressants can also potentiate dangerous sedative effects.

Who Should Not Use Ativan 1mg?

Patients known to be hypersensitive to benzodiazepines or to any of the ingredients should not take Ativan. The labelling also cites acute narrow-angle glaucoma as a contraindication. Always inform your doctor about your medical history and all medicines or substances you are using before starting treatment.

Closing Thoughts

Ativan 1mg (lorazepam) is a prescription drug that may help you deal with your anxiety if it is appropriate as determined by a qualified healthcare professional. However it has benzodiazepine properties so should be used with caution as dependence, misuse, withdrawal and serious interactions may occur. Use Ativan exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or stop using this medication without talking to your doctor.