What type of med is ativan

Ativan and Xanax have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects. Ativan and Xanax are both used to treat anxiety symptoms. Xanax is also FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks. Ativan is used off-label to treat those conditions, too. They work about equally well to treat all three conditions. This is due to the risk of side effects and dependence. Ativan and Xanax are both brand-name medications.

The generic version of a drug usually costs less than the brand-name version. The generic name of Xanax is called alprazolam. Brand-name Ativan usually costs much more than brand-name Xanax. The generic versions of Ativan and Xanax cost about the same. Whichever drug or version you use, the amount you pay will depend on your insurance. Ativan and Klonopin work in the same way and are very similar medications. They both belong to the class of drugs called benzodiazepines.

Ativan and Klonopin have similar side effects. Both drugs can cause these more common side effects:. Ativan and Klonopin are both brand-name medications. The generic name of Klonopin is called clonazepam. Brand-name Ativan usually costs much more than brand-name Klonopin. The generic versions of Ativan and Klonopin cost about the same.

Ativan and Valium both belong to the class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Ativan and Valium have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Ativan and Valium have different FDA-approved uses, but they are both used to treat the following conditions:.

Both Ativan and Valium work quickly. Valium may work longer than Ativan for some uses, but not as long for other uses:. Ativan and Valium are both brand-name medications. Both are also available in generic form. The generic name of Valium is diazepam.

Brand-name Ativan usually costs much more than brand-name Valium. The generic versions of Ativan and Valium cost about the same. Ativan and Ambien have some similar effects in the body.

Both are considered to work as sedative-hypnotic drugs. This means they both cause sleepiness and sedation relaxation. However, these medications belong to different drug classes. Ativan is a benzodiazepine, while Ambien belongs to a class of drugs called non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. Ambien is available as an oral tablet and as an extended-release tablet called Ambien CR. Both forms are taken once daily just before bedtime.

Ativan and Ambien have some similar side effects, and some that differ. The only condition that both Ativan and Ambien are approved to treat is insomnia.

Ativan is usually considered a second-choice option for treating insomnia. Ativan and Ambien are both brand-name medications. The generic name of Ambien is zolpidem. Brand-name Ativan usually costs more than brand-name Ambien. The generic versions of Ativan and Ambien cost about the same. Ativan tablets should be taken in the way your doctor prescribed them. Ativan is usually taken two or three times daily. These doses are usually spread out at equal intervals.

You can take Ativan with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking it with food to help decrease this side effect. Yes, Ativan can be crushed. Some Ativan tablets may also be split. Ativan is classified as a benzodiazepine. These drugs are typically used to treat anxiety and insomnia, but can also be used to treat other conditions. Benzodiazepines are often categorized by how fast they work onset of action and how long they last in the body duration.

This chart includes examples of these classifications. These medications work by boosting the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA within your body. GABA is a neurotransmitter that transmits messages between cells in different parts of your body. Increasing GABA in the body results in a tranquilizing effect that reduces feelings of stress and anxiety.

Benzodiazepines such as Ativan are categorized based on how fast they work. Ativan is classified as having a rapid to intermediate onset start of action. Ativan is sometimes prescribed by veterinarians to sedate an animal during surgery or to treat seizures.

If you think your dog or cat is in distress, see your veterinarian for an evaluation and treatment. This medication can pass through breast milk and cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication. Before taking Ativan, talk with your doctor about any medical conditions you have. Ativan may not be appropriate for you if you have certain medical conditions. Yes, Ativan is a controlled substance.

This means that it has an accepted medical use but may also cause physical or psychological dependence and be may be abused. The government has created special rules for how Schedule IV drugs can be prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacist. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more. Some people who take Ativan can become physically and psychologically dependent on the drug.

The risk of dependence increases if Ativan is used in doses that are higher than prescribed, or for long periods of time. In some cases, Ativan dependence can lead to misuse or abuse of the drug.

The risk is higher with people who have previously abused alcohol or drugs. Taking Ativan may cause a positive result for benzodiazepines on urine drug screenings. Most of the effects of Ativan last about six to eight hours. However, this can vary from person to person. Ativan begins to work within minutes, but its maximum effect usually happens about 1 to 1. In some cases, the taper may last several weeks.

Talk with your doctor before stopping Ativan to find out the best way to taper the medication. Ativan can cause withdrawal effects in some people when they stop taking the medication. For people with severe Ativan dependence who abruptly stop taking it, more severe withdrawal symptoms can occur. These can include:. Long-term use of Ativan can increase your risk of certain side effects, especially physical and psychological dependence.

It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Lorazepam pronounced as lor a' ze pam. Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow?

What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause?

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Brand names. Other uses for this medicine. What special precautions should I follow? Before taking lorazepam, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lorazepam, alprazolam Xanax , chlordiazepoxide Librium, in Librax , clonazepam Klonopin , clorazepate Gen-Xene, Tranxene , diazepam Valium , estazolam, flurazepam, oxazepam, temazepam Restoril , triazolam Halcion , any other medications, or any of the ingredients in lorazepam tablets or concentrate.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. Be sure to mention any of the following: antihistamines; digoxin Lanoxin ; levodopa in Ritary, in Sinemet, in Stalevo ; medications for depression, seizures, Parkinson's disease, asthma, colds, or allergies; muscle relaxants; oral contraceptives; probenecid Probalan, in Col-Probenecid ; rifampin Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater ; sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline Elixophyllin, Theo 24, Theochron ; tranquilizers; and valproic acid Depakene.

Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take lorazepam. If you become pregnant while taking lorazepam, call your doctor immediately. Older adults should take lower doses of lorazepam because higher doses may not be more effective and are more likely to cause serious side effects.

Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet. Lorazepam may cause side effects. Call your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away: drowsiness dizziness tiredness weakness dry mouth diarrhea nausea changes in appetite restlessness or excitement constipation difficulty urinating frequent urination blurred vision changes in sex drive or ability Some side effects can be serious.

If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNINGS section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment: shuffling walk persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still fever severe skin rash yellowing of skin or eyes irregular heartbeat Lorazepam may cause other side effects.

What other information should I know? Stopping lorazepam abruptly may result in one or more of the following withdrawal symptoms: trouble sleeping, anxiety, irritability, nausea, tremor, dizziness, blood pressure changes, rapid heart rate, and seizures.

Withdrawal reactions may occur when dosage reduction occurs for any reason. The use of lorazepam with drugs like opioid medications has led to serious side effects including slowed and difficulty breathing and death. Opioid drugs are medications used to treat pain and include medications such as: codeine, oxycodone, morphine, and illegal drugs like heroin. Some opioid medications are also found in cough syrup.

If you are taking lorazepam with an opioid medication, get medical assistance immediately if you feel dizziness, sleepiness, have slow or troubled breathing, or if you pass out. Caregivers must get medical help right away if a patient does not respond and does not wake up. If you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your healthcare provider to best manage your medications.

People living with anxiety disorders who wish to become pregnant face important decisions regarding risk versus benefit of benzodiazepine use in pregnancy.

Lorazepam can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. It is important to discuss this with your doctor and caregivers. Typically, your healthcare provider will limit the number of doses you should take in one day. Your health care provider will determine the dose and method of taking the medication that is right for you based upon your response.

Lorazepam liquid: Measure with a dosing spoon or oral syringe which you can get from your pharmacy. You may also ask a family member or a friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication.

If you miss a dose of lorazepam, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your healthcare provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed. Avoid drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs while you are taking lorazepam.

They may decrease the benefits e. Alcohol increases the risk of accidental overdose with medications like lorazepam. If an overdose occurs call your doctor or You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at A specific treatment to reverse the effects of lorazepam does exist. This medicine, called flumazenil, can reverse the effects of lorazepam but must be given through an IV at a hospital. Only a doctor can decide if you need this medication. If you experience these side effects after starting lorazepam they will often improve over the first week or two as you continue to take the medication.

If side effects do not improve or become problematic, consult your health care provider. Lorazepam is a safe and effective medication when used as directed. Physical dependence may develop after 2 or more weeks of daily use. The risk of withdrawal reactions when stopping therapy with lorazepam is increased with prolonged use of the medication. Lorazepam causes drowsiness, so caution should be used when combining it with other medications that cause drowsiness.

These could include:.