Ativan and its Effects
by: argiro.mike
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Suicidality: In patients with depression, Ativan in high doses can lead to suicidal tendency in the patient. This is because a regular high dose of Ativan can wash away the inhibitions and the fear in a depressed patient and reveal his suicidal tendencies. So Ativan here acts as a facilitator. Although, strictly speaking , it is doing what it is supposed to do, that is reduce the anxiety in the patient, a high dose can work the other way. So in patients suffering from depression, Ativan must be administered in conjunction with antidepressants.
Paradoxical effects: Ativan, at times, can show results that are exactly the opposite as what was meant to be the initial result. These paradoxical effects include aggression, hostility, angry outbursts and psychomotor agitation. Much of the paradoxical effects are due to high doses in patients who already have some kind of psychiatric illness. In these patients, instead of reducing stress and frustration, a high dose of Ativan can increase hostility and aggression. Since such effects are triggered by high dosage, they do drop or go away completely on reducing the dosage of the drug or withdrawing it completely.
Amnesic effects: Patients who were treated with Ativan have often complained about its amnesic effects, but these effects tend to go away with time. As the patient gets used to the drug his or her brain becomes tolerant of the drug and the amnesic effects are greatly reduced. Such effects can also be controlled by a regulating the dosage. One should not consume more than 2 mg of Ativan during the initial period.
There are various other side effects of Ativan. A patient would require emergency medical help if he or she has any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty in breathing, hives, swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat.
Other side effects include confusion, depressed mood, thoughts of causing hurt to yourself, hyperactivity, hallucinations, fainting. Any of these side effects need special medical care and you should call your doctor if you suffer from these.
Some of the minor side effects of Ativan include dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, insomnia, blurred vision, weakness of muscles and lack of coordination between them, lack of balance, trouble to concentrate, nausea, vomiting, constipation, skin rash, etc.
Abuses of the Drug
Ativan has often been abused by people who were initially prescribed to take it as a drug to treat an ailment. There are generally two kinds of abuses. On the one hand some people use the drug to get a high that is a result of the drug’s sedative properties. On the other hand, some people continue to take the drug beyond the prescribed period.
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About the Author
We want people to have a proper knowledge of the drugs they are taking. It must be noted that these are not our products and we are not suggesting any alternative either. We believe our duty is that of a watchdog and help the general public have more reliable information on what are the effects and side effects of some of the most popular drugs. However, if prescribed by a doctor, please follow the dosage that has been suggested by him or her. We are here only to make you aware as what can be the possible side effects.
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