Lorazepam Side Effects

Lorazepam is an anti-anxiety medication that is also sold under the brand name Ativan. It falls under the category of medicines known as benzodiazepines, which have a tranquilising effect on the body. This medication is commonly used to manage the symptoms of anxiety disorders. When taken as advised, it has the ability to alleviate nervous tension and anxiety by inducing a calming effect.

A question that often naturally comes up when exploring the treatment of anxiety is how does lorazepam work? This medication works by acting on the GABA receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) and as a result, it boosts levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Insufficient amounts of GABA in the body typically results in a range of conditions such as anxiety, restlessness and sleeping difficulties.

Another common question associated with this medicine is what is lorazepam like in terms of side effects? The following table contains some common lorazepam side effects and what to do if you experience them:

There are lorazepam side effects that are less frequent than others. These side effects happen rarely, but some people may experience them. These include:

• Headaches
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Feeling down (depression)

About 1 to 10 in 1,000 people who take this medication experience these side effects so they are unlikely to happen. These side effects typically go away in a matter of days or weeks. Should they become severe or not go away, it is best try lowering the dose.

Lorazepam Effects

More people suffer from anxiety than any other mental condition making it the most common psychiatric disorder. Due to a rise in the prevalence of anxiety amongst people in modern times, anxiety medications like benzodiazepines have become increasingly popular. In 2018, Ativan and its generic version ranked 58th in the list of the most frequently prescribed medicines.

Medications in the benzodiazepine category are central nervous system depressants that slow down unusual electrical activity in the brain. When they react by controlling this excessive activity, they help relieve symptoms of anxiety, like tension, irritability and restlessness. This effect is often advantageous in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety disorders like panic disorder.

With prolonged use, however, people using this medicine can become dependent on it, taking the treatment excessively in order to function mentally or physically. People have had both good and bad experiences with this medicine. Ask a Patient has compiled a review of patient experiences with this medication.

Is Lorazepam Dangerous?

This medication can be dangerous when usage and dosage advice is not carefully followed. For example, if consumed with alcohol, the combination can lead to more serious side effects. You should also avoid taking this medication with other benzodiazepines such as Ambien, alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam and chlordiazepoxide.

Note: When used as intended, at the recommended dosage and for the duration advised, the risk of serious unwanted outcomes is minimal to zero.

Lorazepam Addiction

When lorazepam tablets are taken correctly for medical purposes such as the treatment of anxiety disorders, anxiety medication can improve a person's overall well-being. However, misuse of this medication, such as using it in the long term, can have negative effects on a person's emotional or psychological wellbeing, including physical health – as inferred above. This can emanate into a person's quality of everyday life and interpersonal relationships. Signs of dependence may include the following symptoms:

• Increased need for high doses to get the desired effects.
• Being determined to get and use the medication.
• Continued misuse of the medication, regardless of the negative effects.
• Multiple attempts to stop using the drug without success.
• Psychological or physical signs of dependence.

It is important to adhere to the correct lorazepam dosage to minimise the chance of lorazepam side effects. This is particularly important for people who are prone to epileptic seizures and persons with underlying conditions and ailments.

• With insomnia or sleep problems: 1mg to 2mg taken orally, once a day before bedtime (you can anticipate it to start working in 20 to 30 minutes). This medication is effective when used for managing insomnia due to anxiety of transient situational stress.
• The dosage may be increased gradually as this can help prevent adverse effects. This medication has not been assessed for suitability with long-term use, such as over four weeks when used on sequential nights. Many sleep specialists recommend using intermittently, such as 2 or 3 times a week, to reduce the chance of dependence issues.
• For anxiety: 1mg to 4mg oral doses over a frequency of 8 to 12 hours. It is advisable not to exceed a 10mg dosage per day, as this is the maximum recommended daily dose. Most patients, however, respond well to a lower dose such as lorazepam 2 mg in divided doses.

Lorazepam Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical or psychological dependence may occur if this medication is used at high doses, particularly for lengthy periods of time. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, tremor and other symptoms. These are more likely to be experienced when the user attempts to reduce the dosage or quit abruptly. It is therefore advisable to reduce the dose slowly over a period of time, especially if treatment has been long term.

The dose is usually tapered off over the course of 7 to 10 days to allow the body a chance to adapt to daily living without the use of this medicine. This is generally the safest option and most patients who follow a tapering process avoid withdrawal symptoms. People looking to buy anti-anxiety medication such as Ativan anxiety tablets can purchase it online from accredited online retailers.

You can avoid the hassles associated with visiting your local pharmacy and place an order from the comfort of your own home, office or wherever you may be. Online shoppers who buy lorazepam in the UK can expect their medication to arrive in discreet, unbranded packaging.

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CONTENT CHECKED: 09th AUG 2022
NEXT CHECK DUE: AUG 2023