Drug Profile: Ativan

Manufacturer: Wyeth (now part of Pfizer)

Generic Name: Lorazepam

Forms: Immediate release tablets, injections, and oral solution.

Appearance (What does Ativan look like?):  White, 5-sided pills in strengths of 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, and 2.0 mg. One side will have a raised “A” on it.   The other side may be imprinted with “64 WYETH” (1.0 mg), “WYETH 81” (0.5 mg), “A2” and “65 WYETH” (2.0 mg),  “BPI 63” (0.5 mg),  “BPI 64” (1.0 mg), or “A2” and “BPI 65” (2.0 mg).

Pharmacological Class: Benzodiazepine (also includes Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin)

Medical Uses:  Primarily used in the treatment of anxiety disorders.  May also be used to reduce symptoms of catatonia, panic attacks, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, and depression-related anxiety.

Mechanism:  Enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a neurotransmitter that decreases the activity of nerves in the brain that may be related to anxiety.

Availability:  Schedule IV (Read Drug Scheduling and the DEA).

Addiction Potential:  Moderately addictive (less than Schedule I-III)

Possible Side Effects: agitation, aggression, confusion, suicidality, hallucinations, depression, lightheadedness, hyperactivity, blurry vision, forgetfulness, nausea, constipation, vomiting, rash, increased or decreased appetite, insomnia, dizziness, fainting, poor coordination, poor balance, muscle weakness, difficulty with concentration.

Withdrawal Symptoms: vomiting, sweating, headaches, nausea, agitation, insomnia, tremors, convulsions, muscle cramps, delirium, numbness, sensitivity to sensory experience, depersonalization, depression, anxiety, confusion.

Warning Signs of Abuse: taking higher doses than prescribed, continuing use after medically necessary, not taking under the direction of a physician (i.e., for non-medical reasons), changing physicians frequently to get additional prescriptions (Read Opiophobia: Addiction and Pain Management), signs of overdose, signs of withdrawal when not taken, negative life consequences (in relationships, career, finances, legal standing, etc.) related to obsessive use (Read When Drugs Lead to Other Problems).

Signs of Overdose:  ataxia, hypotonia, hypotension (low blood pressure), difficulty breathing, coma, extreme lethargy or drowsiness, speech problems, fainting, confusion.

Controversies Related to Ativan:

• Like many other prescription medications, Ativan has become an increasingly easy and attractive “high” for adolescents who raid the medicine cabinets of family and friends (Read Think Locking the Liquor Cabinet is Enough? Think Again).

How Can I Help Someone Who Is Abusing or Addicted to Ativan?

Ativan can cause both physical and psychological dependence (Read Talk the Talk: Medical Terminology Defined).  In other words, individuals who are addicted to Ativan may be afraid to stop because of the possibility of physical withdrawal symptoms as well as psychological withdrawal symptoms like the anxiety that it is used to treat. But if they are using the drug to mask another problem, getting them help quickly is important.  If you are worried about a co-worker, relative, or friend, consider contacting eDrugRehab today to arrange an intervention, find them a rehab, and get the healing process started for both yourself and the addict.  Many addicts have been persuaded to go to rehab after the outpouring of love and support from family and friends at an intervention. Get help for your loved one by calling us at 1-866-902-0610 now.