Ativan (commercial name Ativan as well) refers to drugs of the benzodiazepine group, the purpose of which is to treat anxiety conditions. Along the way, it relieves the excitement of the nervous system, eliminates insomnia, relaxes muscles, helps with cramps and nausea. The drug is recommended to use no more than four weeks, and therapy should be carried out strictly according to the prescribed scheme by the doctor. Since this drug is addictive, it should be used in the treatment in the short term.
What is Ativan?
Ativan is an indispensable drug for the relief of rapidly developing anxiety attacks. It can be used before surgery, visiting the dental office, and in other situations that give rise to a sense of fear. Take it within 10 minutes before the procedure, this allows you to reduce the tension in the waiting period for pain or trouble.
This drug is related to the group of diazepam, clonazepam, oxazepam, nitrazepam, flurazepam, bromazepam, and clorazepate. These are classic benzodiazepines, effective sedative medications that are used all over the world. Ativan appeared on the market in 1977, it was brought to the market by the pharmaceutical company Wyeth Pharmaceutical. The President of the development team was D. J. Richards. The drug has been patented with the USA.
The drug is available in the form of injection solutions and pills. Modern pharmacology has mastered the release of Ativan in the form of patches on the skin and mouthwash.
Ativan effects on the body
The therapeutic value of the drug is that it not only treats the panic attack of fear but also alleviates neurotic states caused by stress.
1. It is indicated in muscular tension, as a muscle relaxant. The removal of spasms in the muscles occurs quickly and regardless of the cause of their occurrence — psychological or physical during training.
2. Effectively acts against cramps.
3. The drug is used in epileptic seizures (with caution).
4. The drug has a sedative and hypnotic effect.
5. It can be used to prevent vomiting.
It should be remembered that with abuse and frequent use, its effectiveness decreases, but addiction can develop.
How does dependence on Ativan occur?
As a rule, addiction begins after the regime of the therapeutic use of the drug is violated. This applies to the dosage and duration of treatment. The course should not last more than four weeks, and the maximum dosage should not be exceeded:
* in ampoules from 4 to 8 ml;
* in pills from 0.5 to 2.5 mg, intermediate — 1, 2 mg.
* regular intake is recommended 2-4 times.
If the patient begins to violate the regime of drug use, they expose themselves to the risk of getting an addiction belonging to the category of drug addiction. Peak effects in abusers occur 10 minutes after the injection into the vein and an hour after intramuscular administration. During oral administration, this period is stretched to 90-120 minutes.
A person abusing Ativan can be identified by very specific signs. They change their behavior and physical condition.
1. They often are in a state of euphoria
2. They are characterized by apathy and drowsiness.
3. There are attacks of unexplained aggressiveness in everyday life as well as communication at work
4. Their mood can change dramatically in a short period of time.
5. They are not organized and forget to perform his duties.
6. Their gait becomes unsteady and unsteady. In the standing position, they stagger.
7. There are noticeable defects on the skin.
8. Behind them, there is a frequent lapse into a state of stupor.
To interact with addicts to Ativan is difficult because they have a fuzzy speech, thoughts in a mess, so it is impossible to conduct a dialogue.
The harmful effects of taking the drug are only observed when the drug is abused. If therapeutic treatment is carried out without violations, the body takes the drug tolerantly. Complications can arise depending on the part of different organs and systems.
1. From the CNS-fatigue, muscle weakness, dizziness, amnesia, ataxia.
2. In the gastrointestinal system-dry mouth and nausea, loss of appetite, violation of the chair.
3. From the internal organs-liver dysfunction, renal failure.
4. The reaction of vessels to intravenous administration can be phlebitis and thrombosis.
Negative pathological changes are minor or severe. It depends on the degree of addiction and the level of intoxication of the body.
How to treat Ativan dependence?
Withdrawal of the drug causes severe withdrawal syndrome. It can be stopped only with the help of cleaning droppers, which should be done in a hospital or at home by professionals. Detoxification is only the first stage of addiction treatment. Next, you need to undergo rehabilitation. Only comprehensive treatment in a drug treatment facility helps the addict get rid of addiction forever.