If you have ever experienced an anxiety or panic attack or have been diagnosed with insomnia or a seizure disorder, you might be familiar with benzodiazepines like Ativan. Or you may have heard of the drug but not know what it is or what it is intended for. So, what is Ativan, and how does it make you feel? Is it safe to use? Like any drug, Ativan has its risks, so it’s important to understand the side effects before beginning treatment with this benzodiazepine.
Benzo abuse can be harmful to your health and lead to addiction. If you are concerned about possible signs of benzo addiction, reach out to My 5 Palms at 1.844.675.1022. Our benzo rehab in Ormond Beach will help you taper off of Ativan and learn safer ways to manage anxiety and other related health conditions. Call today to learn more about our whole-person approach to healing from addiction.
What Is Ativan?
Ativan is a brand name for the generic medication lorazepam, which is prescribed to address anxiety and panic disorders, insomnia, and seizures. It falls under the classification of benzodiazepines, drugs that have a calming, sedating effect. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system (CNS) depressants that attach to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, producing feelings of relaxation.
Since Ativan has addictive potential, it is only available by prescription. It’s also classified as a Schedule IV drug along with Valium, Ambien, and Tramadol. Although not as dangerous as Schedule I through III drugs, Schedule IV drugs carry a low potential for abuse and physical or psychological dependence.
How Does Ativan Make You Feel?
Ativan is often prescribed to people experiencing insomnia, anxiety, and seizures because it:
- Helps people get to sleep
- Improves the quality of sleep
- Provides a sense of relaxation
- Reduces anxiety and panic symptoms
After taking Ativan, you may start to feel a wave of tranquility coming over you. You might also notice that the racing thoughts going through your head start to slow down, possibly even fading away altogether.
What Are the Risks of Ativan?
Although Ativan can be critical to helping manage crippling anxiety, panic, sleep, and seizure disorders, it is not without risk. Like most other medications, you may experience some side effects when taking Ativan, such as:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Impaired coordination
It is also important to note that some people respond to Ativan differently than others. In some cases, a person might actually feel more agitated or aggressive when taking this drug. When using Ativan long-term or misusing the medication, you are more likely to experience:
Increased Tolerance to the Drug
You may discover that a typical dose seems to have less of an effect on you, and you need higher doses to feel calm and relaxed.
Increased Risk of Overdose
If you increase your dose to override tolerance to the drug, you are more likely to overdose or experience other adverse reactions.
Dependence and Addiction
Despite its low potential for abuse, some people do begin to take larger doses of the drug if it no longer seems as effective for their symptoms. They become dependent on Ativan to help them sleep or encounter situations that provoke anxiety or panic.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Suddenly discontinuing Ativan once you are dependent on it can result in withdrawal symptoms. For example, you may have abdominal pain, muscle tension, rapid heart rate, sweating, or shaking. You might also notice that the symptoms you were taking Ativan for may become more pronounced—worsened anxiety, sleep issues, and seizures.
Find Help for Benzo Misuse Today by Reaching Out to My 5 Palms
There is help for Ativan dependence. If you or a loved one is struggling with benzo abuse and finding it difficult to quit, you can count on My 5 Palms to help you recover. We offer comprehensive addiction treatment, including co-occurring disorders treatment, so you can overcome benzo addiction while addressing anxiety and other mental health conditions. Reach out at 1.844.675.1022 or through our online form.
