Ativan Side
Effects and Special Precautions
Ativan
side effects:
What
Ativan side effects may be expected?
Ativan side effects cannot really
be anticipated, but if any develop or a change in intensity you should notify
your physician immediately. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to
continue taking this anxiety medication.
If you experience any Ativan side
effects, they will usually appear at the beginning of your anxiety treatment.
They will usually disappear if you continue to take this anxiety drug or if you
reduce the dosage.
Ativan
side effects may include:
Dizziness, memory problems,
sedation, transient amnesia, unsteadiness, weakness
Ativan
side effects due to a rapid decrease in dosage or abrupt withdrawal:
Abdominal muscle cramps,
convulsions, depressed mood, inability to fall or stay asleep, sweating,
tremors, vomiting
What are some of the other
special concerns about this anxiety medication?
Ativan and similar anxiety
medications may cause you to become drowsy or less alert. You should never drive
or operate dangerous machinery or participate in hazardous activities which
require full mental attention when taking this anxiety medication. Also, if you
have been severely depressed or suffer from some level of depression you should
consult your doctor before taking Ativan. If you have decreased kidney or liver
function the use of this antianxiety drug should be discussed with your
physician. If you're an older individual, or if you have been using Ativan for a
prolonged period of time, your doctor may want to monitor you closely for
stomach and upper intestinal problems.
Ativan:
What are some the possible food and drug interactions?
Ativan and similar anxiety
medications are known to increase the effects of alcohol. You should always
avoid alcohol when taking this and anti anxiety drug. When taken along with
certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased or
otherwise altered. It is incredibly important to consult your doctor before
combining Ativan with barbiturates (Phenobarbital, Seconal, and Amytal) or
sedative-type medications such as Valium and Halcion
Can you take Ativan if you're
breast-feeding or pregnant?
You should not take Ativan if
you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Research and clinical experience
has identified an increased risk of birth effects. Also, is not known if Ativan
shows up in breast milk. If this anxiety medication is essential to your health,
your doctor may advise you to discontinue breast-feeding until your anxiety
treatment is finished.
Information provided by
The PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs - Sixth Edition
Additional information By Paul Susic MA Licensed
Psychologist Ph.D Candidate
Additional Ativan Pictures and Dosages
