How fast does Ativan work for Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural emotion if you are facing stressful situations. While occasional stress and worry are a normal part of life, when that emotion is persistent, excessive, and irrational and affects your ability to function daily, you might need a little assistance to relieve the Anxiety.

What are some different kinds of Anxiety?

Agoraphobia – This type of Anxiety in which you fear situations or places you might feel trapped or can’t see an exit.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder – GAD is persistent excessive Anxiety about activities, events, and situations, including ordinary situations or routines.

Panic Disorder – Panic disorder involves repeated episodes of sudden intense Anxiety and fear that escalate at a fast pace. The common feeling of impending doom, shortness of breath, chest pain, and heart palpitations.

Separation Anxiety Disorder – This anxiety disorder is more common in children who are far separated from their loved ones or if they can’t see their caretaker.

Social Anxiety Disorder – SAD is also known as social phobia where one feels Anxiety and fear of being judged negatively in social situations or gatherings.

What are the symptoms of Anxiety?

• Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
• Increased heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Trouble sleeping
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Breathing rapidly
• Sense of impending doom or danger

Ativan and Anxiety

What is Ativan?

Ativan is the brand name for Lorazepam which is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. It belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepine, which enhances the effect of a naturally occurring chemical in the brain that reduces abnormal activity in the brain and produces a calming effect in the body. For the same purpose, Ativan is also prescribed to treat seizures. However, it is one of the most common medications to treat anxiety disorders in the US.

How does Ativan function to treat Anxiety?

Ativan is a benzodiazepine that increases the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA or Gamma-aminobutyric Acid. GABA is known to work as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and inhibits or blocks the nerve cells from initiating, sending, or receiving chemical signals or messages. GABA is present in the Central Nervous System or the CNS, where low levels of GABA indicate stress, Anxiety, epilepsy, and chronic pain. Ativan increases GABA levels and decreases the overactivity in the brain, helping reduce the symptoms of Anxiety. Ativan starts to function within 30 minutes to one hour and has long-lasting effects that help produce a calming effect in your body.

What are the possible side effects of Ativan?

The common side effects of Ativan include-

1- Dizziness

2- Drowsiness

3- Feeling light-headed

4- Loss of coordination

5- Increased saliva production

The common side effects of Ativan should reduce with time, and it is advised that you inform your doctor if they persist or get worse.

The severe side effects include-

1- Frequent mood changes

2- Feeling agitated or aggressive

3- Hallucination

4- difficulty walking or talking

5- Vision changes

The severe side effects of Ativan are unlikely, and it is advised to inform your doctor and look for immediate medical help if you notice them.

A severe allergic reaction is rare, and it is advised that you call for immediate medical help if you notice rashes, itching, or swelling of the throat, face, or tongue, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

Precautions to be taken while using Ativan for Anxiety

• Ativan can be addictive and habit-forming, especially if you have a history of abuse and misuse of substances. You should use your medication in moderation to avoid addiction and overdose.
• You should inform your doctor about your medical history, especially liver disease, kidney disease, breathing problems, and glaucoma, so that they can prescribe the correct dosage for you.
• Ativan can cause dizziness or drowsiness. You should abstain from using alcohol and other CNS depressants as they can aggravate your side effects.
• If you have been using Ativan for a long time for Anxiety, you may develop a dependence or tolerance. It is suggested that instead of increasing your dose on your own, you should inform your doctor if you think the dose prescribed to you isn’t enough.

How should you have Ativan for Anxiety?

Ativan is orally administered and can be had with or without food as directed by your physician. The initial dose is 2 to 3mg per day, to be had thrice daily, and the maintenance dosage is 1 to 2mg orally thrice a day. The geriatric dose for Anxiety is 1 to 2mg divided to be had throughout the day. The pediatric dosage is 2 to 3mg to be taken 2 to 3 times daily. The maximum dosage should not increase 10mg a day. The dosage of Ativan prescribed to you will be based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. If you take Ativan for a prolonged period or in high doses, it is advised to taper your dose as instructed by your doctor before discontinuing it to avoid withdrawal symptoms.