Ativan with Anxiolytic, Muscle Relaxant, Anticonvulsant, and Hypnotic Effects

Ativan (lorazepam) was patented in 1963 and became available for commercial use in 1977. It is included in the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. Has FDA approval. This indicates that the drug has undergone rigorous testing and meets all necessary standards of quality, safety, and effectiveness.

How Does Ativan Work?

Ativan is a synthetic drug, classified as a tranquilizer within the benzodiazepine derivative group. It works by interacting with benzodiazepine receptors at the allosteric center of postsynaptic gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in the limbic system, thalamus, hypothalamus, and lateral horns of the spinal cord. This interaction enhances the responsiveness of GABA receptors to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, causing inhibition of interneuronal transmission in these specific brain regions. Thus, the medicine has anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, and hypnotic effects. Unlike other benzodiazepines, Ativan has a beneficial impact on cognitive functions, possibly due to its influence on certain types of benzodiazepine receptors.

What Are The Indications for Ativan?

Ativan is usually prescribed for anxiety states (including those related to depression), sleep disorders, neuroses and neurosis-like conditions, panic attacks, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses of endogenous origin, acute alcoholic delirium, as part of a combined treatment for epilepsy and status epilepticus, symptomatic convulsive disorders, psychosomatic disorders, etc.

Pharmacokinetic Characteristics

When taken orally, the drug is quickly absorbed and distributed throughout the body. Bioavailability is 95-99%. The maximum concentration is reached 2 hours after oral administration. Ativan demonstrates strong binding (85-91%) to plasma proteins. Metabolism with the formation of inactive metabolites occurs in the liver. According to various data, the half-life varies from 8 to 20 hours. However, this time can increase in case of liver or kidney dysfunction.

Ativan Treatment Contraindications

Do not use Ativan if you are allergic to the active ingredient or other benzodiazepine derivatives, have myasthenia gravis, angle-closure glaucoma, or acute alcohol intoxication. It is also not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Important Information About The Ativan Dosage

The drug dose is individual for each patient. Usually, the doctor prescribes Ativan 1 mg 2-3 times a day. In cases of severe anxiety and agitation, the daily dose can be increased to 4–6 mg. For sleep disorders, it is enough to take 1 mg of Ativan before bed; for persistent insomnia – 2-2.5 mg before bed. It is important to discontinue the drug gradually, reducing the dose. For more detailed information, please contact your doctor.

Side Effects

The number and severity of side effects usually depend on the patient’s sensitivity and Ativan dosage. Commonly reported adverse symptoms associated with the use of the drug include daytime sleepiness, dizziness, muscle weakness, and ataxia. Typically, they appear at the beginning of therapy and disappear with continued treatment or after a dose reduction.

Interaction with Other Medicines

Taking Ativan with other CNS depressants (neuroleptics, tranquilizers, antidepressants, hypnotics/sedatives, anesthetics, beta-blockers, sedative antihistamines, antiepileptics) or alcohol can enhance the depressant effect on the central nervous system. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid such combinations.

How Does Ativan Affect Reaction Speed?

Even with strict adherence to all recommendations, Ativan (lorazepam) can still change reaction time. This affects a person’s ability to participate in traffic or operate machinery. This is mainly due to the presence of benzyl alcohol in the drug composition. Hence, individuals taking the medication should avoid driving, operating hazardous machinery, or participating in tasks that require a high level of concentration for the next 24-48 hours.

Conclusion

Ativan is a high-quality benzodiazepine with a wide spectrum of therapeutic action including anti-anxiety, hypnotic-sedative, anticonvulsant, central muscle relaxant, etc. Its excellent efficacy and minimal side effects make it a suitable treatment option for various conditions like anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia, seizures, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. But treatment must be carried out under strict medical supervision due to the risk of abuse and addiction.