If you’re in search of an answer to the question can you od on ativan, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss the treatment options, possible side effects, and signs of an overdose. We’ll also discuss what you can do to avoid an overdose.
Table of Contents
Addiction
Ativan is a drug that helps combat anxiety. It acts on the central nervous system by blocking nerve cell impulses, calming the brain and causing a powerful state of relaxation. When used as prescribed, it can be helpful in treating a variety of conditions. However, misuse or abuse of the drug can lead to an addiction.
There are several signs of addiction to Ativan, which can include overdose, withdrawal, and deceptive behavior. For example, if you take more Ativan than you should, you’ll notice a sudden increase in your heartbeat and blood pressure, as well as a decrease in your ability to concentrate. Then, you may experience seizures.
Benzodiazepines have been shown to affect the brain in a similar way to opioids. This can cause severe physical and psychological dependence. In addition, benzodiazepines can have a debilitating impact on your everyday life. They may lead to breakdowns in personal relationships and financial problems.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends incorporating various types of therapy. This includes individual, group, and peer-to-peer interventions. Additionally, a non-12-step program such as Narcotics Anonymous offers a form of self-expression that can help someone suffering from addiction gain the support they need to overcome their problem.
An effective detox program can also be a big help for someone dealing with an Ativan addiction. A medically-supervised detox process allows you to gradually wean yourself off the drug in a safe and controlled environment.
While there are many other treatment options available, you should discuss your specific needs with a healthcare professional. You can find assistance in your local area or you can opt to visit an inpatient rehabilitation center.
Inpatient rehab is ideal for people with serious Ativan addiction. It is a structured setting that focuses on peer support, while also facilitating regular supervision. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may receive detox, therapy, and other interventions.
The best part is, most of these treatments are covered by insurance. Talk to your insurer to find out what type of coverage you have.
If you or a loved one is struggling with Ativan addiction, contact an experienced professional for help. By allowing a trained specialist to guide you through the recovery process, you can begin living a healthy and sober life.
Possible side effects
Ativan is a benzodiazepine that binds to benzodiazepine receptors. It is commonly prescribed for seizures, insomnia and other conditions. However, it can also cause side effects.
Some of the most common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, loss of balance and blurred vision. These side effects may be dangerous if they are not treated immediately. They can also increase the risk of falls or bone fractures.
Ativan is also not recommended for children under 12 years. The Food and Drug Administration does not approve its use in this age group.
If you have any questions about the safety of Ativan, talk to your health care professional. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide information about the possible effects of the drug and how to prevent them.
People who are elderly or have other medical conditions should take the drug cautiously. Elderly patients should start with 1 to 2 mg daily, in divided doses. Increasing the dosage gradually can reduce the chance of experiencing withdrawal reactions.
People with breathing problems should avoid taking Ativan. It can cause serious problems for those who already have lung disease or a breathing disorder.
Ativan may also be harmful to people who have alcohol or drug dependence. In addition, the drug can be life threatening if it is taken with opioids.
The FDA warns against taking Ativan with other drugs, unless your health care provider recommends that you do so. This is especially true if you are taking opioid pain medications or any seizure medication.
People who have liver or kidney problems should consult with their health care provider before taking Ativan. A regular blood test should be performed to assess liver or kidney function.
People who are taking Ativan for long periods of time should have their blood counts checked periodically. Long-term use can increase the risk of dependence.
People who have allergies to benzodiazepines should not take Ativan. Similarly, Ativan should not be taken by pregnant women or by those who are breast-feeding.
Depending on your condition, your doctor or pharmacist may prescribe you a lower dosage of Ativan. If you experience any of the side effects mentioned above, stop taking the drug and seek professional help.
Signs of an overdose
Ativan is a drug that is prescribed for a variety of reasons. It can be very addictive, so it’s important to know the signs of an overdose on Ativan.
If you have any suspicion that you or a loved one has taken too much of the drug, you should call 9-1-1. Then, you can get medical attention immediately. You can also call your doctor for help.
Ativan overdose is very dangerous, and it can cause long-term brain damage. An overdose can affect memory, breathing, and motor functions.
Ativan overdose is typically caused by taking too much of the drug at once. You might also take the medication with alcohol or another depressant, which can exacerbate the effects.
People with a history of substance abuse are more at risk of an overdose. In fact, it is recommended that you tell your doctor if you have taken any drugs or alcohol recently.
Ativan overdose can cause symptoms such as clammy skin, profuse sweating, uncoordinated movements, confusion, and loss of short-term memory. These symptoms are very serious and should be treated quickly.
When treating an overdose, emergency responders may use flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist, to reverse the effect of the drug on the brain. Some patients who overdose on Ativan also require intubation. Depending on the severity of the overdose, your doctor might also prescribe other medications to help you.
To treat an overdose, you should try to keep the patient as conscious as possible. You can do this by performing CPR or positioning the patient in a recovery position. However, you should never force the patient to vomit.
Your doctor may also prescribe an antidote. You should also be monitored closely for changes in your liver function. Also, you should monitor your cardiovascular function.
The amount of lorazepam you need to take to reach an overdose depends on your body weight and underlying health conditions. For example, a petite woman might need more lorazepam than a tall man.
Alcohol and opioids can also amplify the effect of benzodiazepines. This can lead to breathing issues and cyanosis, or a lack of oxygen in the blood. Low oxygen levels can stop the heart’s action, and can even cause death.
Treatment
Ativan is a popular medication to treat anxiety. However, if you take too much of it you may experience an overdose. If you are worried about an overdose, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Overdose on Ativan can lead to serious side effects and even death. The symptoms of an Ativan overdose are a bit like those of an alcohol overdose. These include confusion, loss of coordination, memory loss, and slurred speech.
An overdose of Ativan, if left untreated, can cause long-term brain damage. It can also interfere with your respiratory system. That means you might have to go on a ventilator until the effects wear off.
Ativan is an opioid analgesic, and people who abuse opioids or benzodiazepines are more likely to experience overdose. Those with a history of drug abuse should monitor their medications to prevent misuse.
If you have been taking Ativan or other CNS depressants, you should avoid alcohol and other opioids. Both substances can amplify the effects of benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines are a family of drugs that can cause serious or fatal side effects when taken in large doses. For example, if you take Ativan while you are also drinking, you are doubling your risk of an overdose.
Although there is an antidote for benzodiazepines, it is only effective in certain situations. In other cases, you might have to get emergency help.
Some of the symptoms of an Ativan overdose are blurred vision, slurred speech, and slowed breathing. This can cause heart attack or a stroke. Those who have experienced an overdose should seek treatment as soon as possible.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you could have to stay in the hospital or in a rehab center. You should also tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking.
If you want to stop using Ativan, you should consider an inpatient addiction treatment program. At The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health, we use evidence-based therapies and care. We offer comprehensive treatment for a wide range of addictions.
Call 1-888-993-3112 to find out more about our treatment. Our compassionate treatment support advisors are available 24 hours a day.
