Warnings
Top 7 in Top 7 Things to Know About Ativan
- People who have previously had hypersensitivity or allergy to Ativan, any benzodiazepine, or any of the components in lorazepam tablets or injections should avoid taking lorazepam.
- Benzodiazepines, such as Ativan, may reduce the respiratory drive of the central nervous system and are therefore contraindicated in cases of acute respiratory failure. An improper example would be the treatment of anxiety caused by acute, severe asthma. The ability and willingness of a person to fight for air may suffer from the anxiolytic effects. However, Ativan may be given to provide profound sedation if mechanical ventilation is required.
- Acute intoxication: Ativan and the effects of alcohol, drugs, or other psychoactive substances may work in concert. Therefore, it shouldn't be given to someone who is intoxicated or drunk.
- Ataxia is a neurological clinical symptom that manifests as unstable and awkward movement of the limbs and torso as a result of a breakdown in the coordination of large muscle movements. This is especially noticeable when standing and walking. It is the typical way that someone who is acutely intoxicated by alcohol may be affected. Ataxic individuals should not be given benzodiazepines.
- Acute narrow-angle glaucoma - Ativan dilates pupils, which may further obstruct the drainage of aqueous humor from the eye's anterior chamber, exacerbating narrow-angle glaucoma.
- The central nervous system depressive effects of lorazepam may make sleep apnea worse. The person's capacity to safeguard his or her airway while sleeping may be further diminished.
- Ativan is under the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) pregnancy category D, which implies that if taken during the first trimester of pregnancy, it is likely to harm the developing fetus. Prenatal Ativan administration to pregnant women may result in floppy infant syndrome or respiratory depression in the newborn that requires care. Regular Ativan use in the third trimester of pregnancy increases the probability that the baby will develop benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Hypotonia, refusal to suckle, apneic fits, cyanosis, and altered metabolic reactions to cold stress are only a few symptoms of neonatal benzodiazepine withdrawal. It has been documented that the signs of newborn benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome and floppy infant syndrome can last for weeks or even months after birth.
