Ativan is used and prescribed for people who show symptoms of anxiety. Generally, it is used for:

- Short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety - Anxiety in psychotic states - Anxiety associated with somatic symptoms - Anxiety associated with depression or depressive symptoms - Insomnia associated with anxiety - Prevention of "delirium tremens" - Premedication surgery - Reactive anxiety

Usually, Ativan’s recommended dose range is from 2 to 6 mg per day. However, the dose may vary from 1 to 10 mg per day. An increase of the Ativan dosage should be made gradually. This will help prevent adverse events to occur. Usually, the evening dosage should be increased before the morning dosage. generic Ativan

Ativan contains tartrazine which may cause certain allergic reactions like angioedema, urticaria, bronchoconstriction, and anaphylactic shocks in some individuals. If you happen to show these reactions, call your doctor immediately.

The use of Ativan may potentially lead to fatal respiratory depression. This should be used with extra caution for patients who already have this disorder. Pre-existing depressions may worsen during the use of these drugs. The use of this drug can unmask suicidal tendencies in depressed patients. This should not be used without adequate antidepressant therapy. Weak or elderly patients may be more susceptible to the effects of Ativan. Therefore, these patients should be monitored frequently. As for their dosage, it should be carefully adjusted according to the patient’s response to the drug.

During pregnancy or lactation, these drugs should not be taken. Hypothermia, hypoactivity, apnea, hypotonia, respiratory depression, and difficulty in feeding can be acquired by newborns from mothers who take this drug during the late phase of the pregnancy. Ativan

Ativans should be only be prescribed for short weeks. The long-term use of this drug is not recommended. Like all medicines that can act on the nervous system, it can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Therefore, driving or operating any type of machinery is discouraged.

Ask your doctor when to stop taking this drug. Abrupt termination can result to:

- Headache - Anxiety - Tension - Depression - Insomnia - Restlessness - Confusion - Irritability - Sweating