Ativan is the brand name of Lorazepam. It's a common medication prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia and certain seizure disorders. It can be very effective when taken as prescribed by your healthcare provider. However, if you take too much or misuse it, it can cause an overdose. Ativan overdose is serious and needs immediate medical attention. This article will examine the signs, symptoms and treatment for Ativan overdose in order to help people and their loved ones better understand the risks and the best way to react in the event of an overdose.

Understanding Ativan

Ativan belongs to the class of benzodiazepine medications, and is well known for its sedative (reduces anxiety) and anxiolytic effects. It works by increasing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve cells in the brain. Ativan is an effective treatment of various conditions including insomnia and generalized anxiety disorder because it reduces anxiety and induces muscle relaxation and sedation.

Ativan is a useful medication when taken as prescribed by your healthcare provider. However, if it's not taken properly, there are risks of misuse, dependency, and an overdose.

Ativan Overdose: Signs and symptoms

Overdose is when a person takes more Ativan than the body can handle. Overdose symptoms can be severe and include:

Extreme Drowsiness - Ativan has sedative properties, but an excessive dose can cause extreme drowsiness and even a comatose condition.

Overdose can cause confusion, disorientation, and difficulty understanding the surroundings.

Slurred speech: The voice may be slurred, making it difficult to understand.

Lack of coordination and muscle weakness can be observed.

It is difficult to see clearly if your vision becomes blurred.

Respiratory depression is one of the most severe effects of Ativan. In severe cases, breathing can become shallow and slow, or even stop.

Hypotension: This is a drop in blood pressure that can cause dizziness or fainting.

Slow Heart Rate: Your heart rate could become slower than usual.

Loss of consciousness: In severe cases an individual can lose consciousness and go into a comatose condition.

Ativan can cause seizures even if it is used to treat seizures.

An Ativan overdose is dangerous, especially if it causes respiratory depression. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect overdose.

Risk Factors for Ativan Overdose

A number of factors can increase your risk for an Ativan Overdose.

Taken at High Doses. The risk of an overdose is increased when a person takes more Ativan than recommended or prescribed.

Combining With Other Substances : Ativan combined with alcohol, opioids or other central nervous depressants may increase the risk of an overdose.

Tolerance: Individuals may become tolerant to Ativan over time and require higher doses in order to get the same effects. This can result in an unintentional drug overdose.

Dependence: People who are physically or psychologically dependent on Ativan run a greater risk of misusing the drug and overdosing.

Misuse: Ativan used for reasons other than medical, such as to get "high" or for recreational purposes increases the risk of an overdose.

Combining With Other Medications Ativan may interact with other drugs, increasing the chance of an overdose.

What to do in case of Ativan overdose

You should seek immediate medical attention if you suspect someone of an Ativan Overdose. Follow these steps:

Call 911 or go to your nearest hospital. In an overdose, time is crucial.

Stay Calm: Try to keep the person calm and as still as you can. Anxiety or stress can worsen the effects of a drug overdose.

Don't leave them alone: Never leave anyone behind. Stay with the individual to monitor their health and offer support.

Gather information: If you can, collect as much information as possible about the person's medical history, the amount of Ativan they took, and any other substances that were used. These details can be very valuable to health care providers.

Don't try to "counteract" the situation with home remedies: Do not induce vomiting, give food or liquids, or administer other home remedies. These actions can worsen the condition.

Prevent injury: Make sure the person is not injured by confusion or poor coordination.

Assure: Reassure and support the patient while they wait for medical help to arrive.

Treatment of Ativan Overdose

Treatment for an Ativan Overdose usually involves:

Monitoring: Vital signs such as heart rate, blood-pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation will be closely monitored.

Activated Charcoal - In certain cases, activated carbon may be given to absorb any Ativan that remains in the stomach. This will prevent further absorption.

Intravenous Fluids - Hydration via intravenous fluids (IV) may be started to maintain blood pressure and kidney functions.

Flumazenil is an antidote for severe overdoses. Flumazenil, a GABA antagonist, can reverse the effects benzodiazepines such as Ativan.

Supportive Care - Supportive care is provided for specific symptoms. If respiratory depression is present, mechanical ventilation might be required.

Psychiatric Assessment: In many cases of overdose, the mental health and substance abuse patterns of an individual will be assessed. A psychiatric assessment may be recommended.

Remember that medical professionals should administer the treatment of an Ativan Overdose in a hospital setting or emergency room. You should not try to treat an Ativan overdose yourself.

Preventing Ativan Overdose

It is important to prevent an Ativan Overdose for both those who have been prescribed the medication as well as for those who worry about its misuse. Here are some ways to reduce the chances of an overdose.

Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or duration. Take only as prescribed.

Monitor For Tolerance: Discuss any signs of toleration (requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects) with your healthcare provider.

Do not mix with other substances: Alcohol, opioids or other depressants of the central nervous system should never be mixed with Ativan. This increases the risk for overdose.

Secure Medications : Keep Ativan, and other medications, out of reach of children or individuals who could misuse them.

Do not dispose of unneeded medication.

Open communication: Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have about Ativan.

Seek Help if You Are Dependent: If you think you have become dependent on Ativan, you should seek the help of a medical professional or an addiction specialist.

The conclusion of the article is:

Ativan can be used to treat anxiety, insomnia and some seizure disorders. When misused or in excess, Ativan can cause an overdose that could be life-threatening. You should be aware of any signs or symptoms of Ativan overdose, and seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose. Prevention is the key. Individuals should follow their healthcare provider's instructions, avoid mixing Ativan with other substances and be open about their medication concerns and use. These precautions will allow individuals to benefit from Ativan's therapeutic effects while minimizing overdose risk.