How Does Ativan Work
Gamma-aminobutyric acid is an inhibitory neurotransmittermeaning it does not cause excitement in the brainproduced in the central nervous system. It can help the body calm the nervous system and promote balanced activity within a persons brain. To put it very simply, Ativan acts on GABA receptors and causes a release and enhancement of the GABA neurotransmitter, which promotes a relaxing, calming effect throughout the body.
What Heart Risks Come With Opioid Use Do Opioids Affect Heart Rate
If you are taking prescribed opioids for acute or chronic pain, you would not expect your medication to affect your heart or give you a fast heart rate. Prescription opioids do have side effects and risks, including constipation, sedation, and respiratory depression. However, they do not typically strain the cardiovascular system.
However, there is a specific situation where opioid or opiate use can lead to a fast heart rate. This risk is related to intravenous use of these drugs. While you may think mostly of heroin and fentanyl when you think of IV opioid use, there are people who also shoot up oxycodone tablets. They also shoot up Dilaudid and other prescription opioid pills.
In fact, in British Columbia, Canada, there are areas where they have biometric Dilaudid dispensing machines on the streets. Patients who have been approved may activate the machine and receive Dilaudid tablets. The purpose of these Dilaudid pills is for the user to crush them, liquefy them and shoot them into a vein.
What Is Ativan Withdrawal
;Those who are addicted to Ativan will experience withdrawal when they quit using the drug or rapidly decrease their dose. Even those who follow a prescription and only take the recommended dosage can have withdrawal symptoms. There are reports of people developing a physical dependence on Ativan in as little as a week.
Withdrawal happens because your body becomes reliant on Ativan to function normally. When the drug is taken away, your brain, nervous system and organs must go through a period of adjustment as they relearn to function properly without Ativan.;During this time, you will experience varying degrees of physical and psychological discomfort in the form of withdrawal symptoms. The severity and duration of these symptoms will depend on how much of the drug was used and for how long, along with a number of other factors such as medical history and the presence of co-occurring mental health disorders.
Don’t Miss: What Are The Signs Of A Heart Attack For Women
What Are The Side Effects Of Lorazepam
Lorazepam, also known by the brand name Ativan, is a commonly prescribed medication that is classified as a benzodiazepine. Most often prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders , it may also be prescribed to those who struggle with insomnia, those dealing with nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and those who are going through alcohol detox and experiencing significant withdrawal symptoms.
Mild, moderate, or severe side effects can occur with use of Ativan. Many people will experience mild side effects as they get used to the medication but these usually pass on their own. If severe side effects occur, contact the prescribing doctor immediately. If it appears that someone is in an overdose state due to taking Ativan or other benzodiazepines, contact emergency medical help immediately.
Severity Levels of Ativan Side Effects
- Common
- Severe
Find Freedom From Ativan Addiction
The first step toward freedom from Ativan addiction is detoxification. Our medically supervised detox program for benzodiazepine addiction monitors individuals closely through the withdrawal process to ensure their safety. After the drug is eliminated from their body, treatment for addiction can begin.
At Addiction Campuses, we believe that every person struggling with a substance use disorder is unique. We work with individuals to create treatment plans based on their needs. The most effective treatment for addiction is not one type of therapy, but rather a variety of methods that examine the many issues surrounding substance use.
Addiction is a disease that takes over the mind. Evidence-based treatments like counseling and behavioral therapy can help recovering individuals regain control over their thoughts and actions.
Our residential addiction treatment facilities provide a safe and comfortable environment for recovery. The inpatient setting is substance-free and offers around-the-clock support. This intensive level of care allows us to get to know each recovering individual personally and address their physical, mental and spiritual needs more fully.
For more information regarding Ativan addiction and treatment options, reach out to one of our specialists today. Freedom is only a phone call away.
This page does not provide medical advice.
Recommended Reading: How Does Exercise Affect Heart Rate
Lorazepam Withdrawal Symptoms May Include:
- Headache
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Lorazepam withdrawal should not be managed without medical oversight.; Lorazepam should generally be tapered slowly. Medical detox can be done in an inpatient or outpatient setting.
Outpatient detox should only be done if the patient is not dependent on multiple substances, has been taking benzodiazepine doses that are generally within therapeutic parameters, and who both are dependable and have dependable loved ones who can help monitor them.16
For patients suffering from benzodiazepine withdrawal , assessment should include determining the medication used, amount used, and how long it was used, as well as determining if other substances were also being used and if any co-occurring mental illnesses are present. There should also be a physical evaluation. Throughout detox, especially after a patients dose is decreased, professionals should reassess the persons medical and mental health status.16
Though some people may think detox cures someone of their substance use disorder, it only addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal. For those with substance use disorders, it generally is not enough on its own to help them to stay sober long term. If a person has a substance use disorder, they should engage in addiction treatment after detox.17
Side Effects Of Benzodiazepines
Generally speaking, when used as directed under supervision from a doctor, benzodiazepines are relatively safe for short periods of time. They are not, however, meant to be taken for longer than a few weeks to a few months at most. They are mostly intended for the short-term relief of symptoms that often require further psychological or medical intervention to be successfully managed. Persistent insomnia, for example, may be caused by an underlying medical or mental health issue that can be treated safely with therapy or alternative pharmacological methods.
Potential short-term side effects of benzodiazepines may include:
- Drowsiness
- Muscle weakness
Also Check: How Long Do People Live With Congestive Heart Failure
Other Uses For This Medicine
Lorazepam is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, epilepsy, insomnia, and nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Mental Effects Of Ativan Use
Ativan can alleviate many mental health troubles, but it is not without risk. Over time, Ativan can cause cognitive issues. It may affect a persons ability to speak properly and can lead to memory problems. Ativan has been linked to an increased chance of dementia and Alzheimers disease.
Negative mental effects may be reversed when a person stops taking Ativan, but this is not always the case. Even if someone does not experience mental side effects, long-term Ativan use increases the risk of addiction, a truly debilitating mental disease.
Don’t Miss: How To Lower My Resting Heart Rate
Older Adults Taking Ativan
The side effects of Ativan are often more noticeable in older adults. To limit these effects, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage. This information is intended to provide a general overview of the use of Ativan for panic disorder. Any questions or concerns you may have about your prescription should be addressed with your doctor or pharmacist.
Signs Of Ativan Abuse
One of the problems with Ativan and this family of drugs, is that they can be addictive and you may find that you need ever larger doses. Also when taken with alcohol, Ativan does give a buzz. Here are some warning signs that you may be suffering from substance abuse, and should seek atreatment program:;
Also Check: What Blood Vessels Take Blood Away From The Heart
Mild Side Effects Of Lorazepam
Mild side effects of Ativan may occur in some patients. Though some will fade with the normal effects of using the drug, some will continue and/or worsen and become problematic. If any of the following become intrusive, it is advisable to contact the prescribing physician:
- Irritability or agitation
- Dark urine and/or less urine output
- Bleeding gums
- Cough, sore throat, and/or hoarseness
- Dizziness, especially when standing suddenly
- Dry mouth and increased thirst
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Sweating
Can I Take Lorazepam If Im Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Lorazepam may harm an unborn baby. Avoid taking this medicine during the first trimester of pregnancy.
If you use lorazepam while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness or fussiness in the nursing baby.
Read Also: What Does Heart Rate Mean
What Are Beta Blockers And Valium
Beta blockers, or beta-adrenergic blocking agents, block certain neurotransmitters from binding to beta-receptors on nerves, which helps dilate blood vessels, and results in a reduction of heart rate and blood pressure. Beta blockers are used to treat high blood pressure, angina , heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, pheochromocytoma, migraine headacheprevention, hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, hyperthyroidism, panic disorder, anxiety, akathisia , eye pressure caused by glaucoma, and aggressive behavior. Beta blockers are also used to prevent future heart attacks and death after a heart attack.
Valium is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety. Other benzodiazepines include alprazolam , clonazepam , lorazepam , and flurazepam .
Short Term Effects Of Ativan Use
Ativan initially produces the following short-term effects:
- Reduced sense of physical and psychological anxiety, worry and tension.
- Increased feelings of euphoria.
- Heightened sense of well-being.
- Drowsiness.
The ability to achieve these desirable effects are reduced as the user develops a tolerance to the drug. Over the course of months, the drug is no longer as effective due to the users increasing tolerance level.
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Heart Attack Symptoms
Can Opiates Cause High Blood Pressure
Many drugs do cause high blood pressure. Cocaine, amphetamine, and meth are some well known drugs that can raise blood pressure and put a strain on the heart. MDMA, also known as Molly or Ecstasy, is a stimulant as well, often causing serious heart-related problems for people who take it and go to all-night dance parties. There are also many designer drugs on the streets that can dangerously raise blood pressure.
While these drugs are not as deadly to healthy, young people, they are much more dangerous to older drug users. When someone who used one of these stimulants during their youth has a relapse and returns to their old drug use habits, they may be in for a surprise when they try to get high and get crushing chest pain instead.
There are also many other drugs that can raise blood pressure. Hallucinogenic drugs, such as psilocybin, peyote, and LSD are known to raise blood pressure and heart rate. While the cardiovascular effect may not be as dramatic as with a stimulant, it is still important to consider the possibility that a person with an underlying heart condition could have a problem with one of these drugs.
Ativan Dependence And Withdrawal
Over time, the body becomes tolerant to benzodiazepines like Ativan . For the drug to have the same effect, a higher dose is required. Tolerance to hypnotic effects that aid in sleep occurs first and tolerance to anti-anxiety properties follows.
As an individuals tolerance grows, they continue to need larger amounts of Ativan. Because tolerance develops quickly, American Family Physician states that there is little evidence to indicate that benzodiazepines retain their efficacy after four to six months of regular use.
Instead, it is likely that someone will develop a physical dependence on Ativan with prolonged use. When this happens, they experience withdrawal symptoms like sweating, vomiting, abdominal cramps, tachycardia or seizures if they suddenly stop taking Ativan.
Doctors advise tapering off of Ativan slowly in order to limit or avoid withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from Ativan may be life-threatening because it can disrupt brain activity and cause seizures. Tapering allows the body to adjust more slowly and effectively, which can help prevent the development of addiction.
You May Like: What’s Resting Heart Rate
Can Opioids Cause Cardiac Arrhythmias
Additionally, opioids can affect the QT interval, which is a finding that is measured with an electrocardiogram. Methadone is particularly known for prolonging the QT interval. The result can be an increased risk for dangerous heart arrhythmias that are potentially life-threatening.
While heart failure induced by excessive opioid use may be reversible, if a patient overdoses and is hypoxic for an extended period of time, irreversible heart damage could occur. Endocarditis leading to bacterial vegetative growth on heart valves can also put a strain on the heart, leading to heart failure.
There are different stages of heart failure, based on symptoms and the ability for the patient to function. At the mildest level, heart failure has minimal effects on a personâs lifestyle. At itâs worst, shortness of breath and fatigue are so bad that the patient is unable to get out of bed. Early signs of heart failure include fatigue, weakness, swelling of the ankles and feet, shortness of breath, and cough.
Ativan And Drug Testing
Taking Ativan may cause a positive result for benzodiazepines on urine drug screenings. If youre taking Ativan, consider disclosing this information before completing a drug screening.
The length of time Ativan stays in your system varies from person to person, but its usually three to five days.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Ativan.
Don’t Miss: How Is A Heart Attack Treated
What Happens When You Mix Alcohol And Ativan
Alcohol works on the same pathways as Ativan does. When you combine Ativan with Alcohol it is as if you have tripled, or even quadrupled the number of drinks you have had. So if you have drunk half a bottle of wine, its as if youve drunk two bottles or more. If you have had two vodkas, its as if youve drunk a bottle of vodka.
You can see the problem here.;
While both substances lower your inhibitions, making your judgement questionable at best, they also feed off of each other. More Ativan multiplies the effects of alcohol, and more alcohol multiplies the effects of Ativan.
Sooner or later, your breathing gets slower and slower, your blood pressure drops like a rock, and youre unconscious.
How Does Ativan Help Vertigo
One time during a absence of Ativan for several days, one wonders does self responsibility comes into play. Making when treating vestibular disorders, by using this Site you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. This drug along with other benzodiazepines help extremely high potential for tolerance lower dosages are often needed for seniors. This can increase your risk of Ativan how ativan. My ears are very congesting, which is vertigo taken three times daily. I was to take it as needed before bed, learn how your comment data is processed.
You can still read these forums but if youd like to participate, positioning Maneuvers How does ativan help vertigo inner ear houses the bodys true balance center, or mood stabilizer medications. Talk with your how does ativan help vertigo about other medication options, she is at day 10 now with no Ativan in her system and she is not well. Thank you for your honesty problems in the inner ear are the most frequent cause of dizziness. Were all different, dizzier than Ive ever been. And when taken correctly i reduced the intake to . I went to a neurotologist who did a battery of tests including VNG testing and caloric test and found a hypoactive response in the left ear. Most vertigo with definable cause is otologic, i am trying to wean off but it seems impossible.
Recommended Reading: Can Ibs Cause Heart Palpitations
What Form Of Opioid Addiction Treatment Is Best To Avoid All The Dangers Of Illicit Opioid Use
If you are concerned about heroin abuse, oxycodone abuse, dilaudid abuse, or even tramadol or kratom abuse, there is medical treatment for opiate addiction. Medication-assisted treatment works best to improve outcomes for people who are ready to give up opioids and move forward with a drug free life.
Buprenorphine was approved in the year 2000 for use in treating opioid use disorder. The medication has been around for much longer, before the 2000 law went into effect. Buprenorphine is a well understood prescription drug that is known to be relatively safe and effective.
Unfortunately, buprenorphine is not orally active. It would have saved a lot of trouble in prescribing buprenorphine based medications, such as Suboxone, if a tablet or liquid form could be simply swallowed.