Ativan, a popular brand name for lorazepam, is a medication commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. While effective, Ativan can cause negative drug interactions and possible side effects. If you experience any unpleasant symptoms while taking this medication, it’s crucial to consult your doctor promptly.
Does Ativan make you sleepy? What should you know about its effects? Understanding the potential risks and benefits of this widely recognized brand name drug can help you make informed decisions about your treatment. Read on to learn more.
Table of Contents
Does Ativan Cause Drowsiness?
Yes, unfortunately, this is a fairly most common side effect associated with this drug. Because Ativan is a sedative, it is designed to help people fall asleep.
Even if you take Ativan during the day, it can still make you feel sleepy. This is why it isn’t recommended to take this drug before you drive or operate heavy machinery. Additionally, Ativan has a tendency to make people appear dazed and drowsy.
How Long Does Drowsiness Last From Ativan?
Once you take Ativan, the side effects typically begin within the first 20 to 30 minutes after you take the drug. Then, the drug’s most serious effects last for about six to eight hours.
Can You Drive After Taking Ativan?
Ativan is known for causing severe sleepiness. It can greatly impact your ability to perform tasks that require focus or coordination. After using Ativan, you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
How Ativan Affects the Body
As a type of benzodiazepine, Ativan enhances specific neurotransmitters in the brain, slowing down brain and nerve activity. This mechanism is why it can stop muscle spasms, induce relaxation, and is commonly used as a tranquilizer.
However, Ativan’s sedative effects can pose risks, particularly for individuals with breathing problems, such as sleep apnea, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or those prone to shallow breathing. These conditions may be exacerbated by Ativan, as it can suppress respiratory function.
Additionally, Ativan can make you feel drowsy or disoriented, increasing the likelihood of injury. This is why operating heavy machinery or performing tasks requiring hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes is not recommended while taking Ativan.
Ativan’s physical effects, like slurred speech, blurred vision, and impaired coordination, are similar to those caused by alcohol or other sedatives. Mixing Ativan with alcohol or other drugs can amplify these effects, further compromising safety and health. If you experience symptoms like difficulty breathing or extreme drowsiness, seek medical attention immediately.
How Ativan Affects the Mind
Lorazepam works to calm the mind and nerves by decreasing excitability. This can reduce emotional responses, such as restlessness, agitation, and anxiety.
However, these powerful effects can also carry a downside. Sometimes, people who take Ativan lose interest in day-to-day activities and pastimes they once loved. It may make them feel dazed, fatigued, and sluggish. Often, Ativan users develop a flat emotional response because it blunts how they experience life.
Because of how powerful Ativan is on the brain and nerves, users must be careful about its rebound effect. When you stop using Ativan, the symptoms it was supposed to treat can come back. For example, you may develop rebound insomnia, anxiety, or agitation.
What Are the Side Effects of Ativan?
When taking Ativan, there are a few common side effects you should watch out for. If you experience swelling in your face, problems breathing, throat swelling, hives, or other signs of an allergic reaction, you should seek emergency medical help right away.
Additionally, it is important to note that lorazepam can cause more serious symptoms if you have used alcohol or opioid medication recently. In these circumstances, it can slow and stop your breathing. If you believe that you or someone else may be experiencing these side effects, it is important to reach out to a medical professional right away.
The following list includes some of Ativan’s most serious side effects.
- Depression
- Problems thinking
- Changes to mood and behavior
- Agitation
- Severe drowsiness
- Restlessness or feelings of excitement
- Suicidal thoughts
- Vision changes
- Insomnia and other sleep issues
- Aggression
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Jaundice and dark urine
- Confusion
Some minor symptoms, such as drowsiness and dizziness, can be more dangerous in older adults. Older adults should be careful to avoid falling while taking Ativan.
More frequently, Ativan users experience weakness or drowsiness. You may develop sedation or dizziness. Similarly, this drug can make people feel unsteady.
Because Ativan can have such a serious impact on your body and mind, you may experience side effects when you stop using Ativan. If you experience unusual muscle movements, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, confusion, or an increase in talkativeness, reach out for professional help.
Unfortunately, Ativan’s withdrawal effects can last for an extended period of time. Some people experience side effects for up to 12 months after they stop taking Ativan. You should talk to your doctor about treatment options if you experience the following withdrawal effects.
- Ringing in your ears
- Worsening Depression
- Anxiety
- Memory issues
- Prickly or burning feelings
- A crawling sensation on your skin
- Sleeping problems
Is Ativan Addictive?
When Ativan is used for longer than prescribed, it carries a serious addiction risk. In fact, withdrawal symptoms can occur for up to 12 months after someone stops using Ativan. Because of this, it is essential to follow your doctor’s orders carefully when you take Ativan. If you experience any withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing the drug, you should seek professional medical help.
Some withdrawal symptoms can be severe. For example, some people experience depression and suicidal thoughts. Because of how dangerous these effects can be, you should get professional help when you decide to quit using Ativan.
Seeking Help for Ativan Misuse or Dependency
If you or a loved one is dependent on Ativan, help is available. At professional treatment centers, you can get help recovering from substance misuse and dependency. A treatment center can recommend the best detox options for your unique situation.
Once you reach out to the treatment center, an addiction specialist will review your medical history, substance use history, and other information. Then, you can schedule a time to arrive at the treatment center. During the initial detox process, you will undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation. This evaluation allows doctors to treat you for co-occurring conditions during the treatment process.
After you have safely detoxed from Ativan, you can begin rehab. This may involve therapy, outpatient treatment, or an inpatient program. You will work with the treatment center to determine the best course of action for your unique situation.
Get Help for Your Ativan Dependency Today
If you or a loved one struggles with Ativan abuse, it’s essential to seek medical advice and support. At the best Ativan treatment centers, specialized detox and rehab programs are designed to address dependency while considering individual medical conditions. The Illinois Recovery Center offers personalized care to help you or your loved one achieve recovery. For more information or to discuss your needs with a healthcare provider, contact one of our addiction specialists today. Early intervention and proper medical attention can make all the difference.
FAQ
What Is Ativan?
