Ativan side effects

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Understanding Ativan (Lorazepam) Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Ativan (Lorazepam)

Ativan, also known as lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine commonly prescribed for anxiety, sedation, and pre-surgical purposes. The most frequently reported side effects include sedation, dizziness, weakness, unsteadiness, and disorientation . These side effects can significantly impair activities that require alertness, such as driving.

Impact on Driving and Psychomotor Abilities

Lorazepam has been shown to impair driving and psychomotor abilities. A review of drug-impaired driving cases revealed that lorazepam can cause significant impairment, even at low blood concentrations . This impairment is not solely dependent on the concentration of lorazepam detected in the blood, indicating that even small doses can affect driving capabilities.

Amnesia and Cognitive Effects

Lorazepam is also associated with amnesia, particularly when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. In a study involving patients undergoing cis-platinum chemotherapy, lorazepam induced amnesia for the day of chemotherapy in a majority of cases . This amnesic effect was generally perceived as beneficial by patients, as it helped them cope with the unpleasant experience of chemotherapy 45.

Antiemetic and Anxiolytic Properties

Lorazepam is effective in reducing post-chemotherapy symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. It has been found to significantly reduce the total post-therapy symptom experience by alleviating fatigue and pain . Additionally, lorazepam's anxiolytic properties make it a valuable component in antiemetic regimens for cancer patients .

Minimal Long-term Adverse Effects

Clinical trials have shown that lorazepam is effective and safe for managing anxiety, with minimal side effects and no evidence of dependence . However, some adverse reactions, such as perceptual disturbances, urinary incontinence, diarrhea, hypotension, and severe transient amnesia, have been reported . These side effects are generally short-term and do not result in long-term adverse effects.

Conclusion

Lorazepam (Ativan) is a widely used benzodiazepine with several therapeutic benefits, including anxiety relief, sedation, and antiemetic effects. However, it is associated with common side effects such as sedation, dizziness, and unsteadiness, which can impair activities like driving. Additionally, lorazepam can cause amnesia, particularly in chemotherapy patients, and has minimal long-term adverse effects. While it is effective and safe for short-term use, caution is advised due to its potential to impair cognitive and motor functions.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Lorazepam and driving impairment.

Lorazepam can significantly impair driving and psychomotor abilities, regardless of the concentration detected in the blood.

Observational Study

2004·

22citations

·Jayne E Clarkson et al.

Comparison of prochlorperazine and lorazepam antiemetic regimens in the control of postchemotherapy symptoms.

Lorazepam significantly reduces total postchemotherapy symptom experience by decreasing fatigue and pain, while prochlorperazine does not show a significant difference in controlling nausea and vomiting.

RCT

1993·

20citations

·S. Simms et al.

A CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL OF A NEW ANTIANXIETY AGENT LORAZEPAM (ATIVAN)

Lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Vailum) are equally effective in relieving anxiety symptoms, with minimal side effects and no evidence of dependence.

1974·

5citations

·J. Lawrence et al.

A pilot study of lorazepam-induced amnesia with cis-platinum-containing chemotherapy.

Lorazepam (Ativan) is a safe medication to induce amnesia for cis-platinum chemotherapy, with patients believing it to be beneficial and considering its effect on anticipatory vomiting, nausea, and vomiting.

Non-RCT

1984·

9citations

·N. Semrad et al.

Lorazepam in cancer patients treated with cisplatin: a drug having antiemetic, amnesic, and anxiolytic effects.

Lorazepam may block the recall of unpleasant chemotherapy events and reduce anxiety, with no long-term adverse effects observed.

Non-RCTHighly Cited

1985·

82citations

·J. Laszlo et al.

A randomized trial of the effectiveness of topical "ABH Gel" (Ativan(®), Benadryl(®), Haldol(®)) vs. placebo in cancer patients with nausea.

ABH gel in its current formulation is ineffective in reducing nausea and vomiting in cancer patients compared to placebo.

RCT

2014·

15citations

·D. Fletcher et al.

Constipation in the Elderly

Nitroglycerine 2% ointment may improve peripheral neuropathy symptoms and sleep quality in the elderly by acting as a vasodilator of veins.

Case ReportHighly Cited

1994·

130citations

·David Maslen et al.

Ativan (Lorazepam).

Ativan is a safe and effective treatment for acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms, with potential for long-term use in treating alcohol dependency and other substance use disorders.

2012·

1citation

·A. Rundio

The SIDER database of drugs and side effects

The SIDER database provides a comprehensive understanding of drug actions and side effects, aiding in drug development and patient care.

Highly Cited

2015·

1114citations

·Michael Kuhn et al.

Amnesic effects of intravenous diazepam and lorazepam

Intravenous diazepam and lorazepam have more extensive amnesic effects than previously thought, with some similarities to clinical amnesic syndromes.

Non-RCT

1978·

14citations

·John Brown et al.

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