Ativan uses

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Uses of Ativan (Lorazepam)

Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

Primary Use for Acute Anxiety
Ativan (Lorazepam) is primarily used for the treatment of acute anxiety disorders. It belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medications, which are known for their central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity and anxiolytic properties . In a controlled clinical trial, Lorazepam was found to be highly effective in relieving both emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety, comparable to diazepam (Valium) .

Management of Alcohol Withdrawal

Effective in Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS)
Lorazepam is frequently used to manage symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It is particularly effective in treating acute alcohol withdrawal states and can be administered intravenously, making it a preferred choice in acute care hospital settings . Studies have shown that Lorazepam is as effective as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) in reducing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, with fewer complications in patients with liver disease .

Pre-Surgical Sedation

Pre-Surgical Anxiety and Sedation
Lorazepam is also utilized for pre-surgical sedation to manage excessive anxiety. Its sedative properties make it suitable for use before surgical procedures to ensure patient calmness and cooperation . When combined with Fentanyl, Lorazepam has been shown to provide excellent intraoperative sedation and significantly reduce recall of events during surgery Colon1986Fletcher2014.

Off-Label Uses

Control of Withdrawal Symptoms
Off-label, Lorazepam is used to control withdrawal symptoms from alcohol dependency and other substance use disorders. It is particularly effective in managing delirium tremens (DTs) in patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal .

Side Effects and Safety

Minimal Side Effects and Dependence
Clinical trials have indicated that Lorazepam has minimal side effects and no significant evidence of dependence, making it a safe option for short-term use in treating anxiety and alcohol withdrawal . However, common side effects include sedation, dizziness, and disorientation, which can impair activities such as driving .

Conclusion

Ativan (Lorazepam) is a versatile benzodiazepine used primarily for treating acute anxiety disorders and managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Its efficacy in pre-surgical sedation and off-label use for controlling withdrawal symptoms further highlight its importance in clinical settings. Despite its minimal side effects, caution is advised due to its potential to impair psychomotor abilities.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

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

Journal of addictions nursing·

DOI

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.

Medical Journal of Australia·

DOI

Lorazepam - another benzodiazepine

Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine drug that is intended for treating anxiety and has hypnotic properties, but its advantages over other available benzodiazepines are unclear.

1973·

1citation

Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin·

DOI

Lorazepam (Ativan) and Fentanyl (Sublimaze) for Outpatient Office Plastic Surgical Anesthesia

Small doses of Lorazepam (Ativan) and Fentanyl (Sublimaze) during surgery effectively achieve intraoperative sedation, patient cooperation, and reduce recall of events for up to 3 hours after the surgery.

1986·

3citations

·G. Colon et al.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery·

DOI

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.

Journal of pain and symptom management·

DOI

A randomized, double-blind comparison of lorazepam and chlordiazepoxide in patients with uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal.

Lorazepam is as effective as chlordiazepoxide in reducing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, making it a suitable alternative for patients with liver disease or inability to determine liver function status.

RCT

2009·

45citations

·C. Kumar et al.

Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs·

DOI

Lorazepam and driving impairment.

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

Observational Study

2004·

23citations

·Jayne E Clarkson et al.

Journal of analytical toxicology·

DOI

Drug use review.

BZDs are commonly prescribed for various clinical situations, but chronic use can lead to addiction and prescribers worry about liability for abuse and dependence.

1978·

15citations

·J. Summers

The Canadian journal of hospital pharmacy

Lorazepam - a benzodiazepine to choose or avoid?

Lorazepam's pharmacokinetic properties differ from other benzodiazepines, affecting its clinical use and effectiveness in various clinical settings.

1985·

1citation

Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin·

DOI

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·

85citations

·J. Laszlo et al.

Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology·

DOI

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