What is ativan used for

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Uses of Ativan (Lorazepam)

Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

Primary Use for Acute Anxiety
Ativan, also known by its generic name 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 . Clinical trials have demonstrated that lorazepam is highly effective in relieving both emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety, with minimal side effects and no evidence of dependence .

Management of Alcohol Withdrawal

Effective in Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS)
Lorazepam is frequently used in the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Benzodiazepines, including lorazepam, are the preferred pharmacologic agents for treating acute alcohol withdrawal states. They are effective in both outpatient and inpatient settings, depending on the severity of the withdrawal symptoms . Lorazepam is particularly useful in acute care hospital settings because it can be administered intravenously, which is beneficial for patients experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms such as delirium tremens (DTs) .

Pre-Surgical Anxiety and Sedation

Pre-Surgical Use and Sedation
Lorazepam is also utilized to manage excessive anxiety before surgical procedures. Its sedative properties make it an effective choice for pre-surgical anxiety, helping to calm patients and prepare them for surgery . Additionally, lorazepam, when combined with fentanyl, has been shown to provide excellent intraoperative sedation and patient cooperation, significantly reducing recall and recognition of events during surgery 45.

Control of Status Epilepticus

Initial Drug for Status Epilepticus
Lorazepam can be used as an initial drug for the control of status epilepticus, a severe and prolonged seizure condition. Its rapid onset of action and effectiveness in controlling seizures make it a valuable option in emergency settings .

Off-Label Uses

Off-Label Use for Substance Withdrawal
Beyond its approved uses, lorazepam is sometimes used off-label to control withdrawal symptoms from other substances, including alcohol dependency. It is effective in managing symptoms and preventing complications associated with withdrawal .

Conclusion

Ativan (lorazepam) is a versatile medication primarily used for treating acute anxiety disorders, managing alcohol withdrawal syndrome, and providing sedation before surgical procedures. It is also effective in controlling status epilepticus and is sometimes used off-label for managing withdrawal symptoms from other substances. Its efficacy, safety profile, and various administration routes make it a valuable tool in both clinical and emergency settings.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

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.

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

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.

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

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

1986·

1citation

·G A Colon et al.

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·

2citations

·G. Colon et al.

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·

43citations

·C. Kumar et al.

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.

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 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

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

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