Overview
Ativan is the brand name for Lorazepam, an antianxiety agent. Ativan is a benzodiazepine and mild tranquilizer, sedative, and central nervous system (CNS) depressant.

Ativan does not affect the liver as much as most benzodiazepines, a relevant consideration for patients taking birth control pills, anti-abuse drugs, propranolol, ulcer medications, or other drugs that also affect the liver.

Ativan’s effects can usually be felt within one week when used for anxiety, and within 1 to 6 hours when used for insomnia.

Why is this drug prescribed?
Ativan is used to treat:serial seizures in children (not FDA approved, but common)

1. anxiety
2. agitation
3. irritability
4. insomnia
5. mania
6. schizophrenia (as a calming agent)
7. nervous tension (used as a sedative intravenously)
8. anxiety prior to surgery
9. alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as delirium tremens (DT)
10. severe vomiting due to chemotherapy

Ativan may also be used to help deliver anesthesia

Warnings
Ativan is sometimes used to treat seizures in children. Ativan has not been studied for use in children under 18 years old for any other diagnosis.

Ativan is a sedative and may affect a person’s coordination and concentration. Patient’s should not drive or operate machinery until Ativan’s effects are known not to interfere with the ability to safely engage in these activities.

Ativan is very addictive and can cause psychological and physical dependence; it should not be stopped abruptly, but doses should be gradually tapered when Ativan is discontinued to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

For Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Ativan’s safety in pregnant or nursing mothers has not been established. Ativan is not recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Contraindications
Ativan should Not be used for people with the following medical conditions:

1. liver or kidney failure
2. allergy or negative reaction to Ativan or another benzodiazepine
3. a history of drug dependence
4. stroke
5. multiple sclerosis
6. Alzheimer's disease
7. severe depression or other brain disorders
8. Myasthenia gravis
9. acute narrow angle glaucoma

Precautions
Ativan may be used with caution in people with liver or kidney disease, though a lower dosage may be needed.

Adverse Reactions
Ativan may cause the following reactions:

1. clumsiness
2. dizziness
3. sleepiness
4. unsteadiness
5. weakness
6. amnesia
7. insomnia
8. agitation
9. disorientation
10. depression
11. headache
12. visual problems
13. nausea
14. abdominal discomfort

Interactions with Drugs and Other Substances
Drugs or substances that may interact with Ativan include:

1. Clozaril (clozapine) – when taken with Ativan can increase side effects such as sedation and loss of coordination
2. Heparin, Macrolide antibiotics, Depakene (valproic acid), and Benemid (probenecid) - when taken with Ativan can increase its effects
3. Birth control pills, caffeine/amphetamines/other stimulants, and Theo-Dur (theophylline) – these drugs can reduce Ativan’s effects
4. Lithium – when taken with Ativan can lower body temperature
5. Perocet (oxycodone) and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants - can cause a slower rate of breathing when taken with Ativan
6. Dilantin (pheytoin) - can cause Dilatin or Ativan blood levels to change
7. Narcotics, marijuana, tobacco smoking – can increase sedation
8. Sedatives, sleeping pills, other benzodiazepines – combination with Ativan could cause death
9. Alcohol – when taken with Ativan can lower breathing rate and blood pressure resulting in unconsciousness

http://www.psyweb.com/Drughtm/ativan.html

http://new.health-center.com/db/PageReq?SessionID=20410&TopicID=338&PageID=1352&Action=view

http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/