Much ativan can you take

However, while Ativan is considered to be weaker than Xanax, the drug can still produce some adverse side effects. But can you overdose on Ativan? How dangerous is this drug?

Like other benzos, Ativan acts on the central nervous system by increasing the levels of an inhibitory neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA. GABA is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter because it inhibits or blocks nerve activity in the brain, producing a calming and tranquilizing effect on the body. This is why Ativan and other benzos are used to treat anxiety, seizures, and insomnia. However, when taken in high doses, this drug can produce a sedative high.

The drug is also addictive in that it changes chemical brain structure and causes physical dependence. Many who become physically dependent on Ativan and similar drugs need a medically monitored detox and rehab program to quit. Yes, you can overdose on Ativan. The toxic levels of lorazepam are usually not the cause of a fatal overdose. Ativan has a boxed warning regarding misuse and addiction.

It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. Taking Ativan can lead to misuse and addiction, even when you take an approved dosage.

Misusing Ativan can cause serious side effects such as trouble breathing or coma. This risk increases if you take Ativan with certain other drugs or substances, including alcohol. Although rare, misusing Ativan can be fatal. Misusing Ativan can also increase your risk for overdose. Because of the risk for misuse, Ativan is a controlled substance.

This means its use is regulated by the government to prevent possible misuse. You should not share your Ativan prescription with anyone else. Another option is to call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room. Ativan has a boxed warning regarding physical dependence and withdrawal.

A boxed warning is the most serious warning given to a medication by the Food and Drug Administration. Using Ativan can lead to physical dependence. This could lead to withdrawal if you suddenly stop taking the drug, even if you take an approved dosage. You should not suddenly stop taking Ativan.

Doing so could cause serious or, rarely, life-threatening side effects that can include:. In some people, withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines such as Ativan can cause symptoms that last for up to 12 months, such as:.

Instead of suddenly stopping Ativan treatment, your doctor will help you with a drug taper. This involves gradually lowering the dosage of the medication over time. A drug taper can help decrease your risk for withdrawal symptoms or make them less severe. You should not suddenly stop taking the drug on your own.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you. Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Ativan. These additional articles might be helpful:. Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date.

However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. Some may be better suited for you than others. Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label for treating conditions also treated by Ativan. Some people use certain herbs and dietary supplements to help manage their anxiety. Examples include:. You may wonder how Ativan compares to other medications that are prescribed for similar uses.

Below are comparisons between Ativan and several medications. Ativan and Xanax both belong to the class of drugs called benzodiazepines. They work in the same way and are very similar medications. Ativan is available as an oral tablet and as an intravenous IV solution.

The oral tablet is usually taken one to three times a day. The IV solution is given by your healthcare provider. Xanax is available as an oral tablet, which is usually taken three times daily. Ativan and Xanax have some similar side effects, and some that differ.

Below are examples of these side effects. Ativan and Xanax are both used to treat anxiety symptoms. Xanax is also FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks. Ativan is used off-label to treat those conditions, too. They work about equally well to treat all three conditions. This is due to the risk of side effects and dependence.

Ativan and Xanax are both brand-name medications. The generic version of a drug usually costs less than the brand-name version. The generic name of Xanax is called alprazolam.

Brand-name Ativan usually costs much more than brand-name Xanax. The generic versions of Ativan and Xanax cost about the same. Whichever drug or version you use, the amount you pay will depend on your insurance. Ativan and Klonopin work in the same way and are very similar medications. They both belong to the class of drugs called benzodiazepines.

Ativan and Klonopin have similar side effects. Both drugs can cause these more common side effects:. Ativan and Klonopin are both brand-name medications.

The generic name of Klonopin is called clonazepam. Brand-name Ativan usually costs much more than brand-name Klonopin. The generic versions of Ativan and Klonopin cost about the same. Ativan and Valium both belong to the class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Ativan and Valium have some similar side effects, and some that differ.

Ativan and Valium have different FDA-approved uses, but they are both used to treat the following conditions:. Both Ativan and Valium work quickly. Valium may work longer than Ativan for some uses, but not as long for other uses:. Ativan and Valium are both brand-name medications.

Both are also available in generic form. The generic name of Valium is diazepam. Brand-name Ativan usually costs much more than brand-name Valium. The generic versions of Ativan and Valium cost about the same. Ativan and Ambien have some similar effects in the body. Both are considered to work as sedative-hypnotic drugs.

This means they both cause sleepiness and sedation relaxation. However, these medications belong to different drug classes. Ativan is a benzodiazepine, while Ambien belongs to a class of drugs called non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. Ambien is available as an oral tablet and as an extended-release tablet called Ambien CR.

Both forms are taken once daily just before bedtime. Ativan and Ambien have some similar side effects, and some that differ. The only condition that both Ativan and Ambien are approved to treat is insomnia. Ativan is usually considered a second-choice option for treating insomnia. Ativan and Ambien are both brand-name medications. The generic name of Ambien is zolpidem. Brand-name Ativan usually costs more than brand-name Ambien. The generic versions of Ativan and Ambien cost about the same.

Ativan tablets should be taken in the way your doctor prescribed them. Ativan is usually taken two or three times daily. These doses are usually spread out at equal intervals.

You can take Ativan with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking it with food to help decrease this side effect. Yes, Ativan can be crushed. The most effective way to prevent an overdose of lorazepam is to avoid using the drug for recreational reasons.

Start with Ativan Detox. Unless you know how much of the drug the user has ingested, and whether he or she has taken other substances at the same time, it will be very hard to predict the effects.

Signs of a possible overdose include:. If you believe that your friend or loved one is in danger, call for help.