Ativan (Lorazepam), emergence of addiction and its consequences
The commercial name of this drug is Ativan. It belongs to the benzodiazepine group. Medically, it is intended for the treatment of anxiety. In addition, it helps to treat insomnia and sickness, relieves excitement, cramps and relaxes muscles. Specialists don’t recommend taking this drug for more than a month, while the treatment process itself should be carried out under the close supervision of a doctor. Since this drug is highly addictive, it can only be used only for a short time.
Lorazepam, the onset of addiction
Usually, the substance addiction appears when the treatment regimen is violated. This is about increasing the dosage and duration of use. The maximum drug dose must not exceed:
—0.5-2.5 MG (in pills), 1.2 MG is an intermediate dose;
—4-8 ML (in ampoules).
The recommended regular intake is up to four times per day.
If the person constantly violates the treatment regimen, he/she can develop addiction. The peak of the effect in case of abuse comes ten minutes after intravenous injection or an hour after an intramuscular injection. Taken orally, the substance starts acting within 90 to 120 minutes.
Effects on the body
The substance in question alleviates the neurotic condition generated by stress and eliminates the risk of panic attack. Here are the main advantages of this drug:
- If prescribed and recommended by the doctor, this drug can be used for the treatment of epileptic seizures.
- It is relevant for the treatment of seizures. Moreover, it has a hypnotic and sedative effect on the body.
- The drug prevents vomiting.
- The drug helps to relieve excessive muscle tension and spasms, regardless of their reason (physical activity or psychological problems).
You should understand that if you frequently exceed the therapeutic dosage, you will become addicted.
Lorazepam, signs of treatment
It is very easy to detect a person taking Ativan in large amounts by the following changes in his/her mental and physical condition:
- The individual regularly falls into a stupor.
- The gait becomes unsteady. The person staggers in a motionless standing position.
- The level of organization reduces significantly. The skin becomes covered with noticeable defects.
- Constant mood swings.
- Aggressive attacks.
- Frequent drowsiness and apathy.
- Frequent euphoria.
People addicted to Lorazepam can’t speak clearly; they have a slurred speech, and their thoughts are so confused that it is just impossible to conduct a dialogue.
Consequences of treatment
The negative consequences of the regular intake of this type of medication can be caused by an increased dosage. If the treatment course is carried out without major disruption, the body will tolerate the active substance. The drug abuse can cause complications from the side of systems and organs:
- Vessels may have an atypical reaction to intravenous injection, which in turn will cause thrombosis and phlebitis.
- Renal failure and liver dysfunction may develop.
- Muscle weakness, increased fatigue, ataxia, attacks of amnesia and vertigo.
- Dry mouth, bowel disorder, loss of appetite and sickness.
- Pathological changes can have different severity, which depends on the characteristics of a particular organism.
Is it possible to stop the treatment yourself?
The drug withdrawal is fraught with very difficult withdrawal symptoms. It can be stopped only due to special intravenous cleansing droppers. They can be made by the specialists both at home and in hospital settings.
The first stage of treatment in the rehabilitation center is detoxification. After this, the patient should undergo a rehabilitation course. Only the complex treatment at the clinic can give you a positive result as soon as possible.