Ativan

Ativan, or Lorazepam, belongs to the Benzodiazepine class of drugs, which act as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Benzodiazepines are prescribed for a multitude of reasons, typically panic and anxiety disorders. Ativan can also be used to treat seizures.

Ativan has the potential for abuse due to its habit-forming chemicals, and its sedative properties that can create a euphoric effect, or high. Like other prescription drugs, use of Ativan can start legitimately but quickly turn into an addiction. Ativan may be a user’s primary drug, but people typically take Benzodiazepines interchangeably to achieve the same effect.

Symptoms of Ativan abuse in yourself or others can be:

• drowsiness
• labored breathing
• blurred vision
• muscle pain or stiffness
• constipation
• confusion
• asking family, friends, neighbors etc. for their Ativan

In severe cases, depending on the amount used, coma and seizures can be a side effect, and in turn can be life threatening.