Is Ativan Addictive

Lorazepam also known by its brand name ativan is a prescription benzodiazepine drug approved for the short term management of anxiety it is sometimes used off label for the treatment of nausea in cancer patients irritable bowel syndrome ibs epilepsy and sometimes insomnia though drugs like ambien have largely supplanted benzodiazepines in the.

Is ativan addictive.

Generally ativan is only recommended for short term use given the risk of physical and psychological dependence. Ativan is highly addictive. To prevent physical and mental dependence on the medication many doctors will only prescribe ativan as a short term treatment for 3 4 months. Fatal side effects can occur if you take lorazepam with alcohol opioid medicine or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.

Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. For this reason prescribing doctors should inquire with patients about their history of drug abuse if any or whether addiction issues are common in their families. Due to its highly addictive nature ativan should only be used under the supervision of a doctor and as prescribed. Ativan should never be shared with another person especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction.