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|Ativan

Ativan

Ativan is used for:

Treating anxiety or anxiety associated with symptoms of depression. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Ativan is a benzodiazepine. It works by slowing down the movement of chemicals in the brain. This results in a reduction in nervous tension (anxiety) and causes little sedation.

Do NOT use Ativan if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Ativan
• you have narrow-angle glaucoma, psychosis, or severe liver disease
• you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Ativan :

Some medical conditions may interact with Ativan . Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you are taking any other medicine that causes drowsiness (eg, narcotics, some antidepressants)
• if you have impaired lung function, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), muscle weakness or fatigue, glaucoma, liver problems, blood disorders, depression, or suicidal thoughts
• if you have a history of drug abuse or dependence

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Ativan . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) or theophyllines because they may decrease Ativan "s effectiveness
• Clozapine, kava, loxapine, narcotic pain relievers (eg, morphine, codeine), sodium oxybate (GHB), or valproic acid because side effects, such as extreme sedation, slowed breathing, confusion, or memory problems, may occur
• Digoxin, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), narcotic pain relievers (eg, morphine, codeine), nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (eg, vecuronium), or sodium oxybate (GHB) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Ativan
• Nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (eg, vecuronium) because they may decrease Ativan "s effectiveness

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Ativan may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Ativan :

Use Ativan as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Ativan by mouth with or without food.
• If you use Ativan regularly and you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised to by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ativan .

Important safety information:

• Ativan may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Ativan with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Ativan without first checking with your doctor; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Ativan may be habit forming if you take Ativan in high doses or for a long time. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
• Lab tests may be performed while you use Ativan . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Ativan with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Ativan has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Do not become pregnant while you are using it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Ativan while you are pregnant. Ativan is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Ativan .

Some people who use Ativan for a long time may develop a need to continue taking it. People who take high doses are also at risk. This is known as DEPENDENCE or addiction.

If you stop taking Ativan suddenly, you may have WITHDRAWAL symptoms. These may include agitation, anxiety, irritability, occasional seizures, or sleeplessness may occur if Ativan is suddenly stopped. If you need to stop Ativan , your doctor will lower your dose over time.

Possible side effects of Ativan :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Clumsiness; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; lightheadedness; unsteadiness; weakness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); memory loss.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include clumsiness; confusion; deep sleep; loss of consciousness; or slow reflexes.

Store Ativan at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Ativan out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Ativan , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Ativan is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Ativan . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.