Saturday 30 April 2011

Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.

* Ataxia – This is a neurological clinical sign, consisting of unsteady and clumsy motion of the limbs and torso, due to failure of gross muscle movement coordination, most evident on standing and walking. The higher the dose and the longer the drug is taken for, the greater the risk of experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. gov/buyonlineguideBefore taking AtivanDo not use this medication if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are allergic to Ativan or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), or oxazepam (Serax). Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. 9%), dizziness (6. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking Ativan. Because of its high potency, the smallest lorazepam tablet strength of 0. * Comorbid psychiatric disorders – Increased risk of dependence and paradoxical adverse effects edit Tolerance and dependenceDependence typified by a withdrawal syndrome occurs in approximately one third of individuals who are treated for longer than 4 weeks with a benzodiazepines. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or visit www. Benzodiazepine treatment should be discontinued as soon as possible via a slow and gradual dose reduction regimen.

Thursday 28 April 2011

Such allegations may arise because of incomplete amnesia, disinhibition, and impaired ability to process cues.

Toxicity from propylene glycol has been reported in the case of a patient receiving a continuous lorazepam infusion. Lorazepam injectable solution is administered either by deep intramuscular injection or by intravenous injection. Benzodiazepines, including lorazepam, have been found to increase the risk of falls and fractures in the elderly. This contrasts with the highly lipid-soluble diazepam, which, although rapidly absorbed orally or rectally, soon redistributes from the serum to other parts of the body, in particular body fat. Some antidepressants, anti-epileptic drugs such as phenobarbital, phenytoin and carbamazepine, sedative antihistamines, opiates, antipsychotics and alcohol when taken with lorazepam may result in enhanced sedative effects. Dose requirements have to be individualized, especially in the elderly and debilitated patients in whom the risk of oversedation is greater. 6. Reaction of the above product with acetic anhydride leads to a Polonovski type rearrangement reaction, giving a 3-acetoxylated benzodiazepine, 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-3-acetoxy-5-(2′-chlorphenyl)-2H-benzodiazepin-2-one. 5. Longer-term use, up to six months, does not result in further accumulation.

Wednesday 27 April 2011

6.

Lorazepam is metabolised in the liver by conjugation into inactive lorazepam-glucuronide. Lorazepam was first introduced by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in 1971 under the brand names of Ativan and Temesta. See also: Ativan pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)The sedative effects of this medication may last longer in older adults. Dose requirements have to be individualized, especially in the elderly and debilitated patients in whom the risk of oversedation is greater. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor. nausea and vomiting caused or worsened by psychological sensitization to the thought of being sick. Acute delirium is sometimes treated with lorazepam, but as it can cause paradoxical effects, it is preferably given together with haloperidol. Dose requirements have to be individualized, especially in the elderly and debilitated patients in whom the risk of oversedation is greater. Long-term effects of benzodiazepines include tolerance, dependence, a benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome and cognitive impairments which may not completely reverse after cessation of treatment; however, for most patients, cognitive impairment is not severe. Do not drink alcohol while taking Ativan.

Tuesday 26 April 2011

In this category, benzodiazepines are most commonly used.

Giving 2 mg oral lorazepam will result in a peak total serum lorazepam level of around 20 nanograms/ml around two hours later, half of which is lorazepam, half its inactive metabolite, lorazepam-glucuronide. In cases of a suspected lorazepam overdose, it is important to establish whether the patient is a regular user of lorazepam or other benzodiazepines, since regular use causes tolerance to develop. Ativan can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Also used to treat acute symptoms of vertigo and dizziness for people with Ménière's disease. Males and females use benzodiazepines for nonmedical purposes equally. What is Ativan?Ativan is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Ativan should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. As a result dosage recommendations for the elderly are about half of those used in younger individuals and used for no longer than two weeks. Lorazepam impairs body balance and standing steadiness and is associated with falls and hip fractures in the elderly. Sustained repetitive firing seems to get limited, by the benzodiazepine effect of slowing recovery of sodium channels from inactivation in mouse spinal cord cell cultures.

Monday 25 April 2011

It should, therefore, not be administered to a drunk or intoxicated person.

Withdrawal symptoms, including rebound insomnia and rebound anxiety, may occur after only 7 days' administration of lorazepam. For more information, contact the U. Of drugs used in attempted suicide, benzodiazepines are the most commonly used pharmaceutical drug, with 26% of attempted suicides involving benzodiazepines. The anxiolytic effects may also be detrimental to a patient's willingness and ability to fight for breath. gov/buyonlineguideBefore taking AtivanDo not use this medication if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are allergic to Ativan or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), or oxazepam (Serax). Lorazepam is metabolised in the liver by conjugation into inactive lorazepam-glucuronide. High dose or prolonged parentally administered lorazepam is sometimes associated with propylene glycol intoxication. In this category, benzodiazepines are most commonly used. But its poor lipid solubility and high degree of protein binding (85-90% ) mean that lorazepam's volume of distribution is mainly the vascular compartment, causing relatively prolonged peak effects. Signs of overdose range through mental confusion, dysarthria, paradoxical reactions, drowsiness, hypotonia, ataxia, hypotension, hypnotic state, coma, cardiovascular depression, respiratory depression, and death.

Sunday 24 April 2011

Similarly renal disease has minimal effects on lorazepam levels.

The prolonged sedation from lorazepam may, however, be an acceptable trade-off for its reliable duration of effects, particularly if the patient needs to be transferred to another facility. What other drugs will affect Ativan?Before taking Ativan, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:* a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); * an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); * medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), mesoridazine (Serentil), pimozide (Orap), or thioridazine (Mellaril); * narcotic medications such as butorphanol (Stadol), codeine, hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin), levorphanol (Levo-Dromoran), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph), naloxone (Narcan), oxycodone (OxyContin), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet); or * antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), amoxapine (Asendin), citalopram (Celexa), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), protriptyline (Vivactil), sertraline (Zoloft), or trimipramine (Surmontil). However, adverse effects such as behavioural disinhibition may make benzodiazepines inappropriate for some acutely psychotic patients. edit PharmacologyLorazepam has anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, amnesic, anticonvulsant as well as muscle relaxant properties. Ativan can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Lorazepam was first introduced by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in 1971 under the brand names of Ativan and Temesta. Also, one must ascertain whether other drugs were also ingested. Samples of Ativan purchased on the Internet have been found to contain haloperidol (Haldol), a potent antipsychotic drug with dangerous side effects. * Amnesic effects: Among benzodiazepines, lorazepam has relatively strong amnesic effects, but patients soon develop tolerance to this with regular use. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time.

Saturday 23 April 2011

Symptoms may recur and treatment for some days may be necessary.

What is Ativan?Ativan is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. Cognitive impairment, behavioural disinhibition and respiratory depression as well as hypotension may also occur. Oral lorazepam, and other benzodiazepines, have a role in long-term prophylactic treatment of resistant forms of petit mal epilepsy, but not as first-line therapies, mainly because of the development of tolerance to their effects. edit Other useSee also: Nonmedical benzodiazepine drug useLorazepam is also used for other purposes. In medicinal form, lorazepam is mainly available as tablets and a solution for injection, but, in some locations, it is also available as a skin patch, an oral solution, and a sublingual tablet. Clinical example: Diazepam has long been a drug of choice for status epilepticus: Its high lipid solubility means it gets absorbed with equal speed whether given intravenously, orally, or rectally (non-intravenous routes are convenient in non-hospital settings). Do not stop using Ativan suddenly without first talking to your doctor. Ativan overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, fainting, or coma. Because of its high potency, the smallest lorazepam tablet strength of 0.

Friday 22 April 2011

* Acute narrow-angle glaucoma – Lorazepam has pupil-dilating effects, which may further interfere with the drainage of aqueous humour from the anterior chamber of the eye, thus worsening narrow-angle glaucoma.

S. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. As a result dosage recommendations for the elderly are about half of those used in younger individuals and used for no longer than two weeks. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. It should, therefore, not be administered to a drunk or intoxicated person. In addition to recreational use, benzodiazepines may be diverted and used to facilitate crime: Criminals may take them to deliberately seek disinhibition before committing crimes (which increases their potential for violence). 6. * Drug and alcohol dependence – There is an increased risk of abuse of lorazepam. Important information about AtivanDo not use Ativan if you are allergic to lorazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), or oxazepam (Serax). * Acute narrow-angle glaucoma – Lorazepam has pupil-dilating effects, which may further interfere with the drainage of aqueous humour from the anterior chamber of the eye, thus worsening narrow-angle glaucoma.

Thursday 21 April 2011

Signs of overdose range through mental confusion, dysarthria, paradoxical reactions, drowsiness, hypotonia, ataxia, hypotension, hypnotic state, coma, cardiovascular depression, respiratory depression, and death.

Lorazepam may also inhibit foetal liver bilirubin glucuronidation, leading to neonatal jaundice. Giving 2 mg oral lorazepam will result in a peak total serum lorazepam level of around 20 nanograms/ml around two hours later, half of which is lorazepam, half its inactive metabolite, lorazepam-glucuronide. * Amnesic effects: Among benzodiazepines, lorazepam has relatively strong amnesic effects, but patients soon develop tolerance to this with regular use. Withdrawal symptoms may include tremor, sweating, muscle cramps, stomach pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, and seizure (convulsions). Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Side effects such as sedation and unsteadiness increased with age. It should, therefore, not be administered to a drunk or intoxicated person. The prolonged sedation from lorazepam may, however, be an acceptable trade-off for its reliable duration of effects, particularly if the patient needs to be transferred to another facility. This contrasts with the highly lipid-soluble diazepam, which, although rapidly absorbed orally or rectally, soon redistributes from the serum to other parts of the body, in particular body fat. Lorazepam is sometimes used as an alternative to midazolam in palliative sedation.

Wednesday 20 April 2011

This may reinforce psychological dependence.

The risk and severity of withdrawal is increased with long-term use, use of high doses, abrupt or over-rapid reduction, among other factors. Its relatively potent amnesic effect, with its anxiolytic and sedative effects, makes lorazepam useful as premedication. edit WithdrawalOn abrupt, or overly rapid discontinuation of lorazepam, anxiety and signs of physical withdrawal have been observed, similar to those seen on withdrawal from alcohol and barbiturates. The above product is reacted with methylamine, as in the case of chlordiazepoxide, this leads to rearrangement and a ring expansion, forming 7-chloro-2-methylamino-5-(2′-chlorphenyl)-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-4-oxide. Cognitive impairment, behavioural disinhibition and respiratory depression as well as hypotension may also occur. In medicinal form, lorazepam is mainly available as tablets and a solution for injection, but, in some locations, it is also available as a skin patch, an oral solution, and a sublingual tablet. As lorazepam can have paradoxical effects, haloperidol is sometimes given concomitantly. However, in critically ill patients, propofol has been found to be superior to lorazepam both in effectiveness and overall cost; as a result, the use of propofol for this indication is now encouraged, whereas the use of lorazepam for this indication is discouraged. The ease of addiction to Lorazepam, (the Ativan brand was particularly cited), and its withdrawal were brought to the attention of the British public during the early 1980s in Esther Rantzen's BBC TV series "That's Life!", in a feature on the drug over a number of episodes. edit Other useSee also: Nonmedical benzodiazepine drug useLorazepam is also used for other purposes.

Coming off long-term lorazepam may be more realistically achieved by a gradual switch to an equivalent dose of diazepam, a period of stabilization on this and only then initiating dose reductions.

A large-scale, nationwide, U. If regular treatment is continued for longer than this, dose increases may be necessary to maintain effects, but treatment-resistant symptoms may in fact be benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms. Lorazepam is more effective than diazepam in the treatment of status epilepticus. What is Ativan?Ativan is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). edit PharmacokineticsLorazepam is highly protein bound and is extensively metabolised into pharmacologically inactive metabolites. Neonatal benzodiazepine withdrawal may include hypotonia, reluctance to suck, apneic spells, cyanosis, and impaired metabolic responses to cold stress. On discontinuation, lorazepam serum levels become negligible after 3 days and undetectable after about a week. If any benzodiazepine has been used long-term, the recommendation is a gradual dose taper over a period of weeks, months or longer, according to dose and duration of use, degree of dependence and the individual. T. Ativan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Tuesday 19 April 2011

edit Special groups and situations* Children and the elderly – The safety and effectiveness of lorazepam is not well determined in children under 18 years of age, but it is used to treat acute seizures.

Benzodiazepines, however, do not on their own enhance the GABAA receptors but require the neurotransmitter GABA to be present. Lorazepam (initially marketed under the brand names Ativan and Temesta) is a high-potency short-to-intermediate-acting 3-hydroxy benzodiazepine drug that has all five intrinsic benzodiazepine effects: anxiolytic, amnesic, sedative/hypnotic, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking Ativan. What are the possible side effects of Ativan?Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Ativan: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. gov/buyonlineguideBefore taking AtivanDo not use this medication if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are allergic to Ativan or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), or oxazepam (Serax). Also used to treat acute symptoms of vertigo and dizziness for people with Ménière's disease. Paradoxical effects are more likely to occur with higher doses, in patients with pre-existing personality disorders and those with a psychiatric illness. Therefore, impaired liver function is unlikely to result in lorazepam accumulation to an extent causing adverse reactions. Lorazepam tablets and syrups are administered by mouth only. Symptoms of floppy infant syndrome and the neonatal benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome have been reported to persist from hours to months after birth.

Weight exercise much my eat up if as

Thanks, Paige, for bringing us the awareness and providing us with helpful information on avoiding and recovering from exercise injuries. Some people when they are trying to loose weight they make the mistake of not eating breakfast. Simple, nutritious meals that are healthy & tasty. The ball at the toe encourages you to use your toes around it as you walk and squat…very necessary for skating, but also for healthy strong feet in general. How to Do the Pull Up and Chin Up ExercisesPull Ups and Chin Ups for Bac.

Exercise is great, but like all things, in moderation. If anyone is over or under weigh please practice eating and exercising as healthily as you can and IN TIME you will GAIN SELFCONFIDENCE, have LESS HEALTH PROBLEMS, LIVE LONGER, be more likely to be HAPPIER, and be MORE LIKLEY TO ATTRACT A BETTER MAN. After intense exercise, the body needs extra calories as it works to repair muscles, replace energy stores (i. Challenge:Add one set and heavier weight (if youre using weight) Intermediate/Advanced: Total Gym Workout. Youll need to get creative to fit in exercise and my survival guide.

I think it is more of what form of exercise we do and when. How can I loose this weight in two months without starving myself, wearing myself out, or stunting my growth (I’m also on a growth spurt. I plug into my iPod and pretty much am able to tune most things out, but I’m definitely bugged by people who don’t wipe the sweat off machines and mats and especially by those who don’t put their weights away after use. It is just another case of looking for the easy way to weightloss and fitness. WELL IM 14 I WEIGHT ABOUT 120 IM 5′3 I NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT…WELL I REALY JUST NEED TO BE FIT WITH CURVES BY MY 15 WITCH IS IN NOVEMBER…PLEASE HELP! I wanna lose weight realy bad,in my hips. I eat pretty much what I want to, and if I see an increase in weight, and more fatty tissue on my body, then I’ll increase my workouts.

Eating Disorders in AthletesAnorexiaBulimiaCompulsive Exercise. If you are on a 1200 calorie diet, and you eat two of them, that only leaves you with 800 calories for the rest of the day, not to mention a doughnut or two isn’t going to fill you up and you won’t make it to lunch without starving.

Tuesday 12 April 2011

An example would be the inappropriate use to relieve anxiety associated with acute severe asthma.

Lorazepam-glucuronide is more water-soluble than its precursor and, therefore, gets more widely distributed in the body, leading to a longer half-life than lorazepam. Long-term effects of benzodiazepines include tolerance, dependence, a benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome and cognitive impairments which may not completely reverse after cessation of treatment; however, for most patients, cognitive impairment is not severe. Lorazepam is more effective than diazepam in the treatment of status epilepticus. Males and females use benzodiazepines for nonmedical purposes equally. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or visit www. e. Also used to treat acute symptoms of vertigo and dizziness for people with MГ©niГЁre's disease. edit PharmacologyLorazepam has anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, amnesic, anticonvulsant as well as muscle relaxant properties. Lorazepam injectable solution is administered either by deep intramuscular injection or by intravenous injection. The likelihood of dependence is relatively high with lorazepam compared to other benzodiazepines.

Friday 8 April 2011

edit PharmacologyLorazepam has anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, amnesic, anticonvulsant as well as muscle relaxant properties.

On regular administration diazepam will, however, accumulate more, since it has a longer half-life and active metabolites with even longer half-lives. The concern is that, though relatively nontoxic in themselvesverification needed, benzodiazepines may inadvertently become facilitators of suicidal behaviour. Although lorazepam is not necessarily better than diazepam at initially terminating seizures, lorazepam is, nevertheless, replacing diazepam as the intravenous agent of choice in status epilepticus. Also used to treat acute symptoms of vertigo and dizziness for people with Ménière's disease. Before taking Ativan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:* glaucoma; * asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems; * kidney or liver disease; * a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or * a history of drug or alcohol addiction. The combination with alcohol increases these impairments. The injectable solution comes in 1 mL ampoules containing 2 mg or 4 mg lorazepam. If any benzodiazepine has been used long-term, the recommendation is a gradual dose taper over a period of weeks, months or longer, according to dose and duration of use, degree of dependence and the individual. If a patient is known to usually stop convulsing after only one or two diazepam doses, diazepam may be preferable because sedative after-effects will be less than if a single dose of lorazepam is given (diazepam anticonvulsant/sedative effects wear off after 15–30 minutes, but lorazepam effects last 12–24 hours). A clinically relevant lorazepam dose will normally be effective for 6 to 12 hours, making it unsuitable for regular once-daily administration, so it is usually prescribed as two to four daily doses when taken regularly.

Thursday 7 April 2011

Ativan should be used for only a short time.

S. Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Lorazepam (initially marketed under the brand names Ativan and Temesta) is a high-potency short-to-intermediate-acting 3-hydroxy benzodiazepine drug that has all five intrinsic benzodiazepine effects: anxiolytic, amnesic, sedative/hypnotic, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant. Lorazepam, as with other benzodiazepine drugs, can cause physical dependence, addiction, and what is known as the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Ativan can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Lorazepam is sometimes used as an alternative to haloperidol when there is the need for rapid sedation of violent or agitated individuals, but haloperidol plus promethazine is preferred due to better effectiveness and due to lorazepam's adverse effects on respiratory function. edit Special groups and situations* Children and the elderly – The safety and effectiveness of lorazepam is not well determined in children under 18 years of age, but it is used to treat acute seizures. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Ativan. * Acute narrow-angle glaucoma – Lorazepam has pupil-dilating effects, which may further interfere with the drainage of aqueous humour from the anterior chamber of the eye, thus worsening narrow-angle glaucoma. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Due to its poor lipid solubility lorazepam is absorbed relatively slowly by mouth and is unsuitable for rectal administration.

It may further reduce the patient's ability to protect his or her airway during sleep. nausea and vomiting caused or worsened by psychological sensitization to the thought of being sick. It takes approximately 18–36 hours for the benzodiazepine to remove itself from the body. Such allegations may arise because of incomplete amnesia, disinhibition, and impaired ability to process cues. This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Ativan. Lorazepam (initially marketed under the brand names Ativan and Temesta) is a high-potency short-to-intermediate-acting 3-hydroxy benzodiazepine drug that has all five intrinsic benzodiazepine effects: anxiolytic, amnesic, sedative/hypnotic, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant. Recreational use, wherein the drug is taken to achieve a high, or when the drug is continued long term against medical advice. Peak effects roughly coincide with peak serum levels, which occur 10 minutes after intravenous injection, up to 60 minutes after intramuscular injection, and 90 to 120 minutes after oral administration, but initial effects will be noted before this. Otherwise, management is by observation, including of vital signs, support and, only if necessary, considering the hazards of doing so, giving intravenous flumazenil. 2-amino-2′,5-dichlorobenzophenone is reacted with hydroxylamine.

Tuesday 5 April 2011

J.

Full lists of Lorazepam side effects:For lists of lorazepam side effects, refer to the manufacturers' data sheets. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. * Surgical premedication – Informed consent that was given only after receiving lorazepam premedication could have its validity challenged later. In intensive care units lorazepam is sometimes used to produce anxiolysis, hypnosis, and amnesia. Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. They should also not drive, operate machinery, or use alcohol within this period. Lorazepam appears to have more profound adverse effects on memory than other benzodiazepines; lorazepam impairs both explicit memory and implicit memory. An example would be the inappropriate use to relieve anxiety associated with acute severe asthma. Of drugs used in attempted suicide, benzodiazepines are the most commonly used pharmaceutical drug, with 26% of attempted suicides involving benzodiazepines. Do not use Ativan if you are pregnant.

This medication can increase the effects of alcohol.

Lorazepam is sometimes used as an alternative to midazolam in palliative sedation. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. * Drug and alcohol dependence – There is an increased risk of abuse of lorazepam. Pure lorazepam is an almost white powder that is nearly insoluble in water and oil. Ativan overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, fainting, or coma. Because of its high potency, the smallest lorazepam tablet strength of 0. C. Ativan should be used for only a short time. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.