Ativan is the commercial name for Lorazepam which is classified as a benzodiazepine based medication. Ativan is frequently sold as Tranqipam, Tran-Qil in South Africa as a prescribed drug used for anxiety, insomnia, sedation, seizure related symptoms.
Facts on anxiety, insomnia, sedation, seizure medications
Ativan is schedule 5 controlled medication classed as benzodiazepine used for anxiety, insomnia, sedation, seizure. This elevated scheduling in South Africa means that any medical doctors prescribing or dispensing benzodiazepines like (Ativan, Tranqipam, Tran-Qil) which contain Lorazepam must maintain a register of prescriptions as it is highly controlled substance in South African legislation.
The motivation for scheduling Lorazepam, Tranqipam, Tran-Qil and other benzodiazepine medications is due to the fact that psychoactive drugs like Ativan effect on the chemical composition of the nervous system and brain and are capable of influencing your emotions, mind and behaviours.
Psychoactive medications like Lorazepam show addictive properties (even if used as directed) and the medication may impair or impede cognitive abilities. Thus, Ativan must only be administered as recommended by your medical professional.
Mixing Ativan with other alcohol or drugs has a significant potential to cause adverse reactions that increase the likelihood of overdoses or death.
What does Ativan do?
Ativan attaches to benzodiazepine receptors in your nervous system and brain. This boosts the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) chemicals. This process produces a deactivated effect in your brain. Lorazepam is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and it can often be provided for it’s sedative effects on people.
As the intent of Ativan slows down your nervous system and you can enter more relaxed states of wellbeing. This de-activated state is the primary draw factor for many individuals that struggle with underlying or constant modes of anxiety and stress in their life that are the root causation of the anxiety, insomnia, sedation, seizure symptoms.
Unfortunately, it won’t take your body long to figure out that Ativan, Tranqipam, Tran-Qil work in diminishing many anxiety, insomnia, sedation, seizure symptoms. For this reason so many people become addicted to Ativan while even when using it as directed by your doctor. The tolerance to and withdrawal cycle from Lorazepam builds relatively rapidly thus so does the drive for upping the the recommended dosage.
Ativan used to treat anxiety, insomnia, sedation, seizure
Many people that struggle with anxiety, insomnia, sedation, seizure can find short to medium term relief in Lorazepam (Ativan, Tranqipam, Tran-Qil) prescriptions. In most cases, benzodiazepines like Ativan are a temporary solution which ought to be employed in conjunction with talk therapy and lifestyle adjustments to best manage the underlying causes of anxiety, insomnia, sedation, seizure symptoms. This most often includes longer-term adjustments to your mental health, diet and sleep.
Ativan is most often taken orally in a tablet or suspension form. Many benzodiazepines come in two delivery option, immediate-release and extended-release. In many cases, Ativan will remain in your body for as much as 10 days or five “half-lives” to metabolise Lorazepam from the body. Short acting benzodiazepines maintain a short half-life meaning that they are processed faster by the body. Conversely, long-acting benzodiazepines take longer to be metabolised by the body.
Ativan Withdrawal and Detox
Even when used as suggested, Ativan can cause psychological or physical dependence/addiction. Once the addiction cycle begins, your body adapts and you will need to keep taking Ativan to prevent the withdrawal symptoms. Ativan can have a potentially dangerous withdrawal so you should never try to go “cold turkey” and should seek the advice of a professional before attempting to withdrawal from Ativan. Depending on how much Ativan you have been taking, an sudden withdrawal can spark a coma, seizure, and other potentially fatal scenarios.
Johannesburg’s leading mental wellness centre
Recovery Direct (Johannesburg) is a market-leading exclusive treatment centre which uses on specialised talk therapy in a highly confidential and exclusive care environment.
Treatment for the withdrawal of benzodiazepines like Lorazepam may require specialised care. The underlying drivers of many addictive behaviours can be traced back to psychological events in your life. Our counsellors help by understanding your unique needs and then helping you to find the best tools to move forward from where you are now to where you want to be.