Understanding How Ativan Works in the Body
It is thought that Ativan, like all benzodiazepine medications, enhances the effects of GABA receptors at various points in the central nervous system. Since GABA is a powerful inhibitory neurotransmitter, this is why Ativan is used for many applications for sedation and calming symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks.
Ativan is also used to quickly tranquilize an agitated person, used before surgery as a sedative, in acute alcohol withdrawal, in treating pre-chemotherapy associated nausea, insomnia, and is used in many other off label purposes.
Ativan is well absorbed when taken orally, and reaches 90% peak concentration in about 2 hours. Taken intravenously or intramuscularly via injection, the onset of effects is much quicker. When given in IV form, it takes between 1 and 3 minutes to take effect, and if injected, onset time ranges from 15-30 minutes.
Benzodiazepines cause respiratory depression, and when taken at high dosages, or in combination with other depressants such as opioids, kratom, or alcohol, the results can be catastrophic leading to coma and even death.
Benzodiazepines also may cause slurred speech, induce drowsiness, and can affect many other functions relating to the central nervous system. Below you will find a more complete description of how Ativan can affect different areas of the body.
Common Side Effects of Ativan
A person taking Ativan may experience mild to more severe side effects and these can differ greatly from person to person. In addition to sedation, there can be paradoxical side effects which can have unexpected stimulatory effects.4-6
These are commonly reported side effects of Ativan:
- Sedation
- Slowed breathing
- Muscle relaxation
- Dizziness
- Physical weakness, asthenia
- Inability to control muscles, clumsiness, ataxia
- Hypotension
- Tiredness, fatigue
- Amnesia
- Confusion
- Irritability, unusual emotional mood swings
- Sexual dysfunction
- Menstrual irregularities
- Double vision, burred vision
- Slurred speech
- Hoarseness
- Appetite changes
- Constipation
- Incontinence
- Urinary retention
More severe side effects of Ativan which are less common can include:
- Suicidality
- Respiratory failure
- Seizures
- Abnormal changes in behavior
- Impaired cognitive function, most notably in the elderly
- Memory loss
- Respiratory failure
- Tolerance, dependency and potential for abuse
- Withdrawals when the medication is stopped
- Involuntary muscle movements, dystonia
- Fainting, orthostatic hypotension after rising from a seated or laying position
- Changes in white or red blood cells
- Liver damage, jaundice
- Paradoxical reaction s(hyperactive and aggressive behavior, agitation, heightened anxiety, racing heart beat at rest)
- When combined with other CNS depressants such as opioids, coma or death
- Cognitive decline, delirium, psychosis
- Cardiac impairment
- Abnormal metabolism of fat
Does Ativan Cause Low Blood Pressure?
So is there a connection between taking Ativan and low blood pressure? While more research is called for, a note of caution is worth mentioning here, particularly in the elderly. In this population, and in other at-risk persons, benzodiazepines like Ativan can contribute to orthostatic hypotension. As a result, this population may experience more falls, due to symptoms like dizziness and loss of balance. When a person is taking other medications such as Ativan, that depress the central nervous system these drops in blood pressure, and other symptoms related to low blood pressure can be more pronounced, and more frequent.
It is important to note that in general, people with low blood pressure do not experience symptoms unless there is such a decrease in the pumping action of the heart, and insufficient circulation, that the blood cannot reach the vital organs that need it.1,2,3
When to Speak to a Health Care Professional
If you are experiencing ongoing problems like dizziness, feeling lightheaded, blurred vision or other symptoms it is time to seek a healthcare provider who can test for hypotension or rule it out.
If you are currently taking Ativan or any benzodiazepine, and are experiencing symptoms that fit the description of hypotension, do not stop taking Ativan abruptly, Seek guidance from your medical care professionals, who can help determine whether it is recommended to slowly taper off Ativan or other recommendations to help resolve the situation.
Researchers have discovered some non-drug-based strategies have proven helpful in reducing orthostatic hypotension, thus preventing unnecessary falls or other outcomes without additional drug side effects. Exercise, sleeping position, dietary changes, and other interventions have shown promise in clinical trials. 9
Safer Alternatives for Managing Anxiety
Alternative to Meds Center offers effective and safe holistic treatment options for anxiety, as well as safe and gradual benzodiazepine tapering. Using orthomolecular and naturopathic support for medication withdrawal, the process is gentle and avoids the typically intolerable nature of benzodiazepine discontinuation.
Much research backs the holistic approach to managing and reducing symptoms of anxiety, pointing to cognitive behavioral and other genres of counseling, exercise, herbal and nutritional applications, and many others that do not carry the same risks and side effects associated with medication-based approaches.7,8
We would encourage you to read further about the specific treatment programs and strategies that are used at the center to help those who are looking for safer alternatives to Ativan, or other anti-anxiety treatment options that do not rely on medication for results.
However, some persons with low blood pressure may often feel dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue. A person with hypotension may experience such symptoms chronically, and others may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure, below 90 on the blood pressure scale. This is called orthostatic hypotension which typically occurs after standing for a long time, or when rising from a seated or lying position. Orthostatic hypotension happens suddenly and can make you feel faint, like you may pass out, can cause blurred vision, can cause dizziness or a spinning sensation.
