Lorazepam
From Drug Rehab Wiki
Lorazepam (pronounced lor a' ze pam) is a drug in the benzodiazepine family that slows brain activity. It is commonly sold under the trademarked name "Ativan," and used to treat anxiety, epilepsy, muscle spasms, insomnia, nausea from undergoing chemotherapy, and irritable bowel syndrome. Since Lorazepam is similar to alcohol in the way it affects the brain, it is frequently prescribed to people in chemical detoxification for alcoholism. It prevents them from having seizures.
Like all benzodiazepines, Lorazepam is habit-forming. Therefore, its manufacturer recommends that people do not take it for more than four months. Lorazepam comes in tablet and liquid form, and is short-acting, with effects lasting ten to 20 hours. One problem with Lorazepam is that it is very hard to reduce the dose by a small amount, and all its doses are strong.
Side effects can be drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, weakness, dry mouth, diarrhea, nausea, changes in appetite, restlessness or excitement, constipation, difficulty urinating, frequent urination, blurred vision, and/or changes in sex drive or ability. People can have severe reactions that include symptoms like tremors, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat and fever should seek medical help. People who take too much of this drug can experience confusion, weakness, and even go into comas and die. Lorazepam can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. It also interacts with many common drugs, such as antihistamines, cold remedies, other benzodiazepines, tranquilizers, and sleep aids.
Lorazepam is illegally sold over the Internet without prescriptions from doctors. Investigators found that some of the pills sold that way did not even contain any Lorazepam.
Many people have become chemically dependent on Lorazepam, and experienced severe symptoms such as psychosis and seizures when they tried to withdraw on their own. Some who withdrew too suddenly have even died, because the drug works in the brain. Medical professionals can help people go through Lorazepam withdrawal by gradually reducing their dosages or substituting other medications. Typical withdrawal symptoms can be tremors, sweating, cramps, stomach pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts and behaviors, and seizures. Other symptoms can be aching, agoraphobia, anxiety, blurred vision, body vibrations, changes in perception, diarrhea, feeling of unreality, flu-like symptoms, flatulence, food cravings, hair loss, heart palpitations, heavy limbs, increased allergies, increased sense of smell, insomnia, lethargy, loss of balance, metallic taste, muscle spasms, nightmares, panic attacks, paranoia, persistent and unpleasant memories, severe headaches, short term memory loss, sore mouth and tongue, sound and light sensitivity, speech difficulties, sweating, suicidal thoughts, tinnitus, unusually sensitive, and fear.
Lorazepam is also called Temesta.
