The drug lorazepam, which is what Ativan is made of, is a benzodiazepine. It is well known for helping people with anxiety disorders, insomnia caused by anxiety, and during some medical procedures as a sedative. Because it can boost the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel calm, it is very useful for treating conditions where your brain is overactive. Below we will discuss why is Ativan a controlled substance.
Ask Yourself Why Ativan Is A Controlled Substance.
In the United States, the Controlled Substances Act lists Ativan as a Schedule IV drug. This is the case because of the chance of abuse and dependence. Although Ativan has a lot of therapeutic benefits, its psychoactive properties can make people abuse it, and some people may become physically or mentally dependent on it.
In What Ways Does Taking Ativan Pose A Risk?
The main risks of taking Ativan are abusing it, becoming dependent on it (needing higher doses to have the same therapeutic effect), and developing tolerance. Withdrawal symptoms can happen when you stop taking the drug suddenly or lower your dose, which is a sign of physical dependence. Because of these risks, there must be strict rules in place to control prescribing and dispensing.
Ativan Is A Controlled Substance Mean For Prescribing And Using It?
Being labeled as a controlled substance means that there are strict rules about how it can be prescribed and given out. When prescribing Ativan, doctors must follow federal and state rules. These rules include limits on the amount that can be prescribed and the need for written or electronic prescriptions. Also, pharmacies have to keep very detailed records of what they give out to make sure it’s not misused.
As A Controlled Substance, What Are The Rules For Safe Use Of Ativan?
For safe Ativan use, doctors usually say to take the lowest dose that works for the shortest amount of time possible to lower the risks of dependence and withdrawal. Patients are told to carefully follow their prescription, not give their medicine to anyone else, and keep it in a safe place so that it doesn’t get used without permission.
What Other Medicines Are There For Conditions That Ativan Treats?
Because benzodiazepines like Ativan can cause side effects, doctors often look for other ways to treat anxiety and related conditions. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are two types of medications that can be used. Non-drug treatments include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and changes to one’s lifestyle.
How Can People Who Take Ativan Accept Withdrawal?
This helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and in the worst cases, seizures. Changing the patient from using controlled substances to other types of therapy may also be part of the treatment plan to help their mental health.
What Steps Are Being Taken To Stop People From Abusing Ativan?
Prescription monitoring programs, educational programs for healthcare providers and patients about the risks of benzodiazepines, and legal actions against illegal distribution are some of the regulatory steps that are taken to stop this. The goal of these efforts is to find a balance between Ativan’s therapeutic benefits and the need to keep its abuse and dependence to a minimum.
What We Concluded From Above?
Finally, the fact that Ativan is a controlled substance shows that it can be abused and lead to dependence, even though it can also be helpful for therapy. Because of this classification, it has to follow certain rules when it comes to prescription and use to keep patients safe. To use Ativan safely and reduce risks, it is important for both healthcare providers and patients to understand why it is classified as a certain drug and follow the guidelines for safe use. Now you have the knowledge that why is Ativan a controlled substance.