Lorazepam Research Paper

In the United States as well as other surround countries many people are diagnosed with a mental disorder each year. One very common disorder is an anxiety disorder. There are seven particular types of anxiety disorders that a person can be diagnosed with. Medications do not cure the primary problem of anxiety but can help calm an individual’s symptoms by affecting particular regions of the brain. A prescription drug known as Lorazepam, (also known, as Ativan) is an effective way to help treat symptoms associated with anxiety. Lorazepam like every other drug has a history, mechanism of action, adverse effects, contraindictions, a possibility of overdose, dependence, withdrawal and multiple alternatives.
According to Adams M, Holland N, …show more content…
According to Adams M, Holland N, and Urban C, “Lorazepam is one of the most potent benzodiazepines.”1 Potent is described as, “ a drug that will produce a therapeutic effect at a lower dose, compared to other drugs in the same class.” 6 Even though Lorazepam is very potent it still has adverse effects just like every other drug. Furthermore Adams M, Holland N, and Urban C mention, “the most common adverse effects of Lorazepam are drowsiness and sedation.”1 Additonally they add, “when given in higher doses or by the intravenous route, more severe effects may be observed.”1 Adams M, Holland N, and Urban C furthermore list the major adverse affects, “amnesia (memory loss), weakness, disorientation, ataxia (loss of managing actions of the body), sleep disturbance, blood pressure changes, blurred vision, double vision, nausea, and …show more content…
Lance Longo, a medical doctor, states, “alternatives to benzodiazepines such as Ativan may include antidepressants or nonpharmacologic strategies.”7 An individual that is suffering from anxiety may be experiencing a commonly associated symptom called depression.1 Antidepressants are often prescribed since they help prevent depression as well as anxiety.1 Nonpharmacologic strategies are also another alternative for Lorazepam. Adams M, Holland N, and Urban C. point out, “nonpharmacologic strategies can include, cognitive-behavioral therapy, counseling, biofeedback techniques, and other complementary

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