Lorazepam (Ativan) is primarily used to relieve the symptoms of anxiety. As a benzodiazepine, it has central nervous system (CNS) depressing properties and works on the brain to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Let’s explore the effects of lorazepam on different organs.
This medication can also affect the heart, kidneys, and respiratory system. Healthcare professionals sometimes prescribe Ativan tablets to manage temporary situational stress and insomnia in adult patients.
Taken by mouth, Lorazepam 2 mg Tablets can slow down abnormal nerve activity, providing relaxation during intense panic attacks. It is metabolized by the liver to inactive metabolites making it well tolerated by patients with liver diseases or organ dysfunction.
Effects of Lorazepam on the Brain
The effects of Lorazepam on the brain and nerves are powerful. It can relieve symptoms of anxiety and sudden panic attacks by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which calms the nervous system and reduces anxious feelings and physical symptoms like muscle tension.
Both tablet and oral forms start working within 30 to 40 minutes of intake in patients with average metabolism. The full sedative effects on the brain can last for around 6 to 8 hours. As a result, you may feel sleepy (drowsy) during the daytime.
However, with long-term use, the Effects Of Ativan on the brain can become negative, potentially leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and slower reaction times. Also, even when used short-term, for 3-4 weeks, it can cause various physical and physiological side effects, like most CNS depressant drugs.
The common short-term Ativan side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Feeling unsteady
- Weakness
- Low blood pressure
- Depression
- Confusion
These side effects arise from the short-term effects of this medication on the brain. However, as a potent benzodiazepine, its long-term use has been linked to multiple cognitive deficits, including slowed processing speed and reduced verbal learning, particularly in children and adolescents.
When used as directed, Lorazepam 2mg can be an effective tool in the management of anxiety. At optimal doses, it helps to decrease abnormal brain activity by enhancing the GABA effects, and its CNS depressing effects can help reduce panic and anxiety conditions for a long time without any side effects. However, this medication can cause severe long-term side effects on the brain and body if used without a prescription, in higher doses, or too frequently.
Long-term side effects of this medication include:
- Cognitive impairment
- Increased risk of dementia
- Tolerance
- Physical and physiological dependence
- Addiction
Effect of Lorazepam on Heart Rate
In some patients, this medication in tablet form may cause significant changes in heartbeat. It can significantly slow your heart rate and blood pressure. Also, when used intravenously in hospital settings, it has shown notable effects on patients’ heart rate. Interestingly, the effects are mostly dose-dependent.
According to studies, these effects on heart rate are mostly observed when the patients are at rest, rather than under mental stress. It is also interesting to note that these effects are not due to respiratory changes, meaning that Lorazepam can directly influence parasympathetic activity, which controls heart rate, as well as kidney and digestive functions.
Effects of Lorazepam on Blood Pressure
This medication can sometimes dangerously lower your blood pressure, leading to a condition called hypotension, particularly in elderly patients. This is because of the drug’s disrupting effects on the circulatory system, especially in cases of overdoses. It can also cause CNS and respiratory depression, potentially leading to reduced blood pressure.
Low blood pressure is a common symptom reported by patients who use this medication, even for a short time. In many cases, it may resolve on its own without medical treatment. However, if you experience dangerously severe weakness, body pain, tenderness, muscle weakness, or episodes of fainting, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
Lorazepam Effects on pregnancy
This medication is a benzodiazepine that can cause certain effects on the mother’s body as well as on the child if used when you are pregnant. If you are pregnant and have been taking this drug to manage anxiety for a long time, consult your doctor to switch to a safer alternative specifically for your pregnancy.
Even the use of pregnancy Ativan For a Long Time may lead to serious withdrawal effects on the child. It also might increase the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight. The medication is excreted out through breast milk in smaller amounts, so if the infant is exposed to high doses of the drug, especially if the child is premature, problems may arise.
The withdrawal effects of lorazepam on fetus include:
- Uncontrollable crying
- Irritability
- Trouble breathing
- Muscle weakness
- Tremors
- Sleep disturbances
- Jitteriness
It is important to take this medication as prescribed to manage anxiety safely. When used at effective doses, the effects of this drug on the body and organs can be positive, helping to treat anxiety symptoms without disrupting your daily life. Following the prescription and your doctor’s instructions is necessary, if you have any doubts, talk to your pharmacist.
FAQs on Effects of lorazepam on different organs
Q. What organs does Lorazepam affect?
Ans. This benzodiazepine anti-anxiety drug works on the brain to relieve anxiety symptoms. It may also have effects on your heart, kidneys, and liver.
Q. Is Lorazepam bad for your liver or kidneys?
Ans. It may lead to liver injury if the immediate metabolites of this medication are produced and interact with the hepatic system. Apart from that, this medication is well tolerated in patients with advanced liver diseases. Also, if used long-term, it may affect your kidneys badly and cause urinary problems.
Q. What does Lorazepam do to your heart?
Ans. This medication can cause long-term effects on your heart if used frequently. If it is used for a long period, there can be serious consequences to your heart and blood pressure which may include, cardiac arrest, changes in your heart rate, chronic lower blood pressure (hypotension), and heart rhythm issues.
Q. Does Lorazepam lower oxygen levels?
Ans. This medication can cause serious respiratory depression in some patients. Those with existing breathing problems must take extra care while using Ativan to manage anxiety. Serious drug interactions can also occur. Signs of respiratory depression after taking this medication may include slow or shallow breaths, which can lead to low oxygen levels in the body.
