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
This medication has powerful effects on the brain and nerves. 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. Lorazepam effects on body and 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, lorazepam effects on brain can become negative. It can potentially lead 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 adverse effects of lorazepam include;
- Cognitive impairment
- Increased risk of dementia
- Tolerance
- Physical and physiological dependence
- Addiction
Effect of Lorazepam on sleep
The effects of this medication on sleep may include rebound side effects or worsening of the same symptoms that it was originally prescribed to treat. In particular, it can cause sleep disturbances when trying to discontinue the treatment suddenly.
This medication is commonly used to manage insomnia or sleeping problems caused by anxiety or stress. It is recommended to be prescribed for adults and children aged 12 years and older. However, a proper diagnosis of insomnia is needed for a medical prescription.
Since it is a benzodiazepine with several effects on the brain and nerves, the medication may lead to increased sedation if taken in larger amounts. Only a single dose is prescribed for sleep, between 2 to 4 mg before bedtime. Take it as prescribed to get relief from insomnia.
As already mentioned, the medication typically starts working within 15 to 30 minutes, inducing sleep. If you wake up during the night and face difficulty sleeping again, your doctor may allow you to take an extra dose to go back to sleep, perhaps a dosage of 1 or 2 mg.
When trying to stop the medication, the risk of experiencing rebound insomnia and other sleep-related withdrawal symptoms is higher in people who have been taking higher doses daily. Some may even experience abnormal body movements during their sleep.
Lorazepam’s effect on sleep may include;
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
- Rebound insomnia
Be sure to brief your symptoms to your doctor in every follow-up session.
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, lorazepam’s effect on heart rate is 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.
Lorazepam effects on blood pressure are commonly reported by patients, even with short-term use. 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
Is lorazepam bad for 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.
Effects of lorazepam in pregnancy include 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 the Body and Brain
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. Does Lorazepam lower blood pressure and heart rate?
Ans. Lorazepam heart palpitations are common in patients. If the medication 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.
