ATIVAN TABLETS 2.5MG (Bottle of 50)

Category: Prescription Drug

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ATIVAN is used to relieve anxiety. However anxiety or tension associated with the normal stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with medicines.

ATIVAN is also used before surgery to help relax you.

Your doctor, however, may have prescribed ATIVAN for another purpose. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why ATIVAN has been prescribed for you.

ATIVAN belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. They are thought to work by their action on brain chemicals.

In general, benzodiazepines such as ATIVAN should be taken for short periods only (for example 2 – 4 weeks). Continuous long term use is not recommended unless advised by your doctor. The use of benzodiazepines may lead to dependence on the medicine.

This medicine is available only with a doctor`s prescription.

How much to take

The dose of ATIVAN may be different for each person. Your doctor will decide the right dose for you.

For anxiety, the usual daily dose is 2 to 3 mg administered in divided doses. However, the daily dose can range from 1 to 10 mg.

For sleeping problems (insomnia) due to anxiety, a dose of 1 to 2 mg taken at bedtime is usually prescribed.

If you are taking ATIVAN before surgery the usual dose is 2 to 4 mg the night before surgery. Another dose of 2 to 4 mg may also be given 1 to 2 hours before surgery.

Elderly people may need a lower dose.

How to take it

Swallow ATIVAN with a glass of water.

ATIVAN may be taken with or without food.

When to take it

Your doctor will tell you how many times during the day you need to take ATIVAN.

How long to take it

Do not take ATIVAN for longer than your doctor says.

ATIVAN is usually used for short periods only (for example 2-4 weeks). Continuous long term use is not recommended unless advised by your doctor. The use of benzodiazepines may lead to dependence on the medicine.

Continue taking ATIVAN as long as your doctor recommends it.

If you forget to take it

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking it as you would normally.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

If you have missed more than two doses in a row, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are unsure about whether to take your next dose, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist for some hints.

If you are taking ATIVAN for insomnia due to anxiety and forget to take ATIVAN before you go to bed, do not take any ATIVAN if you wake up late in the night or early morning.

Taking ATIVAN late at night or early in the morning may make it hard for you to wake in the morning. If you have any questions about this, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take too much (overdose)

Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or go to casualty at your nearest hospital, if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much ATIVAN. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. Also report any other medicine or alcohol which has been taken. You may need urgent medical attention. Keep telephone numbers for these places handy.

If you take too much ATIVAN you may feel drowsy, confused, tired, dizzy, have difficulty breathing, feel weak or become unconscious.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in ATIVAN is lorazepam.

Each ATIVAN 1mg tablet contains 1 mg lorazepam

Each ATIVAN 2.5 mg tablet contains 2.5 mg lorazepam.

ATIVAN 1 mg and 2.5 mg tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients:

• magnesium stearate
• microcrystalline cellulose
• polacrilin potassium
• lactose

ATIVAN 2.5 mg tablets also contain iron oxide yellow (172*) and quinoline yellow (104*) as colouring agents.

(*) These numbers follow the Australian Food Standard Code.

ATIVAN does not contain gluten, sucrose, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.