See the DrugPatentWatch profile for ativan

Anxiety disorders are common mental health conditions that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Ativan (lorazepam) is a medication commonly prescribed to manage anxiety symptoms. However, there is some concern that increased anxiety dosing may be related to Ativan tolerance.

Tolerance occurs when the body becomes accustomed to a medication's effects, requiring higher doses to achieve the same result. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, Ativan is a benzodiazepine, a class of drugs known to cause tolerance and dependence with long-term use [1]. Therefore, it is possible that increased anxiety dosing may contribute to Ativan tolerance.

Research has shown that benzodiazepines can cause tolerance and dependence, even when taken as prescribed [2]. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that patients who took benzodiazepines for longer than four weeks were more likely to develop tolerance and dependence [3]. Additionally, a review of the literature published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine found that benzodiazepine tolerance and dependence can occur at therapeutic doses and are associated with various adverse outcomes [4].

It is important to note that increasing anxiety dosing without consulting a healthcare provider can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), taking higher-than-recommended doses of Ativan can cause respiratory depression, coma, and even death [5]. Therefore, it is essential to follow the dosage instructions provided by a healthcare provider and to seek medical attention if anxiety symptoms worsen or do not improve.

In summary, increased anxiety dosing may be related to Ativan tolerance. Ativan is a benzodiazepine medication known to cause tolerance and dependence with long-term use. Research has shown that benzodiazepine tolerance and dependence can occur at therapeutic doses and are associated with various adverse outcomes. It is essential to follow the dosage instructions provided by a healthcare provider and to seek medical attention if anxiety symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Ativan (lorazepam) Patents. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/ativan>
2. Baldwin, D. S., & Polmear, I. J. (2012). Benzodiazepines for anxiety disorders. BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), 345, e5151. <https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.e5151>
3. Lader, M. H., Tylee, A., & Donoghue, J. (2009). Withdrawing benzodiazepines in primary care. BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), 338, b1996. <https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.b1996>
4. Ashton, H. (2005). The diagnosis and management of benzodiazepine dependence. CNS Drugs, 19(5), 305-323. <https://doi.org/10.2165/00129784-200519050-00002>
5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2016). Ativan (lorazepam) Tablets and Injection Medication Guide. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/media/84560/download>