Does Ativan Cause or Help Heart Palpitation?
Ativan or lorazepam is used mostly in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Ativan can help with heart palpitations which come from psychological disorders, but in other cases the impact is not studied well. However, benzodiazepines, the medication class to which Ativan belongs, have been studied for their effects on the heart.
For instance, clonazepam was found to be associated with clinical and psych-vegetative improvement. It positively changes the autonomic tone in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) [1].
The impact of other benzodiazepines on the heart is mixed. Diazepam can cause some patients to experience an increase in atrioventricular block [1]. On the other hand, it showed a significant increase in atrioventricular node conduction as well as sinus cycle shortening [1].
Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine also known as Xanax, can have a good influence on the heart in emergency cases. It can lower the risk of ventricular fibrillation following a heart attack. This arrhythmia can occur after reperfusion therapy. However, alprazolam effects are dependand on the dose [1].
However, some people have reported heart palpitations caused by Xanax.
What are heart palpitations?
Heart palpitations are sensations of rapid heart rate or irregular heartbeat. They are symptoms and are subjective to anyone. Nevertheless, heart palpitations are not to be ignored. Sometimes they can spread through the body and are felt in the chest, neck or throat [1].
Because palpitations are subjective they can manifest in various ways. They may feel like the heart is racing and pounding, or has missed a beat, or added an extra beat [1]. In some cases, the heart may speed up without any obvious reason, "skip a beat," or slow down [2].
In cardiology, heart palpitations are associated with abnormal heart rhythms, called arrhythmias. They can arise due to structural changes in the heart as well as from noncardiac conditions. Those can be linked to stress and hormones. Conditions which can cause heart palpitations include hyperthyroidism (high levels of thyroid hormones), Cushing syndrome (high cortisol levels) or diabetes mellitus [1]. The higher-mentioned diseases and as well as cardiac problems are the reasons why heart palpitations should not be ignored [2].
What is Ativan?
The active component of Ativan is lorazepam. This active substance belongs to the class of benzodiazepines, a group of drugs used in the treatment of some psychological conditions, including anxiety, seizures and insomnia. It works on the brain and causes a general neuronal calming effect. This effect is achieved by binding enhancement of a neurotransmitter, named GABA, responsible for the inhibition of neuronal activity.
Ativan is sold in two forms tablets and liquid solution, which is given as an injection in medical facilities. The liquid form can be given intramuscularly (into a muscle) or intravenously (into a vein).
Based on the nature of the benzodiazepines lorazepam is a drug with high addiction risk. Due to that, it is a controlled substance to prohibit any misuse attempts [2].
What are the risks and side effects of Ativan?
Ativan as a benzodiazepine can cause a range of side effects. Some of the more common side effects include weakness, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and drowsiness. Other less frequent not wanted effects are linked with the administration. Thus, Ativan injections can cause pain, redness, discoloration [1].
Mild side effects can be constipation, headache, nausea, and short-term swings in mood. Also, behaviour changes can occur causing restlessness, anger, or confusion. In some cases, patients can experience vision problems, such as blurry vision or double vision [1].
Although these are rare, Ativan can also cause serious side effects. These can be loss of memory, low blood pressure, anxiety, visual hallucinations, respiratory depression, and depression. In cases of abuse and overdosing lorazepam can lead to death, especially when combined with alcohol or opioids. With a long period of use comes a risk of physical dependence and withdrawal, when stopped. As with all medications, an allergic reaction can occur [1].
Benzodiazepine abuse has also been linked to serious conditions like Parkinson's disease or dementia.
What is the impact of Ativan on the heart?
Studies provide no direct answer on the cardiological impact of Ativan. Benzodiazepine medications have some serious side effects and potential interactions. That is the reason why the outcome of treatment in other conditions is difficult to test. Additionally, the drugs have a high addiction risk, which makes the research more difficult.
Ativan is a type of medication often used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and certain types of seizures. When heart palpitations arise on the grounds of this mental disorder treatment with lorazepam will be helpful.
