Ativan vs. Nortriptyline

• Are Nortriptyline and Ativan the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Ativan?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Nortriptyline?
• What is Ativan?
• What is Nortriptyline?
• What Drugs Interact with Ativan?
• What Drugs Interact with Nortriptyline?
• How Should Ativan Be Taken?
• How Should Nortriptyline Be Taken?

Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine used for the management of anxiety disorders, insomnia, panic attacks, and alcohol withdrawal.

Nortriptyline is a different type of drug called a tricyclic antidepressant used to relieve the symptoms of depression.

Most adverse reactions to benzodiazepines, including CNS effects and \respiratory depression, are dose dependent, with more severe effects occurring with high doses.

Common side effects of Ativan include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Muscle weakness
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Forgetfulness or amnesia
• Difficulty concentrating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Changes in appetite
• Skin rash

Common side effects of Nortriptyline include:

• fast heart rate,
• palpitations,
• blurred vision,
• urinary retention or urinary frequency,
• dry mouth,
• constipation,
• weight gain or loss,
• skin rash,
• confusion (especially in the elderly),
• anxiety,
• restlessness,
• insomnia,
• numbness or tingling of extremities,
• tremors,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• strange taste in mouth,
• abdominal cramps,
• breast enlargement,
• changes in sex drive,
• sweating,
• flushing,
• dizziness,
• weakness,
• fatigue,
• headache,
• high blood pressure, and
• low blood pressure on standing (orthostatic hypotension).

Ativan (lorazepam) is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic.

Nortriptyline hydrochloride is indicated for the relief of symptoms of depression.

Nortriptyline hydrochloride is not recommended for children.

Ativan produces increased central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects when administered with other CNS depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, antipsychotics, sedative/hypnotics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, narcotic analgesics, sedative antihistamines, anticonvulsants,and anesthetics

Do not take Nortriptyline if you:

• take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including the antibiotic linezolid.

Do not take an MAOI within 2 weeks of stopping Pamelor unless directed to do so by your physician.

Do not start Pamelor if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 2 weeks unless directed to do so by your physician.

Ativan (lorazepam) is administered orally. For optimal results, dose, frequency of administration, and duration of therapy should be individualized according to patient response. To facilitate this, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg tablets are available.

The usual range is 2 to 6 mg/day given in divided doses, the largest dose being taken before bedtime, but the daily dosage may vary from 1 to 10 mg/day.

For anxiety, most patients require an initial dose of 2 to 3 mg/day given two or three times a day.

For insomnia due to anxiety or transient situational stress, a single daily dose of 2 to 4 mg may be given, usually at bedtime.

For elderly or debilitated patients, an initial dosage of 1 to 2 mg/day in divided doses is recommended, to be adjusted as needed and tolerated.

The dosage of Ativan (lorazepam) should be increased gradually when needed to help avoid adverse effects. When higher dosage is indicated, the evening dose should be increased before the daytime doses.

Take Nortriptyline exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. Your healthcare provider will tell you how much Nortriptyline to take and when to take it. If you take too much Nortriptyline, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

Do not take more Nortriptyline than prescribed.