Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Ativan as follows:
- Ativan intake can be habit-forming and carries an abuse potential. The risk for addiction and abuse can be even higher, especially in individuals with history of substance abuse. Ativan must be used with extreme caution or avoided in such individuals, to prevent any abuse and toxic side-effects with Ativan use.
- Ativan use in expectant mothers could harm the unborn baby and result in pregnancy complications, such as, low birth weight baby, small head circumference, and preterm delivery. So, Ativan use should be avoided during pregnancy and in women planning to get pregnant.
- When taken together, Ativan can interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. Some medications, such as, oral contraceptives, some antibiotics, anti-GERD agents like omeprazole, inhibit the enzymes needed for the metabolism of Ativan. Concurrent administration of these medications with Ativan can inhibit the metabolism of ativan. Thus, ativan stays in the body for prolonged duration of time in comparison to normal and stand the risk of causing toxicity.
- Avoid taking Ativan with grapefruit juice, as it can also inhibit the enzymes needed for the metabolism of Ativan. Concurrent administration of grapefruit juice with ativan can inhibit the metabolism of ativan. Thus, ativan stays in the body for prolonged duration of time in comparison to normal and stand the risk of causing toxicity.
