Adverse Effects, Nursing and Administration Considerations
Neurologic |
Drowsiness |
Dizziness |
Hangover |
Sedation |
Lethergy |
Paradoxical excitation |
Depression |
Tolerance |
Serious Physiological (Older Clients/ Extended Use) |
Confusion |
Agitation |
Hallucinations |
Rebound syndrome if stopped abruptly |
Excessive use or abuse |
Respiratory depression |
- |
- |
Hematological |
Blood dyscrasia |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
G.I. |
Hepatotoxicity |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Cardio |
Transient hypotension upon standing |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(Clayton & Willihnganz, 2017).
("Are Ativan and Other Anti-Anxiety Medications Killing Celebrities," 2017).
|
Nursing Considerations
|
Administration
IV |
IM |
PO |
Maintain patients who receive parenteral benzodiazepines in bed for at least 3 hours to ensure patient safety and monitor respirations every 10 to 15 minutes |
IM injections are painful and erratically absorbed. If IM is used inject deeply into deltoid muscle for maximum absorption |
Tablets may be crushed and taken with food or water if patient has trouble swallowing |
If opioid analgesics are used concurrently both the opioid and the benzodiazepine need to be titrated to dose effect |
Provide safety measures (e.g. adequate lighting, raised side rails, etc.) to prevent injury |
- |
Use lowest effective dose. Taper by 2 mg every 3 days to decrease withdrawal symptoms. Some patients may require longer taper periods |
Educate client on drug therapy to promote compliance |
- |
(Clayton & Willihnganz, 2017).