Why would a doctor prescribe Ativan for someone with COPD?
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Q: Ativan and COPD
Answers (1)
8/31/09 3:34am
Hello... Ativan is a medication used most commonly to treat anxiety disorders. But doctors may prescribe it for other reasons too, so the best person to ask about this is the doctor for the person who has been prescribed the Ativan.
People with COPD do often become anxious and/or depressed, so a prescription for Ativan in someone with COPD is not far-fetched. However, it is a medication that can become habit forming, so it should be used only as prescribed. Also, Ativan should NEVER be mixed with alcohol.
Your pharmacist is another great source of information when you're wondering why a drug might have been prescribed.
To your health,
Kathi
9/11/09 10:38am
Without knowing everything that is going on at your end, I can tell you that it would be highly unusual, if not dangerous, to be taking Ativan every single hour. And it is definitely not a breathing medicine. So I'd encourage you to advocate for your dad and open that can of worms. You have his best interest at heart!
2/ 2/11 12:33am
Ativan is an antianxiety med that is often used for people with endstage lung issues, especially COPD and some cancer. When one has difficulty breathing, they become anxious, which increases the difficulty breathing. Ativan breaks the cycle allowing people to breathe better. Every 1 hour would only be used at the end of life for severe problems. Not enough info to know wha tis going on. Are they dying? If so morphine givne every 1 hour would be appropriate. Why not ask her for an explanation.
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i'm trying to find out why my stepsister(his at home nurse) would give it to my father every hour and told him it would help him breath. before i ask a doctor and open up a can of worms with my family