Dental treatment with Lorazepam (Ativan) sedation

PATIENT CONDUCT ON THE DAY OF THE DENTAL PROCEDURE

You must arrive 90 minutes prior to the dental appointment to receive the Lorazepam sedation from your dentist.

Eating and drinking prior to your appointment

It is important to have a meal on the day of your dental procedure, but you must not eat or drink 1 hour prior to Lorazepam sedation. This will mean you that you will not be able to eat for at least 2 ½ hours prior to the time scheduled for your dental procedure.

When you arrive for the Lorazepam sedation you must have an adult care giver with you who will:

• Stay with you from the time you receive the Lorazepam sedation, until you are taken into the dentist’s room;
• Be contactable by mobile phone for the duration of the dental treatment;
• Return to the surgery as soon as the procedure is completed;
• Escort you home; and
• Ensure that they, or another adult care giver, will remain with you for the 24 hours following the procedure.

Post dental procedure care:

• Your adult carer must not take you home by public transport.
• You can have a light meal, however you must wait until any mouth numbness subsides, to avoid the risk of burning or biting.
• For the 24 hours after the conclusion of your dental treatment you must have an adult carer with you as you rest. You must not undertake strenuous activities, drink alcohol, return to work, make important decisions, sign documents, drive a vehicle, or operate machinery.
•  If you have any concerns about your recovery from the dental procedure, please contact us.

What is Lorazepam (Ativan)?

Lorazepam is a prescription drug used for the short term relief, management and treatment of anxiety, and anxiety related disorders. It belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines, and acts by slowing down activity in the brain to allow for relaxation. The administration of this oral sedative is used to reduce the anxiety sometimes related to dental procedures. It also tends to prevent new memory formation, so you will likely not recall anything about your procedure.

Mental Illness:

• Lorazepam can be a drug of addiction. A person who lives with a mental illness may have a greater risk of dependency.
• Lorazepam may cause a mental illness to worsen. Its use should be avoided if you experience any of the following mental health conditions:
  – Suicidal thoughts
  – Anger issues
  – Depression
  – Anxiety

Risks and Complications Associated with Lorazepam

It has been explained to me the procedure involved in administering oral sedation through the use of Lorazepam (Ativan). Alternative treatment options have been explained to me, as well as the risks involved with Lorazepam. Including but not limited to:

• Drowsiness, dizziness and/or tiredness
• Blurred vision or disorientation
• Nausea, vomiting or constipation
• Weakness, lack of balance or coordination
• Trouble concentrating or forgetfulness
• Headaches
• Appetite changes
• Skin rash
• Sleep disturbance (insomnia)

Please advise your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

Signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing or swelling), confusion, depressed moods,fainting hallucinations or light-headedness.