Category: End of life care

According to a systematic review published by the National Institutes of Health, anticipatory prescribing is a recommended practice in controlling distressing symptoms in the last days of life. But **what are anticipatory meds?** Often called 'just in case' medications, they are essential in palliative care to ensure comfort for patients and their families by having crucial symptom-relief drugs ready at home.

In 2023, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) accounted for 4.7% of all deaths in Canada, a process guided by precise pharmacology [1.7.3, 1.7.6]. Understanding **what MAID does to the body** involves examining the specific sequence of medications that clinicians use to ensure a peaceful and controlled end-of-life experience for an eligible person [1.3.3, 1.4.1].

Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) involves the careful use of medication to bring about a peaceful end of life for eligible individuals [1]. The specific drugs and protocols employed can vary depending on the jurisdiction and method of administration. This article provides a general overview of what drugs are used during MAiD and the different approaches taken in this process [1].

Lorazepam, also known by the brand name Ativan, is the second most-prescribed drug among hospice patients. This widespread use answers the question, 'Why is lorazepam given at the end of life?': it is an essential tool for providing comfort and managing distressing symptoms.