Tag: End of life symptoms

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.

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.