When is it Prescribed?
Ativan (lorazepam) is prescribed to treat:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Used intravenously as a sedative or in surgical cases to help deliver effective anesthesia
Ativan (lorazepam) is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines and affects chemicals in your brian that my become unbalanced and cause anxiety, insomnia, or seizures.
This medication may also be prescribed for purposes other than what’s listed above.
When Will My Medication Start to Work?
Usually, you should start feeling the effects of Ativan (lorazepam) within one to five minutes after receiving it intravenously, 15 to 30 minutes after muscular injection, or 1 to 6 hours after oral administration. The time it takes to experience the full effects of Ativan (lorazepam) depends on dosage and varies from person to person. Effects last for 12 to 24 hours.
Do not stop taking Ativan (lorazepam) suddenly if you have been taking it for several weeks since this may cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, and may also cause seizures if you are taking lorazepam for a seizure condition. Talk to your prescribing doctor or therapist if you need to stop treatment with Ativan (lorazepam.)
Are There Any Drug Interactions?
Always follow your prescribing doctor's or therapist's recommendations on how to take your medication and let them know if you are taking any prescription medications, herbal remedies, vitamins, and/or over-the-counter medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Issues
Ativan (lorazepam) is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that this medication is known to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Ativan (lorazepam) passes into breast milk. Do not take Ativan (lorazepam) without first talking to your doctor or therapist if you are breastfeeding a baby.
Other Important Information and Precautions
This drug should not be given to anyone under twelve and only in small doses if over sixty. Do not use if you had negative reactions to other benzodiazepine, you have a history of drug dependence, you have had a stroke, you have multiple sclerosis, you have Alzheimer's disease, you are seriously depressed, and/or you have other brain disorders.
Do not take Ativan (lorazepam) if you have narrow-angle glaucoma since this medication may worsen your condition.
Before taking this medication, tell your prescribing doctor or therapist if you have:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease
- Symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ativan (lorazepam) will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking this medication.
Avoid other sedatives, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers. They should not be used while you are taking Ativan (lorazepam) unless your doctor or therapist approves.
In addition to the information listed above, there may be other important issues or precautions related to this medication. For further information, you can ask your prescribing doctor or therapist.
Side-Effect Information
If you experience any of the following serious side-effects, stop taking Ativan (lorazepam) and seek emergency medical attention:
- An allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives)
- Sores in your mouth
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- A rash
- Hallucinations or severe confusion
- Changes in your vision
Other, less serious side-effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Ativan (lorazepam) and talk to your doctor or therapist if you experience any of the following:
- Drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness
- Depression
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
- Difficulty urinating
- Vivid dreams
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Decreased sex drive
| Most
common Side-Effects |
drowsiness, sedation,
dizziness |
| Infrequent
Side-Effects |
amnesia, insomnia,
agitation, disorientation, depression, headache, visual
problems, nausea, abdominal discomfort, appetite, weakness,
unsteadiness |
| Rare
Side-Effects/Risks |
Liver damage,
low white blood cell count, low blood pressure, hallucinations (short-lived) |
Side-effects and risks other than those listed above may also occur. Talk to your prescribing doctor or therapist about any potential or existing side-effects that you’re concerned about.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by 4therapy.com is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is made to that effect.
4therapy.com’s medication information is a reference resource designed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge, and judgment of healthcare practitioners in patient care. 4therapy.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information 4therapy.com provides.
