What Are the Side Effects of Ativan (Lorazepam)?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCommon Side EffectsSevere Side EffectsPhysical Dependence and ToleranceWithdrawalDrug Abuse and Addiction

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Common Side Effects

Severe Side Effects

Physical Dependence and Tolerance

Withdrawal

Drug Abuse and Addiction

What is the most important information I should know about Ativan?You should not take Ativan if:you have a hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines or other ingredients in this medication; oryou have acute narrow-angle glaucoma.Ativan also carries a black-box warning for clinically significant drug interactions when combined with other benzodiazepines or opioid medications.

What is the most important information I should know about Ativan?

You should not take Ativan if:you have a hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines or other ingredients in this medication; oryou have acute narrow-angle glaucoma.Ativan also carries a black-box warning for clinically significant drug interactions when combined with other benzodiazepines or opioid medications.

You should not take Ativan if:

Ativan also carries a black-box warning for clinically significant drug interactions when combined with other benzodiazepines or opioid medications.

Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine, which is a class of medications also known as central nervous system depressants. Other benzodiazepines include Librium (chlordiazepoxide), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Xanax (alprazolam).

Ativan is used to treat anxiety, insomnia (during a short term period), and seizure.

Off-Label UsesOff-label uses of Ativan include treatment for alcohol withdrawal, chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting, catatonia, agitation, and much more.

Off-Label Uses

Off-label uses of Ativan include treatment for alcohol withdrawal, chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting, catatonia, agitation, and much more.

In the United States, benzodiazepines are considered “controlled substances” that are federally regulated because of their potential for misuse. If you are taking Ativan, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects in case you begin to experience any. If you do, be sure to consult your doctor right away.

Benzodiazepines Uses, Indications, and Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Ativan

In severe cases, Ativan can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and, most severely, death because it dampens the signal from your brain that tells your body to breathe. These severe side effects can occur when:

Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else experiences extreme sleepiness, slow/difficulty breathing, unresponsiveness, or severe dizziness/lightheadedness.

Children and the Elderly

In some populations, such as the children and the elderly, Ativan can cause a “paradoxical effect.” Instead of having a calming effect, it may cause agitation and confusion. Elderly patients taking Ativan are also at a higher risk of falls.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Infants

Ativan can affect people who are pregnant and breastfeeding and their babies. Ativan can, in fact, cross the placenta and move into the breastmilk. In these cases, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits of using this medication.

How Long Does Withdrawal From Benzodiazepines Last?

Long-term use of benzodiazepines such as Ativan can lead to physical dependence.This means that your body develops a tolerance for the medication. Over time, you might need higher doses of the medication to have the same effect.

In other words, if you use the same dose of medication over a long period of time, there is a decreased effect of that dose when compared to your previous, smaller dose.

People who use benzodiazepines for a long time might have a physical dependence, but it does not necessarily mean they are addicted to or abusing these medications.

Ativan does have the potential to cause addiction, however. This is why it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions, only take your prescribed dose, and talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your Ativan use.

Ativan Withdrawal

Some people who suddenlystop taking Ativan can experience withdrawal symptoms.

Common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, depressed mood, insomnia, and tremor. In severe cases, withdrawal symptoms can include confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and death.

This is why it is so important to talk to a healthcare provider before stopping a benzodiazepine. A healthcare provider can help you slowly taper, or reduce, the Ativan dose over time in order to prevent withdrawal.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), a substance use disorder is defined as a “problematic pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress,” including two or more of the following criteria over a 12-month period:

If you experience any of these while taking Ativan, it is best to consult with your doctor to prevent heavy dependence or addiction.

3 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Pomara N, Lee SH, Bruno D, et al.Adverse performance effects of acute lorazepam administration in elderly long-term users: pharmacokinetic and clinical predictors.Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2015;56:129-135. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.08.014U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Ativan C-IV (lorazepam) tablets.Brett J, Murnion B.Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence.Aust Prescr. 2015;38(5):152-155. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2015.055

3 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Pomara N, Lee SH, Bruno D, et al.Adverse performance effects of acute lorazepam administration in elderly long-term users: pharmacokinetic and clinical predictors.Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2015;56:129-135. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.08.014U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Ativan C-IV (lorazepam) tablets.Brett J, Murnion B.Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence.Aust Prescr. 2015;38(5):152-155. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2015.055

Pomara N, Lee SH, Bruno D, et al.Adverse performance effects of acute lorazepam administration in elderly long-term users: pharmacokinetic and clinical predictors.Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2015;56:129-135. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.08.014U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Ativan C-IV (lorazepam) tablets.Brett J, Murnion B.Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence.Aust Prescr. 2015;38(5):152-155. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2015.055

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Ativan C-IV (lorazepam) tablets.

Brett J, Murnion B.Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence.Aust Prescr. 2015;38(5):152-155. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2015.055

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What is the most important information I should know about Ativan?#

Off-Label Uses#

Common Side Effects of Ativan#

Children and the Elderly#

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Infants#

Ativan Withdrawal#