Ativan Dosage

The recommended starting Ativan dosage for anxiety treatment is 1 mg two to three times daily. When taking Ativan for insomnia due to anxiety, the recommended starting Ativan dose is 2 mg to 4 mg once daily at bedtime. Serious problems can occur if you take Ativan at higher dosages or for a longer period of time than your healthcare provider recommends. Your age and other drugs you may be taking are among the factors that can affect Ativan dosing.

 

An Introduction to Ativan Dosage

The dose of Ativan® (lorazepam) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As always, do not adjust your Ativan dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Ativan Dosage for Anxiety

The recommended starting Ativan dose for anxiety treatment is Ativan 1 mg two to three times daily. For insomnia due to anxiety, the recommended starting dose is Ativan 2 mg to 4 mg once daily at bedtime.
 
Elderly people may be more sensitive to the effects of Ativan. For the elderly, the recommended starting dose is Ativan 0.5 mg to 1 mg twice daily.
 

General Ativan Dosage Information

Some considerations for people taking Ativan include:
 
 
  • Ativan comes in tablet, oral liquid, and injectable forms. When used orally, Ativan is usually taken two or three times a day (or sometimes just before bedtime).
     
  • Ativan can be taken with or without food. If Ativan bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Ativan may cause serious problems if you take it at higher dosages or for a longer period of time than your healthcare provider recommends.
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;