Ativan

Ativan is a drug that is approved to treat anxiety. The drug is thought to work in the brain by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) -- a brain chemical that is naturally calming. Ativan comes in tablet, oral liquid, and injectable forms. As with all medications, side effects are possible during treatment. Common side effects of this drug include dizziness, weakness, and unsteadiness.

 

What Is Ativan?

Ativan® (lorazepam) is a prescription medication that is used to treat anxiety. An injectable form of the medicine is also available. The injectable form of the drug is used to decrease nervous tension and anxiety, as well as treat severe seizures (known medically as status epilepticus). Ativan is part of a group of medications called benzodiazepines.
 
(Click Ativan Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Ativan?

It is currently made by Biovail Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does It Work?

Ativan is part of a group of medicines called benzodiazepines.
 These medications have several effects on the body, including:
 
  • Reducing anxiety
  • Causing sleepiness
  • Relaxing muscles
  • Stopping seizures
  • Impairing short-term memory.
     
All medicines in this category can have these effects to some degree, depending on the specific benzodiazepine that is being taken. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why Ativan and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
 

When and How to Take Ativan

Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
 
  • It comes in tablet, oral liquid, and injectable forms. When used orally, it is usually taken two or three times a day (or sometimes just before bedtime).
     
  • It can be taken with or without food. If it 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.
     

Dosing Information

The dosage 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 dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Ativan Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
 
  • A sleeping or calming effect (known medically as sedation)
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Unsteadiness.
     
(Click Ativan Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to:
 

Drug Interactions With Ativan

Ativan can potentially interact with a few other medicines (see Ativan Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
 
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Ativan Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much of the medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Sedation
  • Coma
  • Confusion
  • Speech problems
  • Lethargy
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Ativan Overdose for more information.)
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Ativan as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths of Ativan

Ativan tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Ativan 0.5 mg
  • Ativan 1 mg
  • Ativan 2 mg.
     
This medication is also available as an oral liquid and in an injectable form.
 

Is There a Generic Version of Ativan?

Currently, both brand-name and generic Ativan versions are licensed for sale (see Generic Ativan).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;