Lorazepam : Dosage Uses Side Effects
Lorazepam is a prescription anti-anxiety medication that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. They work by producing a calming effect in the brain. Lorazepam and all benzodiazepines are controlled substances because they carry several risks, including addiction, abuse, and dependence. It also has dangerous effects when combined with opioid painkillers. Because of these risks, lorazepam is usually recommended as a short-term treatment only.
More Common Side Effects
The more common side effects of Ativan include:
- drowsiness or sleepiness
- changes in libido
- memory problems
In people who receive the Ativan injection, redness or deepening of skin color and pain at the injection site can commonly occur.
Some of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If theyre more severe or dont go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Ativan Dosage For Anxiety By Age
Starting oral dosage Determined by childs age, weight, and health history. Adolescents 12+ years 2-3 mg per day divided into 2-3 doses throughout the day may increase gradually as needed and as tolerated Up to 10 mg per day as needed, divided into several doses Adults 2-3 mg per day divided into 2-3 doses throughout the day may increase gradually as needed and as tolerated Up to 10 mg per day, divided into several doses Geriatric adults 1-2 mg per day divided into 2-3 doses throughout the day may increase gradually as needed and as tolerated Up to 6 mg per day . Theres an increased risk of toxicity in this population, therefore, small, gradual increases are best.
For insomnia, the recommended adult dosage starts at 2 mg at bedtime, to be increased to 4 mg, if needed, with the course of treatment four months or less.
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Ativan And Other Medications
Below is a list of medications that can interact with Ativan. This list doesnt contain all drugs that may interact with Ativan.
Before taking Ativan, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Ativan and opioids
Taking opioids with Ativan can cause dangerous side effects.* These include excessive drowsiness, breathing problems, respiratory failure, and coma.
Examples of these drugs include:
- morphine
- other benzodiazepines such as alprazolam , clonazepam , diazepam , and midazolam
Ativan and probenecid
Taking Ativan with probenecid , a drug that can be used to treat gout, can increase the levels of Ativan in your body. This can increase your risk of Ativan side effects. For people who take probenecid and Ativan together, the Ativan dosage needs to be reduced by half.
Ativan and valproic acid or divalproex
Taking Ativan with valproic acid or divalproex , a drug used to treat seizures and other conditions, can increase the levels of Ativan in your body. This can increase your risk of Ativan side effects.
For people who take valproic acid or divalproex and Ativan together, the Ativan dosage needs to be reduced by half.
Ativan and Zoloft
Ativan and Ambien
Ativan and Tylenol
Take Ativan According To Your Doctors Instructions
Taking the correct Ativan dosage helps reduce the side effects you might experience. Some people take them as needed, which means only at times you feel anxious, and others take them at regular intervals throughout the day to keep anxiety symptoms at bay. If you are experiencing side effects, talk to your doctor about whether changing the time you take the medication could reduce your discomfort.
Ativan is available in different forms and doses:
- Intramuscular injection: 2 mg/ml, 4 mg/ml
- Intravenously: 2 mg/ml, 4 mg/ml
- Oral tablet: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
You should start at a low dose and slowly work your way up, assuring you are taking the lowest dose that provides a benefit to you. The Prescribers Digital Reference suggests the following doses for anxiety:
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Ativan And Drug Testing
Taking Ativan may cause a positive result for benzodiazepines on urine drug screenings. If youre taking Ativan, consider disclosing this information before completing a drug screening.
The length of time Ativan stays in your system varies from person to person, but its usually 3 to 5 days.
Ativan tablets should be taken in the way your doctor prescribed them. Dont take more or less Ativan than prescribed without first talking with your doctor.
Lorazepam Oral Tablet Basics
Lorazepam oral tablets belong to a group of medications called benzodiazepines.
Youll take these tablets by mouth.
Note: Lorazepam also comes in other forms, including an injection and a solution thats taken by mouth. Only the oral tablet form of lorazepam is described in this article. If youd like to learn about lorazepams other forms, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Keep in mind that other forms of lorazepam may have other uses.
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What To Ask Your Doctor
If youve been diagnosed with anxiety, your doctor may discuss lorazepam with you.
Several types of treatments can help manage anxiety. Your doctor may discuss lorazepam as one possibility to consider. But keep in mind, its only for temporary relief of anxiety. Ask your doctor about other options to manage your anxiety long term.
Its normal to have questions about your condition and its treatment options. Here are a few questions you might consider asking your doctor:
- How long is it safe to take lorazepam?
- Will my anxiety come back if I stop taking lorazepam?
- Are there other treatment options available to manage anxiety that dont carry a risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction?
You can learn more about other drug-based treatment options for anxiety here. Also, you can check out possible natural solutions for anxiety in this article.
To learn more about anxiety and its treatment options, sign up for Healthlines online newsletter.
Can I Take Lorazepam If Im Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you use lorazepam during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.
You should not breastfeed.
If you do breastfeed, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness, feeding problems, or slow weight gain in the nursing baby.
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How Is Lorazepam Similar To Clonazepam
Lorazepam and clonazepam belong to the same group of medications, called benzodiazepines. Theyre both prescription drugs, and they have some similarities and a few differences.
These drugs work in similar ways to help manage anxiety symptoms. They also have similar side effects, drug interactions, and warnings related to their use.
Lorazepam and clonazepam both have brand-name and generic versions. But, they have different active ingredients and dosage forms, and some unique uses.
To learn more about the differences between lorazepam and clonazepam, talk with your doctor. They can recommend which drug is best for your condition.
Other Uses For This Medicine
Lorazepam is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, epilepsy, insomnia, and nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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What Are The Signs Of Addiction
When a person struggles with addiction to any substance, including Ativan, they are likely to display behavioral changes, including drug-seeking behavior, compulsively ingesting the substance , and becoming defensive or lying when questioned about the substance abuse.
Ativan is a short-acting benzodiazepine, so it begins to work on the brain almost immediately, but the half-life is two hours after four hours, the major psychiatric effects have dissipated. Short-acting benzodiazepines are often a target of abuse because the euphoria associated with taking them takes hold very quickly.
Withdrawal symptoms can occur in people who take Ativan as prescribed, but they are more likely to occur in people who struggle with Ativan addiction. This is because the body is used to a certain level of the drug to produce GABA neurotransmitters and reduce anxiety or panic. Psychological side effects, like rebound anxiety and insomnia, depression, and cravings, are more likely to occur during withdrawal among people who struggle with Ativan addiction.
Intoxication is a sign of Ativan abuse, and if a person regularly appears to be intoxicated, this may be a sign of addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse:
- Slurred speech
- Respiratory depression, or shallow or irregular breathing
- Slowed reflexes
- Paradoxical excitement, including aggression, anxiety, and mood swings
- Changes in vision
Combating The Side Effects Of Lorazepam
Is lorazepam helping to ease your anxiety so you can achieve a quality nights sleep, but also causing some unpleasant side effects? If youve finally found the best treatment for your insomnia and GAD, theres hope! Here are tips for treating the most common and relatively harmless side effects of lorazepam.
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Before Taking This Medicine
-
seizures or
-
an allergy to aspirin or yellow food dye.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you use lorazepam during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.
You should not breastfeed while you are taking lorazepam.
If you do breastfeed, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness, feeding problems, or slow weight gain in the nursing baby.
Lorazepam is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Extended-release lorazepam should not be used by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Side Effects In Children
Ativan tablets arent approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in children younger than 12 years. Theyre sometimes used off-label in children under 12 years, but this use hasnt been confirmed to be safe.
Children may be more likely than adults to experience certain side effects from Ativan.
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Weight Gain Or Weight Loss
Weight gain or loss arent typical side effects of Ativan, and studies have not confirmed these as side effects of this drug. However, weight changes may still occur.
Some people who take Ativan say they have more of an appetite than usual. This might cause them to eat more and gain weight. Other people who take it have a reduced appetite. This might cause them to eat less and lose weight.
How To Avoid Ativan Side Effects
Side effects, such as tiredness, usually start shortly after taking the medication, often within 30 minutes of taking the medication. They generally lessen as the effects of the drug decrease, typically between six and eight hours after taking it. Some people also notice that side effects decrease as they continue taking the medication, and their body adjusts to it, for example, they might not feel as tired after taking it regularly for several days or weeks.
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Lorazepam Oral Tablet Brand
Lorazepam is the generic version of the brand-name drug Ativan.
Lorazepam oral tablet is a generic drug, which means its an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The brand-name medication that lorazepam oral tablet is based on is called Ativan.
Generic drugs are thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name drugs theyre based on. In general, generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.
Brand and generic versions of a drug work in exactly the same way. They both have the same active ingredients. But generic drugs may have different inactive ingredients, such as fillers or binders. These inactive ingredients dont affect how the drug works.
If youd like to know more about using Ativan instead of lorazepam oral tablets, talk with your doctor. And, view this Healthline article to learn more about the differences between generic and brand-name drugs.
Like most drugs, lorazepam oral tablets may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that lorazepam oral tablets may cause. These lists dont include all the possible side effects.
Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- other medications you may be taking
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of lorazepam. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.
How Should I Take Lorazepam
Take lorazepam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use lorazepam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of lorazepam.
Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Measure the oral concentrate with the supplied measuring device . Mix the liquid with water, juice, soda, or soft food such as applesauce or pudding. Swallow this mixture right away.
Swallow the extended-release capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and mix the medicine with applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Then drink a glass of water.
Do not stop using lorazepam without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use.
Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Store the liquid form of lorazepam in the refrigerator. Throw away any liquid not used within 90 days.
Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.
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Why Is Lorazepam A Controlled Substance
There is a risk of Ativan abuse and dependence. The United States Food and Drug Administration has labeled Ativan a Schedule IV controlled substance. There are five levels of controlled substances based on the drugs risk of abuse or harm, such as if the drug has the potential to lead to psychological or physical dependence. Schedule I has the highest potential for drug abuse, such as heroin. These drugs have no accepted medical use and are not legal in the United States. Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse, such as certain cough syrups that contain codeine. Benzodiazepines such as Ativan are in Schedule IV, meaning they have a moderate potential for substance abuse, as well as having legitimate medical use. Other medications in this category include Xanax , Klonopin , and Valium .
Drug Forms And Strengths
Ativan comes as oral tablets and a solution thats given by intramuscular injection or intravenous injection. The available strengths of each form are described below.
Ativan tablet strengths: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg
Ativan tablets come in the following strengths:
- 0.5 milligrams
Ativan solution strengths: 2 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL
Ativan solution comes in the following strengths:
- 2 mg of drug per milliliter of solution
- 4 mg/mL
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Does Lorazepam Treat Alcohol Withdrawal Nausea Or Seizures
These arent approved uses for lorazepam oral tablets. But, your doctor may prescribe lorazepam off-label for these uses.
For instance, lorazepam oral tablets may be used off-label for nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy or vertigo . The drug may also be used to manage symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. These symptoms can include nausea and anxiety, among others.
The injectable form of lorazepam is approved to treat a severe type of seizure called status epilepticus. But lorazepam oral tablets arent approved for that use.
If you have questions about off-label uses of lorazepam, talk with your doctor.
Older Adults Taking Ativan
The side effects of Ativan are often more noticeable in older adults. To limit these effects, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage. This information is intended to provide a general overview of the use of Ativan for panic disorder. Any questions or concerns you may have about your prescription should be addressed with your doctor or pharmacist.
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What Happens If You Develop A Dependence
When legitimate use of lorazepam does develop into a dependence, it can usually be managed through tapering down the dose, switching medicines, and/or combining treatment with other medications.
If youre worried about lorazepam dependence, its best to talk to your doctor about it. They will be able to offer you alternative anxiety treatment options or, if continuing with treatment, can help you to put tools in place to help avoid dependency.
If, for example, you struggle with chronic anxiety and require lorazepam over a period of time, your doctor may recommend a low-dose prescription.
Is Lorazepam Used To Help With Sleep If So Whats The Dosage For Sleep
Sometimes it is. For instance, your doctor may prescribe lorazepam oral tablets on a short-term basis if you have insomnia thats related to anxiety.
This drug causes sedation , but for most people this is a temporary side effect. The drug isnt used for insomnia thats not related to anxiety. Instead, other drugs are approved to treat that type of insomnia.
If you have insomnia from anxiety, ask your doctor if lorazepam is right for you. And if youd like to know about dosages of lorazepam for insomnia, talk with your doctor. They can recommend the dosage thats right for you.
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