Ativan (lorazepam): What you should know

Ativan (lorazepam) is a short-to-intermediate acting benzodiazepine used for anxiety, insomnia, seizure control, and as a pre-procedure sedative. It reduces excess brain activity to calm anxiety and relax muscles. Taken by mouth, people usually feel effects within 20–60 minutes. A hospital IV dose works faster and is used for emergencies like prolonged seizures.

Use it as prescribed. Typical adult doses for anxiety are 0.5–2 mg two to three times daily. For sleep your doctor may prescribe a single 1–2 mg bedtime dose. In acute seizures, doctors give higher IV doses but only under supervision. Older adults often start at half the usual dose because of increased sensitivity. Children and pregnant people require specialist guidance—never use without a clinician’s direction.

Side effects and safety

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, slowed thinking, and unsteady balance. These effects raise accident risk — avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Ativan affects you. Mixing Ativan with alcohol, opioids, sedating antihistamines, or other central nervous system depressants can cause dangerous breathing problems and overdose. While lorazepam is mainly processed by liver glucuronidation (so it has fewer drug interactions via CYP enzymes), combining sedatives remains risky.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding need careful planning. Lorazepam may cross the placenta and can cause newborn drowsiness or withdrawal. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, talk to your prescriber about alternatives and timing.

Withdrawal, dependence, and practical tips

Physical dependence can develop after a few weeks of regular use. Stopping suddenly may lead to rebound anxiety, sleep problems, tremors, sweating, and, in rare cases, seizures. A slow, supervised taper is the safest way to stop. For example, your clinician might lower the dose by 10–25% every one to two weeks, adjusting based on symptoms. Severe or long-term users may need a slower plan.

Practical tips: use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible. If you take Ativan only for occasional panic or acute anxiety, keep track of how often you use it—more than a few times per week calls for a review. Ask about non-medication strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, or an SSRI for long-term anxiety management.

Store Ativan locked and away from children. Don’t share your medicine. Dispose of unused pills at a pharmacy take-back or mix with an undesirable substance and seal in a bag before trashing. Call emergency services if someone shows extreme drowsiness, slow breathing, choking sounds, or loss of consciousness.

If you have questions about dose changes, interactions with other meds (especially opioids or alcohol), or switching treatments, schedule a visit with your clinician. This tag page collects practical guides and safety tips to help you make informed, safer choices about Ativan and related medicines.

For overdose or poisoning in the United States call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. When traveling keep Ativan in its labeled bottle and carry your prescription or a doctor’s note to avoid problems at customs, airport security and immigration checks abroad.