Anxiety Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment What Are the Side Effects of Ativan (Lorazepam)? By Christy Duan Christy Duan Christy Duan, MD is a psychiatrist trained in adult and perinatal psychiatry, and currently in training for child and adolescent psychiatry. She is also a journalist and award-winning writer. Learn about our editorial process Updated on June 12, 2023 Learn more." data-inline-tooltip="true"> Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Akeem Marsh, MD Medically reviewed by Akeem Marsh, MD Akeem Marsh, MD, is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who has dedicated his career to working with medically underserved communities. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Table of Contents 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. 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 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 It is important to use Ativan under the guidance of a healthcare provider, and to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how you are affected by the medication. Since Ativan works by depressing the nervous system, common side effects include drowsiness, sedation, low blood pressure, dizziness, and unsteadiness. Severe Side Effects 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: Ativan is taken in high dosesAtivan is taken with other substances that also depress the central nervous system, such as other benzodiazepines, alcohol, opioid pain medication, barbiturates, and moreAtivan is taken when you have other illnesses that affect your breathing, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, and more 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. Benzodiazepines for Anxiety Physical Dependence and Tolerance 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 suddenly stop 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. Drug Abuse and Addiction Benzodiazepines like Ativan have the potential for abuse and addiction. If you have a personal history of addiction or a family history of addiction, you should be especially careful when using these medications and be closely monitored by your healthcare provider. 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: The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use.A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects.Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the substance.Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance.Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use.Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.Substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance.Tolerance, as defined by either a need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect, or markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.Withdrawal, as manifested by either characteristic withdrawal symptoms for the substance, or the substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms. If you experience any of these while taking Ativan, it is best to consult with your doctor to prevent heavy dependence or addiction. Benzodiazepines: Addiction and Dependence 3 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to 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.2014.08.014 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 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? 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