What is Ativan?

Ativan (lorazepam) belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It is thought that benzodiazepines work by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

Ativan is used in adults and children at least 12 years old to treat anxiety disorders.

Ativan is also used to treat insomnia caused by anxiety or temporary situational stress.

Ativan is sometimes used to treat nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal.

Warnings

Ativan can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing. These effects can be fatal.

MISUSE OF ATIVAN CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep this medicine where others cannot get to it.

Lorazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Ativan should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction.

Do not stop using Ativan without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.

Get medical help right away if you stop using Ativan and have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts about suicide.

Do not use Ativan if you are pregnant. Lorazepam can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn.

You should not use this medicine if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, severe respiratory insufficiency, myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to Valium or a similar medicine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Ativan if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma; or

• a history of allergic reaction to any benzodiazepine (lorazepam, alprazolam, diazepam, Valium, Xanax, Versed, Klonopin, and others).

To make sure Ativan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;

• drug or alcohol addiction;

• depression, mental illness or psychosis, mood changes, or suicidal thoughts or actions;

• seizures;

• an allergy to aspirin or yellow food dye; or

• kidney or liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you use Ativan during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of lorazepam on the baby.

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.

How should I take Ativan?

Take Ativan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use Ativan in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.

Never share Ativan with another person, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Do not stop using Ativan without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use.

Store Ativan tablets tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.