Your session is about to expire
What is Ativan
LorazepamThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryLorazepam is a sedative and anti-anxiety medication that was first developed in 1977 by DJ Richards and was approved by the FDA in 1985. It is a type of benzodiazepine, meaning it acts quickly and is cleared from the body quickly. It is commonly used to help with anxiety and insomnia.
Lorazepamis the brand name
Ativan Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Lorazepam
Lorazepam
1980
440
Effectiveness
How Ativan Affects PatientsLorazepam works by increasing the activity of a certain type of brain cell (GABA-A receptors) which helps regulate nerve signals. This helps reduce seizures, as well as cause drowsiness and dizziness. The effects of lorazepam can be felt in different parts of the body, causing different levels of sleepiness and dizziness.
How Ativan works in the bodyLorazepam works by binding to receptors in the brain, specifically those related to GABA. Binding to these receptors increases the flow of chloride ions into the cell, making it more difficult for the cell to fire. Depending on which part of the brain lorazepam binds to, it can help with anxiety or seizure disorders.
When to interrupt dosage
The prescribed dosage of Ativan is based on the diagnosed affliction, including Anxiety Disorders, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Insomnia. The dosage fluctuates based on the technique of delivery (e.g. Capsule, extended release - Oral or Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous) shown in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Pharmacotherapy
0.5 mg, , 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Concentrate, Concentrate - Oral, Intramuscular, Injection - Intramuscular, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Syndrome
0.5 mg, , 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Concentrate, Concentrate - Oral, Intramuscular, Injection - Intramuscular, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Delirium
0.5 mg, , 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Concentrate, Concentrate - Oral, Intramuscular, Injection - Intramuscular, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Status Epilepticus (Convulsive)
0.5 mg, , 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Concentrate, Concentrate - Oral, Intramuscular, Injection - Intramuscular, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Panic Disorder
0.5 mg, , 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Concentrate, Concentrate - Oral, Intramuscular, Injection - Intramuscular, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Catatonia
0.5 mg, , 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Concentrate, Concentrate - Oral, Intramuscular, Injection - Intramuscular, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Muscle Spasms
0.5 mg, , 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Concentrate, Concentrate - Oral, Intramuscular, Injection - Intramuscular, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Insomnia
0.5 mg, , 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Concentrate, Concentrate - Oral, Intramuscular, Injection - Intramuscular, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
0.5 mg, , 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Concentrate, Concentrate - Oral, Intramuscular, Injection - Intramuscular, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium
0.5 mg, , 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Concentrate, Concentrate - Oral, Intramuscular, Injection - Intramuscular, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Depression
0.5 mg, , 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Concentrate, Concentrate - Oral, Intramuscular, Injection - Intramuscular, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Anxiety Disorders
0.5 mg, , 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Concentrate, Concentrate - Oral, Intramuscular, Injection - Intramuscular, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Preoperative
0.5 mg, , 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Concentrate, Concentrate - Oral, Intramuscular, Injection - Intramuscular, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Agitation
0.5 mg, , 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Concentrate, Concentrate - Oral, Intramuscular, Injection - Intramuscular, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Anesthetic premedication therapy
0.5 mg, , 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, concentrate, Solution, concentrate - Oral, Concentrate, Concentrate - Oral, Intramuscular, Injection - Intramuscular, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Warnings
Ativan has five contraindications, so it should not be taken in cooperation with the ailments listed in the following table.Ativan ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Do Not Combine
Respiratory Insufficiency
Do Not Combine
Glaucoma
Do Not Combine
intra-arterial route of administration
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Lorazepam may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Ativan Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Azelastine
Major
Lorazepam may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.
Deutetrabenazine
Major
The risk or severity of sedation and somnolence can be increased when Lorazepam is combined with Deutetrabenazine.
Ethanol
Major
Lorazepam may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Ethanol.
Methadone
Major
Lorazepam may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Methadone.
Olanzapine
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lorazepam is combined with Olanzapine.
Ativan Toxicity & Overdose RiskA toxic dose of lorazepam in a mouse is 1850 mg/kg. Signs of a lorazepam overdose include deep sedation, slow breathing, loss of consciousness, and even death. In these cases, emergency medical care should be administered to help eliminate the drug from the body. There is no evidence that lorazepam causes cancer or mutations. Taking doses higher than 40 mg/kg during pregnancy can lead to fetal resorption and higher rates of fetal loss.
Ativan Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Ativan?
1152 active clinical trials are being conducted to assess the potential of Ativan in providing relief from Anxiety Disorders, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Insomnia.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Anxiety Disorders
205 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Depression
696 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 1, Early Phase 1, Phase 4
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
243 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1, Phase 4
Muscle Spasms
0 Actively Recruiting
Agitation
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2
Panic Disorder
17 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2
Preoperative
0 Actively Recruiting
Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium
0 Actively Recruiting
Catatonia
0 Actively Recruiting
Status Epilepticus (Convulsive)
0 Actively Recruiting
Syndrome
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3
Anesthetic premedication therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Pharmacotherapy
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4
Insomnia
91 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Delirium
49 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Ativan Reviews: What are patients saying about Ativan?
5Patient Review
6/3/2018 Ativan has been a game-changer for me. I was an absolute wreck after my husband was placed in a nursing home, but this medication has helped me to cope and get through each day.
5Patient Review
8/27/2019 This pill is great. It has helped me calm down and sleep for many years. I only use it occasionally because it's hard to get from my doctor, but if it were up to me I would take one pill every day.
5Patient Review
7/10/2020 I take one tablet of Ativan about an hour or two before bedtime. It usually helps me sleep through the night, and I wake up feeling rested after 7-8 hours. I'm not too worried about addiction at my age (84 years old).
5Patient Review
8/30/2020 This treatment has been really effective for my anxiety. Within an hour of taking it, I feel completely normal again. The only side effect I've experienced is feeling really tired once it wears off.
5Patient Review
4/6/2021 On the days that I take this medication, I feel much more level-headed and calm. It's been a lifesaver for managing my anxiety. The only downside is that it can make me quite tired in the afternoon, but that just means I sleep better at night.
5Patient Review
2/25/2022 I tried this treatment on myself with CBD to see if it would help me fall asleep. I didn't experience any effects other than feeling very sleepy when I woke up. It was difficult to get out of bed in the morning.
5Patient Review
9/23/2022 Dr. Lynn, I'm proud to say that I'm no longer an alcoholic or drug addict. I only have a drink when I go out to dinner now. I do take prescribed drugs to help me sleep, though, because the pain from my cancer is excruciating. But I only take medication when I absolutely need it.
5Patient Review
10/21/2021 This medication saved my life and I would recommend it to anyone.
5Patient Review
10/27/2021 I liked this medication and would recommend it to others.
5Patient Review
5/10/2019 This medication helped me a lot with stress, anxiety, and insomnia. I was also really pleased to find that it masked the ringing in my ears (tinnitus) which had been causing me a lot of anxiety.
5Patient Review
10/27/2021 This was a great experience.
4.3Patient Review
2/5/2018 I've used this medication for two decades now, and it's been a big help. I had (and sometimes still have) issues with my inner ear which caused vertigo spells. This was the only drug that helped me get any relief. And as an added bonus, it also calms my anxiety related to the vertigo.
4.3Patient Review
11/6/2018 I had a really tough time withdrawing from this medication. It was honestly terrible and took me an entire year to get off of it.
4Patient Review
6/6/2020 I take one milligram of this medication whenever I start feeling anxious or before bed if insomnia is plaguing me. It's really effective and doesn't come with any nasty side effects like drowsiness the next day.
1Patient Review
7/31/2022 Ineffective for panic attacks and generally made me feel pretty terrible. I'll never touch it again.
Patient Q&A Section about ativan
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What exactly does Ativan do?
"This drug is used to treat anxiety by enhancing the effects of a natural chemical in the body called GABA."
Answered by AI
Is Ativan a good drug for anxiety?
"Xanax and Ativan are effective for both emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety, as well as panic disorder. However, the risks associated with these medications mean that they are not always the first choice of treatment for either condition. Xanax and Ativan cause anti-anxiety effects quickly, usually within an hour or two of taking the medication."
Answered by AI