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It comes in two forms, as an oral tablet or injection. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved:Ativan tablets to treat anxiety disorders and anxiety that’s related to depression. For these conditions, Ativan is approved for use in adults and in children ages 13 years and older.Ativan injection to treat status epilepticus and to help with anesthesia in adults. Ativan is typically prescribed as a short-term treatment. Here are some fast facts about Ativan:Active ingredient: lorazepamDrug class: benzodiazepinesDrug forms:oral tabletsolution for intravenous or intramuscular injection given by your doctor or another healthcare professional As with other drugs, Ativan can cause side effects (also known as adverse effects). Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of Ativan, including details about its uses, see this article. More common side effects of Ativan Ativan can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. These are just a few of the more common side effects reported in clinical trials of Atvian tablets and Ativan injection:weaknessdizzinesssleepinessunsteadinesslower blood pressure* * For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below. Mild side effects of Ativan Mild side effects can occur with Ativan treatment. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the prescribing information for Ativan tablets and injection. Mild side effects that have been reported with Ativan include:headachememory losssexual side effects, including problems with libido (sexual desire) and achieving orgasmfeeling restlessweaknessdizzinesssleepinessdepressionconfusionfatiguehair lossinjection site reactions with Ativan injection, including pain, burning, and redness or discoloration at the injection sitedigestive symptoms, such as nausea, appetite changes, and constipation*mild allergic reaction*† These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Ativan and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch. * For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below. † An allergic reaction is possible after taking Ativan. This side effect occurred in clinical trials of Ativan tablets. It’s not clear if allergic reaction occurred in clinical trials of Ativan injection. Serious side effects of Ativan Ativan may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the prescribing information for Ativan tablets and injection. If you develop serious side effects while taking Ativan, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Serious side effects that have been reported include:Unsteadiness.Double vision or blurry vision.Slurred speech or speech that is difficult to understand.Coma.Low body temperature.Changes in results of certain lab tests, which may not cause noticeable symptoms. These include:low blood sodium (salt) levellow platelet count low blood cell countincreased liver enzymes, which can be a sign of liver damageincreased alkaline phosphatase levelsBreathing problems. Symptoms can include:breathing slower than usualrespiratory failure, in rare casesJaundice and increased bilirubin levels. Symptoms can include:yellowing of skin or whites of eyesabdominal painThoughts about suicide or suicide attempts. Warning signs can include:talking about suicidewithdrawing from friends and familyParadoxical reaction to Ativan. A paradoxical reaction is the opposite effect of what is expected with a drug. Symptoms can include:anxietyagitationfeelings of rage or hostilityaggressioninsomniasexual arousalhallucinations*Risk of dependence and withdrawal.† (For more information, refer to the “Ativan withdrawal symptoms” section below.)Life threatening side effects when Ativan is taken with opioid medications.*†Low blood pressure.*Seizures.*Severe allergic reaction.*‡Risk of misuse and addiction.† (For more details, see the “Ativan and misuse” section below.) * To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effect specifics” section below. † Ativan tablets and injection have a boxed warning for this side effect. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). ‡ An allergic reaction is possible after taking Ativan. This side effect occurred in clinical trials of Ativan tablets. It’s not clear if allergic reaction occurred in clinical trials of Ativan injection. Long-term effects of Ativan Ativan is meant to be a short-term treatment. Long-term Ativan treatment (more than 4 months) was not studied in clinical trials of Ativan tablets. If Ativan is taken long-term, the risks of dependence and withdrawal increase. If you have questions about how long you’ll take Ativan or what effects it may have, talk with your doctor. Side effects in children Ativan tablets are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety in children 13 years and older. Children may be more likely than adults to experience paradoxical reactions from Ativan tablets. A paradoxical reaction is an effect that is the opposite of what is expected. (For more information about this side effect, see the “Serious side effects of Ativan” section above.) If your child is prescribed Ativan and you’re concerned about its side effects, talk with their doctor. Note: Ativan tablets are not approved for use in children ages 12 years and younger. And Ativan injection is not approved for use in children. Ativan withdrawal symptoms Ativan tablets and Ativan injection have a boxed warning about the risk of dependence and withdrawal. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. However, this side effect was not common in clinical trials of Ativan tablets or injection. With dependence, you need a drug in order to function as usual. With withdrawal, you experience certain symptoms when you suddenly stop taking a drug. Your risk of withdrawal may increase if you take Ativan long term. Also, suddenly stopping Ativan or reducing its dosage* can cause withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms, which can be mild to severe, can include:unusual body movementsmuscle pain and stiffnessanxiety or panic attacksblurry visiondepressiondizzinessfatiguedigestive symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrheaheadachesensitivity to lighthigh blood pressure or increased heart ratememory problemsinsomnia Severe withdrawal symptoms can include:thoughts of suicide or suicidal behaviorsseizures or convulsionsdepressionhallucinationsmaniapsychosis If they occur, withdrawal symptoms typically last a short time. Rarely, they may last for up to 12 months. If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms, seek emergency medical care. If you are interested in stopping Ativan treatment, talk with your doctor. Do not stop taking it on your own. * To learn about Ativan’s dosages, see this article. Suicide prevention If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”Listen to the person without judgment.Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.Stay with the person until professional help arrives.Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Click here for more links and local resources. Ativan side effects in older adults If you’re age 65 years or older, you may have an increased risk of sleepiness and unsteadiness while taking Ativan. You may also have a higher risk of paradoxical reactions from Ativan. (For more information about this side effect, see the “Serious side effects of Ativan” section above.) If you’re within this age group and concerned about side effects of Ativan, talk with your doctor. FAQs about the side effects of Ativan Ativan may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers. Do 1-mg and 2-mg Ativan tablets have the same side effects as the other forms Generally, different strengths* of Ativan tablets can cause similar side effects. However, higher doses of Ativan tablets may cause more severe side effects. But this can vary from person to person. It’s important to note that not everyone will experience side effects during Ativan treatment. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about side effects after starting treatment with Ativan. * To learn about Ativan’s strengths and dosages, see this article. Is weight gain one of Ativan s side effects No, weight gain is not typically a side effect of Ativan. It wasn’t reported in clinical trials of Ativan tablets or injection. If you have anxiety and depression, you may experience weight changes due to these conditions.* Or you may experience weight loss if you develop certain side effects of Ativan treatment. These include nausea, loss of appetite, or withdrawal.† If you’re concerned about weight changes during your Ativan treatment, talk with your doctor. * Ativan is approved to treat anxiety related to depression. To learn more about this use, see this article. † Ativan tablets and injection have a boxed warning for this side effect. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, see the “ Ativan withdrawal symptoms” section above. Can Ativan cause memory loss Yes, Ativan can cause mild memory loss as a side effect. It’s usually temporary and will go away if you stop taking Ativan with your doctor’s recommendation. Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing memory loss while taking Ativan. They may recommend a different medication for your condition. Side effect specifics Learn more about some of the side effects that Ativan may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Ativan tablets and injection. Risk of life threatening effects when taken with opioids Ativan has a boxed warning about the risk of life threatening effects that can happen when it’s taken with opioid medications. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. This side effect was not common in clinical trials of Ativan tablets or injection, but it’s important to be aware of it. Taking Ativan and opioids together can cause the following life threatening effects:extreme sedation (drowsiness)respiratory depression (slow breathing)comadeath, if the above effects are not immediately treated What you can do If you experience any of the above side effects, it’s important to seek medical treatment right away. Call 911 or your local emergency number. Before starting Ativan treatment, tell your doctor if you take any opioid medications. They will only prescribe Ativan with opioids if there are no other treatment options for your condition. If your doctor recommends you take Ativan and opioids together, they will likely prescribe a small dose* of Ativan for a short time. Also, they may prescribe naloxone (Narcan). Naloxone is an emergency treatment for respiratory depression due to an opioid overdose. And taking Ativan with opioids can cause side effects similar to an opioid overdose. To learn more about this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. * To learn about Ativan’s dosages, see this article. Nausea Some people have reported nausea as a side effect of Ativan. This side effect was not common in clinical trials of Ativan tablets or injection. And typically, nausea will improve over time during your treatment. What you can do To help ease nausea due to Ativan tablets, below are some tips that you can follow:take your dose of Ativan with some crackers or toastavoid lying down right after taking your dosetry taking sips of water or small amounts of crushed ice cubes If your nausea continues or worsens while taking Ativan, talk with your doctor. They may recommend other tips to help ease this side effect. If you’re receiving an Ativan injection and experience nausea, tell your doctor or another healthcare professional. They can help ease this side effect. Hallucinations Rarely, people have experienced hallucinations in clinical trials of Ativan tablets and injection. Hallucinations refer to experiencing things that aren’t real. What you can do If you experience hallucinations while taking Ativan, talk with your doctor. They’ll likely recommend a different medication for your condition. Low blood pressure Ativan can cause low blood pressure as a serious side effect. However, this side effect was not common in clinical trials of Ativan tablets and injection. Symptoms of low blood pressure may include:dizzinessunsteadinesslightheadednessfalling down more easilyfainting What you can do If you experience any of the above symptoms during Ativan treatment, let your doctor know. Also, tell your doctor if you take any medications to manage your blood pressure. They may monitor your blood pressure more closely while you are taking Ativan. Seizures Ativan can make it more likely for those with seizure disorders to experience a seizure. (With seizures, there’s changes in the electrical activity of your brain). This side effect was rare in clinical trials of Ativan tablets and injection. Symptoms can include:uncontrollable, jerky movements in your arms or legsstiff musclesloss of consciousnessstaring spells, which may be a sign of an absence seizure (short periods of unconsciousness without movement) What you can do If you think you’ve had a seizure, call 911 or your local emergency number. Also, tell your doctor right away if you’ve had a seizure while taking Ativan. They’ll likely recommend a different treatment for your condition. Allergic reaction An allergic reaction is possible after taking Ativan. This side effect occurred in clinical trials of Ativan tablets. It’s not clear if an allergic reaction occurred in clinical trials of Ativan injection. Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:skin rashitchingflushingracing heartbeatswelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feetswelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe What you can do For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Ativan. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Precautions for Ativan Ativan carries several boxed warnings, which are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They alert patients and doctors about drug effects that may be dangerous. Boxed warnings This drug has boxed warnings, which are serious warnings from the FDA. Ativan’s boxed warnings are about the following:Risk of misuse and addiction. For more information, see the “Ativan and misuse” section below.Risk of dependence and withdrawal. To learn more, refer to the “Ativan withdrawal symptoms” section above.Risk of life threatening side effects when taken with opioid drugs. For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section above. Other precautions Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Ativan. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include: Breathing problems. Ativan can slow down your breathing. If you have certain conditions such as sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or other breathing problems, tell your doctor. They’ll advise if it’s safe for you to take Ativan. Depression. Ativan is prescribed to treat anxiety related to depression.* However, it can also make depression symptoms worse. If you have depression, let your doctor know. They may recommend treatment for your depression before prescribing Ativan. Kidney or liver problems. Your kidneys and liver help break down medications in your body. If you have kidney or liver problems, let your doctor know. They may prescribe a lower dosage of Ativan.† Acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Ativan can make glaucoma worse by increasing the pressure inside the eye. So doctors typically won’t prescribe Ativan if you have acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have this condition. Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction‡ to Ativan or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe the drug. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you. Current treatment with opioid medication. If you currently take opioids, be sure to tell your doctor. Taking opioid drugs with Ativan can cause life threatening side effects * To learn more about the approved uses of Ativan, see this article. † For details about Ativan’s dosages, see this article. ‡ Ativan tablets and injection have a boxed warning for this side effect. This is a serious warning from the FDA. For more information about this side effect, see the “ Side effect specifics” section above. Alcohol with Ativan You should not drink alcohol with Ativan treatment. Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of serious side effects of the drug, such as:*breathing problems, including respiratory depression (slow breathing)memory problemsextreme sleepinesscoma Ativan can also lower your tolerance to alcohol. This means you may feel the effects of alcohol more than you usually would after a drink. If you have questions about drinking alcohol with Ativan, talk with your doctor. * To learn more about the serious side effects of Ativan, see the “Serious side effects of Ativan” section above. Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Ativan It’s not safe to take Ativan during pregnancy. Doing so may harm a fetus. Newborns who were exposed to Ativan during the third trimester of pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. (For details about, see the “Ativan withdrawal symptoms” section above.) Before starting treatment with Ativan, be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. They’ll recommend the best treatment option for you. If you’re breastfeeding, you should not take Ativan. Doing so may cause side effects in your child. This is because the drug is known to pass into breast milk. Talk with your doctor about ways to safely feed your child while taking Ativan. Ativan and misuse Ativan has a boxed warning about the risk of misuse. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. Drug misuse is taking a drug in a way or for a use your doctor hasn’t prescribed it for. Misuse of Ativan can lead to addiction or overdose. It can even be life threatening in rare cases. Signs of misuse can include:nausea and vomitingsweatingmuscle weaknessbody achesnightmaresdepressionanxiety The risk of misuse is higher for people who’ve had alcohol or drug use disorder. It’s also higher for people who take high doses of Ativan or take Ativan long-term. Due to the above risks, it’s important to take Ativan exactly as your doctor prescribes. Taking Ativan with other medications, alcohol, or illegal drugs may increase the risk of harmful outcomes. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take and if you’ve ever had problems with alcohol or drug misuse. When to talk with your doctor Treatment with Ativan can cause mild and serious side effects. Most side effects aren’t common, but if they do happen, they tend to be mild. However, Ativan can cause serious side effects in rare cases. Talk with your doctor if you develop side effects that are serious or bothersome. For more information, see “Side effect specifics” above. If you’d like to learn more about Ativan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug. Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:More information about Ativan. For details about other aspects of Ativan, refer to this article.Drug comparison. Learn how Ativan compares with Xanax and other drugs, such as Klonopin, Valium, and Ambien.Dosage. For information about Ativan’s dosages, view this article.Interactions. To learn more about Ativan’s interactions, see this article.A look at your condition. Here are some resources to learn more about your condition:For details about anxiety, see our anxiety hub.For information about seizures, check out our epilepsy and seizure hub. Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. 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