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Product Description

Ativan (lorazepam) is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). It affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

Ativan is used to treat anxiety disorders.

Ativan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Effects

Lorazepam works by acting on receptors in the brain called GABA receptors. This causes the release of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are stored in nerve cells in the brain and nervous system. They are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural ‘nerve-calming’ agent. It helps keep the nerve activity in the brain in balance, and is involved in inducing sleepiness and reducing anxiety.

As lorazepam increases the activity of GABA in the brain, it increases its calming effect and results in sleepiness, a decrease in anxiety and relaxation of the muscles.

Lorazepam is used to calm severe anxiety and related conditions, such as acute mania, excitement or agitation. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam are effective at quickly reducing the symptoms of anxiety and agitation that occur in a manic or hypomanic episode of the psychiatric illness, bipolar affective disorder. Benzodiazepines help calm the individual while the main medicines used to treat this condition (mood stabilisers) begin to take effect.

Lorazepam is also given for its sedating and anxiety-relieving effects as a pre-med before surgery or medical investigations that may be uncomfortable or prolonged, for example bronchoscopy or endoscopy.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Ativan: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

confusion, depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;

hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;

hallucinations; or

feeling light-headed, fainting.

Less serious Ativan side effects may include:

drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness;

blurred vision;

sleep problems (insomnia);

muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination;

amnesia or forgetfulness, trouble concentrating;

nausea, vomiting, constipation;

appetite changes; or

skin rash.

Cycles

Ativan should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medication for longer than 4 months without your doctor’s advice. Ativan 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. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Contact your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your symptoms. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.