Ativan Side Effects & Warnings

Ativan is the brand name for the prescription medication lorazepam. It’s considered a benzodiazepine and is typically used in the short-term treatment of anxiety disorders, insomnia, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal.

Lorazepam works by increasing the availability of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system (CNS). This increase is what leads to a calming effect that helps ease the symptoms of anxiety and seizures.

While Ativan has medical use, the anxiety medication is also classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This means it has a lower potential for abuse than some other drugs but using or abusing it can still lead to dependence and addiction.

But beyond the habit-forming qualities of Ativan, it can also come with several adverse side effects and warnings, including dangerous drug interactions.

Side Effects Of Ativan

Ativan comes with quite a few side effects. Some are common, some are rare but serious, and some can occur when you take the medication over a long period of time.

Common Side Effects Of Ativan

The most common side effects of Ativan use include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• loss of coordination
• headache
• nausea
• tiredness
• dry mouth
• diarrhea
• heartburn
• changes in appetite
• constipation
• difficulty urinating
• blurred vision

Serious Side Effects of Ativan

Ativan can also lead to a number of serious side effects.

If you experience any of the following effects, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible:

• hallucinations
• depression
• thoughts of suicide
• trouble speaking
• vision changes
• unusual weakness
• trouble walking
• memory problems
• sore throat
• yellowing of eyes and/or skin
• seizures
• slow breathing

Side Effects Of Long-Term Ativan Use

Long-term use of Ativan can also lead to its own set of side effects.

These side effects can be very serious and include:

• sedation
• fatigue
• anxiety
• disorientation
• memory loss
• mouth sores
• abdominal bleeding
• kidney problems
• loss of appetite
• sleep problems/insomnia
• seizures

Ativan Warnings

Along with the potential for severe side effects, Ativan use also has a variety of warnings per medical professionals and the FDA’s drug label. These warnings may increase if you abuse the drug or take it in a manner not prescribed by your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Several drugs should not be taken with Ativan. The combination can cause adverse reactions and lead to effects that can be life-threatening.

Some of the drugs and substances that don’t mix well with Ativa include:

• alcohol
• marijuana
• opioid painkillers like oxycodone and codeine
• muscle relaxants
• medicine for anxiety such as alprazolam and diazepam
• antihistamine
• vitamins and nutritional supplements
• digoxin
• antidepressants
• anticonvulsants
• medication for Parkinson’s disease
• asthma medication
• over-the-counter cold or allergy medicine
• oral contraceptives
• Sedatives

Taking Ativan with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol or opioids, can lead to overdose. Symptoms of a benzodiazepine and opioid overdose include troubled breathing and heavy sedation.

Medical Conditions

Ativan can also lead to the worsening of certain medical conditions. It can exacerbate the symptoms and be life-threatening if the issues are left untreated.

If you have any of the following health conditions, make sure to let your healthcare provider know before they prescribe Ativan:

• narrow-angle glaucoma
• asthma
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• sleep apnea
• substance use disorder
• mental health problems like depression and suicidal
• thoughts/behaviors
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• seizures

If you have had an allergic reaction to alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium/Librax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), estazolam, flurazepam, oxazepam, temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam (Halcion), Ativan may not be right for you.

Additionally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may want to discuss the risks of Ativan with a healthcare professional. Breastfeeding can also be an issue when taking Ativan as the drug can transfer into breast milk in small amounts.

Ativan & Older Adults

Ativan also affects older adults (65 and older) differently than it does young people. A lower dose of lorazepam is recommended for older adults as higher doses can be less effective (not have its usual calming effect) and can lead to serious side effects.

Older adults may also experience side effects like unsteadiness and sleepiness. This can increase the risk of falling which can be especially troubling for older people who may be more fragile.

Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms

If you abuse Ativan or take the prescription drug in high doses, you’re more likely to form a physical dependence. This means your body can no longer function properly without the drug.

If you build up a dependence and stop taking the drug, withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur, which can include:

• anxiety
• increased blood pressure
• increased heart rate
• trouble sleeping
• headache
• tremors
• heart palpitations
• nausea and vomiting
• abdominal cramps
• weight loss
• panic attacks
• drug cravings

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, please contact us today to learn about our outpatient treatment options.