Ativan 2 mg (Lorazepam)
Overview
Ativan is a brand name for lorazepam, a prescription benzodiazepine
medication. It enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
in the brain, producing calming and sedative effects.
Lorazepam may be prescribed for certain anxiety disorders and for
specific medical indications. It can cause drowsiness, impaired
coordination, physical dependence, misuse, and addiction.
Read the
MedlinePlus lorazepam medication guide
for additional information about its uses, precautions, and possible
adverse effects.
Uses
Depending on the clinical situation and applicable prescribing
information, lorazepam may be used for:
- Certain anxiety disorders and anxiety symptoms
- Short-term relief of severe anxiety symptoms
- Anxiety or agitation in specific medical settings
- Selected seizure-related emergencies under medical supervision
The appropriate use and duration of treatment should be determined
by a qualified healthcare professional. Learn more about
anxiety disorders and available treatment approaches
from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Dosage and Administration
The appropriate dose depends on the condition being treated, age,
medical history, response to treatment, and other medications.
Take lorazepam exactly as prescribed.
Do not increase the dose, take it more frequently, or use it
for longer than directed.
The 2 mg strength should only be taken when specifically prescribed.
Never use medication prescribed for another person.
Do not stop regular lorazepam treatment suddenly. Abrupt
discontinuation can cause serious withdrawal symptoms, including
seizures. A healthcare professional should determine whether and
how treatment needs to be gradually reduced.
Consult the
official lorazepam prescribing information on DailyMed
for product-specific instructions and warnings.
Common Side Effects
Possible side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Reduced coordination
- Slowed reactions
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Headache
Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience significant
sedation, dizziness, or impaired coordination. Contact your
healthcare professional if side effects persist or become concerning.
Serious Side Effects
Seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as:
- Slow, shallow, or difficult breathing
- Extreme sedation or inability to wake
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe confusion
- Serious allergic reaction
- Severe impairment of coordination
- Unusual behavioral or psychiatric changes
The risk of dangerous sedation and respiratory depression increases
significantly when lorazepam is combined with opioids, alcohol,
or other central nervous system depressants.
Warnings and Precautions
Lorazepam can cause misuse, abuse, addiction, physical
dependence, and withdrawal reactions. Use it only as
prescribed and attend recommended medical follow-up appointments.
Tell your healthcare professional if you have breathing problems,
sleep apnea, liver disease, a history of substance-use disorder,
depression, or other significant medical conditions.
Older adults may be more susceptible to excessive sedation, confusion,
impaired coordination, and falls. Additional precautions may be
necessary depending on individual circumstances.
Drug Interactions
Tell your healthcare professional about all prescription medicines,
over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and other substances you use.
Important interactions may include:
- Opioid pain medicines
- Alcohol
- Sleeping medicines
- Other benzodiazepines
- Sedating antihistamines
- Certain muscle relaxants
- Other central nervous system depressants
Combining lorazepam with opioids can cause profound sedation,
respiratory depression, coma, and death. Do not combine these
substances unless a healthcare professional has specifically
evaluated and directed the treatment.
For more information, consult the
FDA drug safety communications
.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, planning
to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Benzodiazepines can affect a developing fetus or newborn, particularly
when used during pregnancy or near delivery. Lorazepam can also pass
into breast milk and may cause sedation or feeding difficulties in
an infant.
A healthcare professional should assess the potential risks and
benefits before treatment is started or continued.
Dependence and Withdrawal
Physical dependence can develop with regular lorazepam use,
particularly with prolonged treatment or higher doses.
Possible withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Muscle aches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sensory disturbances
- Seizures
Because withdrawal can be dangerous, regular lorazepam treatment
should generally be reduced gradually under medical supervision
rather than stopped suddenly.
Overdose
An overdose may cause severe drowsiness, confusion, impaired
coordination, loss of consciousness, slowed breathing, coma,
and potentially death.
The risk is substantially greater when lorazepam is combined with
opioids, alcohol, or other sedating substances. If someone cannot
be awakened, has difficulty breathing, or is suspected of an overdose,
seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
Storage and Disposal
Store lorazepam securely according to its product labeling and keep
it out of reach of children and anyone for whom it was not prescribed.
Never share prescription lorazepam with another person.
Follow local pharmacy or healthcare-authority recommendations for
safe disposal of unused medication.
Important Safety Information
Ativan should be taken only according to a healthcare professional’s
instructions. Do not combine lorazepam with alcohol, opioids, or
other sedating medicines unless specifically directed by a
healthcare professional.
Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience drowsiness,
dizziness, impaired coordination, or slowed reactions. Never stop
regular lorazepam treatment suddenly without medical guidance.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational
purposes only and does not replace the official prescribing information
or advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
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