Description

Lorazepam (Ativan)

Lorazepam (Ativan) is a fast-acting, short-term prescription benzodiazepine used to treat severe anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. It works by depressing the central nervous system to induce calmness and sedation. Common side effects include dizziness, weakness, and sleepiness. It has a high potential for dependency. 

Mayo Clinic +4

• Uses: Primarily for short-term management of severe anxiety, acute insomnia, and panic attacks. It is also used as a premedication for medical procedures and to treat status epilepticus (seizures).
• Duration of Action: It is fast-acting, typically starting to work within 30 minutes, with a relatively short duration of action, often making it effective for immediate anxiety relief rather than long-term management.
• Side Effects: Common side effects according to and include sedation, dizziness, unsteadiness, headaches, and weakness. Serious side effects can include severe drowsiness, trouble breathing, and suicidal thoughts.
• Warnings & Precautions: The FDA advises against using benzodiazepines for longer than four weeks. There is a boxed warning for risks of misuse, addiction, and severe respiratory depression when combined with opioids. It is not recommended for individuals with severe breathing problems (COPD, sleep apnea).
• Drug Interactions: Concurrent use with alcohol should be avoided due to the risk of extreme sedation. It may interact with other CNS depressants, including opioids and barbiturates. 
  Mayo Clinic +8

• Immediate-release oral tablets and liquid (Ativan).
• Intravenous (IV) or Intramuscular (IM) injection.
• Extended-release capsules (Loreev XR). 
  GoodRx +1