Lorazepam is a medication that may ease conditions such as anxiety and panic disorder. Due to its risk of dependency, doctors may only prescribe lorazepam as a short-term treatment.
Medically reviewed by Alexandra Perez, PharmD, MBA, BCGP
Lorazepam — also known by its brand name Ativan — is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. It’s suitable for both adults and children ages 12 years and older.
It’s a controlled substance with more strict prescription requirements than other medications. Each state may differ in laws regulating lorazepam.
Doctors may prescribe lorazepam as a medication treatment to ease symptoms of conditions such as:
anxiety
panic disorder
insomnia caused by stress
Unlike other anti-anxiety medications, doctors may prescribe lorazepam to take when anxiety arises and only for a short period, as it can lead to dependency.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
What is Lorazepam?
FreshSplash/Getty Images
Doctors have prescribed lorazepam as an effective treatment for anxiety for many years.
The medication increases this nerve chemical, relaxing muscles and reducing anxiety and tension. Researchers have linked low levels of GABA to anxiety, mood disorders, seizure disorders, and pain.
100% online care
Treatment plans in 15 minutes or less for 40+ conditions.
These side effects usually go away during treatment as the body adjusts to the medication. But you should speak with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, if these symptoms persist or become worse.
Also, they may be able to offer advice on ways of preventing or reducing these side effects before starting treatment.
Serious side effects
Lorazepam may cause serious side effects. If you experience serious side effects, you should seek medical support immediately.
Lorazepam may not be suitable for use in older adults as they may be more sensitive to some of the drug’s side effects.
Side effects that older adults may be more prone to include:
difficulty breathing
sleepiness
problems with memory
unsteadiness, which may increase the risk of falls
When should you take lorazepam?
Current guidelines do not recommend lorazepam as a first-line treatment due to its side effects and risk of addiction. But doctors may prescribe lorazepam for short-term relief of severe anxiety.
Lorazepam is a controlled drug and is highly addictive. It’s been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for short-term, 4-month relief of anxiety symptoms. A doctor will prescribe the lowest dose for the shortest possible duration, together with self-help advice.
Also, a doctor will only prescribe small quantities with repeat prescriptions issued during your review, which should usually take place on a 3-monthly basis.
As there is a high risk of misuse and dependency associated with taking lorazepam, you should not stop taking this medication abruptly but should speak with a doctor if you wish to come off lorazepam.
Stopping lorazepam abruptly may cause serious withdrawal symptoms. These include:
Lorazepam is a controlled medication that doctors may prescribe as a short-term option to treat conditions such as severe anxiety, panic disorder, and insomnia caused by stress.
Due to the risk of addiction, a doctor will only prescribe a small amount of lorazepam at a time, with regular reviews taking place at least every 3 months.
Like all medications, lorazepam may cause mild or severe side effects. It can be beneficial to speak with a doctor or healthcare professional about reducing these side effects before beginning the medication.
Also, you should speak with a doctor before stopping lorazepam, as stopping abruptly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms.
