Lorazepam, Lorazepam Intensol

Medically reviewed by Amber Watson, PharmD on April 16, 2023
Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA

This article describes lorazepam oral tablet’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Below you’ll find coupon options for lorazepam.

This article doesn’t describe or provide coupons for all forms of lorazepam. To find out more about lorazepam intensol, see this article.

Boxed warnings

Lorazepam has boxed warnings about the risk of misuse and addiction and risk of withdrawal and dependence. There is also a risk of serious harm if taken with opioids. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For more information about the risk of misuse and addiction and the risk of withdrawal and dependence, see the “Misuse, dependence, or withdrawal of lorazepam” section below. For details about the risk of serious harm if taken with opioids, see the “Warnings for lorazepam” section below.

Lorazepam may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of lorazepam oral tablet and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age and overall health and any other medications you take.

To learn more about lorazepam oral tablet’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information for lorazepam oral tablet.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with lorazepam oral tablet are listed below.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Lorazepam oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• sleepiness
• dizziness
• weakness
• problems with balance or coordination
• fatigue (low energy)
• forgetfulness and problems with memory
• confusion
• euphoria
• lowered inhibitions
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Warnings for lorazepam” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of lorazepam oral tablet are listed below. With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common.

If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Lorazepam oral tablet’s serious side effects include:

• breathing problems, including slow, shallow breathing, trouble breathing, and stopped breathing
• mental health side effects, including depression and suicidal thoughts or actions
• unexpected reactions to the drug, including acting aggressive or hostile or showing signs of rage,  acting extremely excited or energetic after a dose, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there), feeling very anxious, or having sleep problems
• boxed warning: risk of misuse and addiction*
• boxed warning: risk of withdrawal and dependence*
• boxed warning: risk of serious harm if taken with opioids†
• severe allergic reaction†

* For details about this side effect, see the “Misuse, withdrawal, or dependence of lorazepam” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Warnings for lorazepam” section below.

Suicide prevention

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
• Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as lorazepam for certain conditions. Approved uses for lorazepam oral tablet are described below.

Use for anxiety

Doctors may prescribe lorazepam oral tablet for treating anxiety. This includes both:

• treatment of anxiety symptoms
• management of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 12 years and older.

It’s normal for all of us to experience anxiety from time to time. In some cases, anxiety symptoms can be overwhelming and interfere with your day-to-day life. Lorazepam may be useful as a short-term treatment in this case.

Some people experience excessive anxiety that lasts for months and doesn’t go away. This type of anxiety is related to an anxiety disorder, such as GAD.

Symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:

• insomnia (sleep problems)
• feeling irritable
• fatigue (low energy), even with enough sleep
• trouble concentrating or paying attention
• unexplained pain or muscle aches
• inability to manage worrying

Lorazepam may be used as a short-term or long-term treatment for anxiety symptoms and disorders such as GAD.

The dosage of lorazepam oral tablet your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should take.

Taking lorazepam

Lorazepam oral tablet is swallowed by mouth. It can be taken with or without food.

Your doctor will talk with you about how to take lorazepam oral tablets. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.

See the “Common questions about lorazepam” section for information on missed doses and the best time to take this drug.

Overdose of lorazepam

You should not take more lorazepam than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much lorazepam, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about lorazepam oral tablet.

How does lorazepam compare with other similar drugs, such as diazepam or clonazepam?

Lorazepam (Ativan, Loreev XR), diazepam (Diastat, Valium, Valtoco), and clonazepam (Klonopin) all belong to the same group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are typically used to treat anxiety, insomnia (sleep problems), panic attack disorder, and certain types of seizures.

Other benzodiazepines include temazepam (Restoril) and midazolam (Nayzilam, Seizalam). These drugs are used to treat similar conditions.

If you’re interested in learning more about how lorazepam compares with other drugs, talk with your pharmacist or doctor.

What is lorazepam’s half-life? How does it work?

Lorazepam has a half-life of about 12 hours. A drug’s half-life refers to the time it takes for your body to get rid of half a dose after you take it.

Lorazepam works by attaching to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors (a type of protein) in your brain. After lorazepam binds to GABA receptors, certain signals are released. These signals slow down activity in your central nervous system (CNS). (Your CNS is made up of your brain and spinal cord, and controls activity throughout your body.)

Slowing down the CNS can help prevent or treat symptoms of certain conditions, including anxiety and symptoms due to anxiety.

After you take a dose, lorazepam typically begins working within 15 to 30 minutes.

If you have questions about what to expect with lorazepam treatment, talk with your doctor.

Are the side effects of lorazepam in older adults similar to those seen in younger adults?

Yes, side effects of lorazepam in older adults (ages 65 and older) are similar to those in younger adults based on studies of the drug. (For details about lorazepam’s side effects, see the “Side effects of lorazepam” section above.)

However, older adults have a higher risk of certain side effects compared with younger adults. These side effects include sleepiness and paradoxical reactions (unexpected reactions to the drug).

If you’re an older adult, your doctor will likely prescribe you a lower starting dosage of lorazepam.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about lorazepam’s side effects.

Can lorazepam be used for seizures?

Lorazepam may be used for seizures, but the oral tablet form of lorazepam is not approved for this use.

An injectable form of lorazepam is used to treat status epilepticus. With status epilepticus, a seizure continues for more than 5 minutes, or repeated seizures occur without time to recover in between them. Status epilepticus is a medical emergency.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to know more about how lorazepam may be used to treat seizures.

Is there a best time of day to take lorazepam? What should I do if I miss a dose of lorazepam?

For treating anxiety, there’s no best time of day to take lorazepam. You should take your doses according to your doctor’s instructions.

If you’re taking lorazepam to treat insomnia (sleep problems) related to anxiety, you’ll likely take your dose just before going to bed.

If you miss a dose of lorazepam, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular scheduled time. Do not take more than one dose of lorazepam at once.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about when to take lorazepam.

Can lorazepam tablets be crushed, split, or chewed?

Lorazepam tablets come with a score (line down the middle) upon which the tablets may be split. But you should not crush or chew lorazepam tablets.

Talk with your pharmacist or doctor if you’re having trouble swallowing lorazepam or any of your medications. You can also view this article.

For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take lorazepam, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. They can check for interactions these items may cause with lorazepam. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription medications
• over-the-counter medications
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for lorazepam” section below.

Lorazepam has boxed warnings about the risk of misuse and addiction and the risk of withdrawal and dependence. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

To learn more about these warnings read below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Lorazepam and the risk of misuse and addiction

It’s possible to misuse lorazepam. Misuse refers to using a drug in a manner other than how it’s prescribed, such as taking a drug to feel “high.”

Misusing lorazepam can cause serious side effects, including severe central nervous system (CNS) depression. (Your CNS is made up of your brain and spinal cord, and controls activities throughout your body.) Severe CNS depression can cause serious side effects, including problems breathing, seizure, and coma. In rare cases, or in the case of an overdose, CNS depression can even be fatal. This risk increases if you take lorazepam with other substances that cause CNS depression, including alcohol.

It’s also possible to become addicted to lorazepam, especially when the drug is misused. Drug addiction occurs when you continue taking a substance despite harm or negative impacts. This includes neglecting your social, school, or work obligations. With drug addiction, you may be unable to stop taking the drug, even if you want to. Drug addiction is different from drug dependence. (To learn more, see “Lorazepam and the risk of withdrawal and dependence” just below).

Due to the risk of misuse and addiction, lorazepam is considered a controlled substance in the United States. Controlled substances are drugs with special rules and regulations on their use put in place by federal and state governments. These rules are intended to help reduce misuse and addiction.

Before you begin taking lorazepam, it’s important to let your doctor know if you’ve ever had substance use disorder, misuse, or addiction. Your doctor can determine whether lorazepam is safe for you to take.

If you have questions or concerns about lorazepam and the risk of misuse or addiction, talk with your doctor.

Lorazepam and the risk of withdrawal and dependence

Taking lorazepam can result in dependence on the drug. With drug dependence, your body needs a drug to feel and function as usual. It’s possible to develop dependence with lorazepam even when the drug is taken as prescribed. It’s important to note that drug dependence and addiction are not the same. It’s possible to be dependent on a drug without being addicted to it.

Because lorazepam can cause dependence, suddenly stopping treatment may lead to withdrawal. Withdrawal refers to side effects that happen when you suddenly stop taking a drug that your body is dependent on.

Lorazepam withdrawal can cause mild or serious symptoms. Some examples include:

• diarrhea
• trouble concentrating
• muscle cramps 
• insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• appetite loss
• seizures
• blurred vision

Because of the risk of withdrawal, it’s important that you do not suddenly stop taking lorazepam. Missing lorazepam doses, especially more than one, may also lead to withdrawal symptoms.

If you’d like to stop taking lorazepam, talk with your doctor first. Your doctor can develop a plan to slowly lower your dose over time until it’s safe for you to stop taking lorazepam completely. This is known as a drug taper. It helps lower your risk of withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking lorazepam.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about lorazepam and the risk of dependence and withdrawal.

Information about lorazepam and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Lorazepam and pregnancy

In general, lorazepam oral tablet should not be taken during pregnancy. However, there are rare instances where the benefits may outweigh the risks.

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with lorazepam.

Lorazepam and breastfeeding

Generally, lorazepam oral tablet should not be taken while breastfeeding, unless you and your doctor agree that the benefits outweigh the risks. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with lorazepam.

Lorazepam should not be taken by certain people. And some people should cautiously take the drug. Precautions for taking this drug are described below.

Boxed warnings

Lorazepam has boxed warnings about the risk of misuse and addiction and the risk of withdrawal and dependence. There is also a risk of serious harm if taken with opioids. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

To learn more about these warnings, read below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Risk of misuse and addiction. For more information about this risk, see the “Misuse, dependence, or withdrawal of lorazepam” section above.

Risk of withdrawal and dependence. For more information about this risk, see the “Misuse, dependence, or withdrawal of lorazepam” section above.

Risk of serious harm if taken with opioids. Serious and even life threatening side effects can occur if lorazepam is taken with an opioid drug. This is because both opioids and lorazepam cause central nervous system (CNS) depression. (Your CNS is made up of your brain and spinal cord, and controls activities throughout your body.)

CNS depression caused by taking lorazepam with an opioid can lead to severe side effects. These include dangerously slowed breathing and coma. It can even result in a life threatening overdose.

Examples of opioids include:

• strong prescription pain relievers, such as fentanyl (Actiq, Fentora, others), hydrocodone (Hysingla ER), oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone, others), and codeine
• certain medications for treating opioid use disorder, including buprenorphine (BuTrans, Sublocade, others) and methadone (Methadose)

If you think you’re experiencing CNS depression after taking lorazepam with an opioid, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

Due to the risk of harm, doctors typically avoid prescribing lorazepam with an opioid. However, there are instances where taking lorazepam and an opioid together is the best or only treatment available. In this case, your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose for the shortest time possible of both medications as needed to treat your symptoms.

To learn more about this risk, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other warnings

Lorazepam could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether lorazepam oral tablet is a safe option for you.

Tell your doctor about your overall health and any past health conditions before you take lorazepam oral tablet. Health conditions and other factors you and your doctor should discuss include:

• depression
• breathing or lung problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• liver problem, such as alcohol-related liver disease
• kidney problem, such as chronic kidney disease
• dementia or other conditions that affect memory

Allergic reaction

Lorazepam can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to lorazepam or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe lorazepam. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to lorazepam, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

You may be able to save money on your prescription for lorazepam oral tablet by using our Perks discount coupons. These can be found at the end of this article.

If you have questions about how to pay for lorazepam, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

This article describes lorazepam oral tablet’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about lorazepam or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Does my health history raise my risk of side effects from taking lorazepam?
• If I have side effects from lorazepam, can you prescribe me a lower dose?
• How does lorazepam compare to other drugs that may treat my condition?
• Is it safe to take lorazepam with other drugs for anxiety, such as buspirone?

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Lorazepam tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/ed37d304-04cf-43ec-a58d-d72002ff889b/spl-doc

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.