{"id":15292,"date":"2020-09-07T10:00:05","date_gmt":"2020-09-07T14:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=15292"},"modified":"2020-11-06T16:01:12","modified_gmt":"2020-11-06T21:01:12","slug":"ativan-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ativan-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Ativan side effects and interactions, and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/news\/anxiety-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anxiety<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you\u2019ve probably heard of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ativan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ativan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Still, you might not know that Ativan also helps with insomnia, it can prevent nausea during chemotherapy treatments, and it\u2019s used to treat status epilepticus seizures. Ativan, a brand name of the medication lorazepam, is a quick-acting medication, with most people starting to feel its calming effects between 20 and 30 minutes after taking it. As with most medications, Ativan has side effects and it can interact with other drugs. In this article, we discuss the possible Ativan side effects, drug interactions, and warnings to safely use it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is Ativan?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/lorazepam\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ativan (lorazepam)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is in a class of medication called benzodiazepines. It is available as a prescription drug. It\u2019s approved in the U.S. for the following treatments:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short-term relief of symptoms from anxiety disorders and anxiety-associated depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Management of anxiety disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doctors sometimes prescribe it <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/off-label-prescription-drugs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">off-label<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, meaning that although it isn\u2019t approved to treat a specific medical condition, anecdotal evidence has found it helpful. According to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK532890\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Center for Biotechnology Information<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, these conditions include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcohol withdrawal syndrome and delirium<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/anxiety-attack-vs-panic-attack\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Panic disorders<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preventing nausea during cancer treatment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle spasms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relaxation and sedation before anesthesia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychogenic catatonia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short-term use for insomnia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Status epilepticus seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ativan is quick-acting. When taking orally, most people start to feel the effects in 20 to 30 minutes. Ativan is effective within one to three minutes when given intravenously.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/anxiety-treatment-and-medications\">Anxiety treatments and medications<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why is lorazepam a controlled substance?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a risk of Ativan abuse and dependence. The United States <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/media\/116739\/download\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food and Drug Administration (FDA)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has labeled Ativan a Schedule IV <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/controlled-substances-act\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">controlled substance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. There are five levels of controlled substances based on the drug\u2019s risk of abuse or harm, such as if the drug has the potential to lead to psychological or physical dependence. Schedule I has the highest potential for drug abuse, such as heroin. These drugs have no accepted medical use and are not legal in the United States. Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse, such as certain cough syrups that contain codeine. Benzodiazepines such as Ativan are in Schedule IV, meaning they have a moderate potential for substance abuse, as well as having legitimate medical use. Other medications in this category include Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Valium (diazepam).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is Ativan a narcotic?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although it is a controlled substance, Ativan is not a narcotic. Narcotics reduce a person\u2019s perception of pain, while benzodiazepines have calming effects. Both narcotics and benzodiazepines have the potential to be habit-forming. Although medical practitioners consider Ativan safe and effective when used as directed, physical dependence can develop as quickly as two weeks, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nami.org\/About-Mental-Illness\/Treatments\/Mental-Health-Medications\/Types-of-Medication\/Lorazepam-(Ativan)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of Ativan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ativan\u2019s side effects tend to be more severe with higher doses. Some of the most common side effects include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drowsiness or sleepiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sedation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lightheadedness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unsteadiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decreased ability to concentrate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry mouth<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cDecreased blood pressure is a side effect of Ativan, but it is not prescribed for lowering blood pressure,\u201d explains <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.columbiapsychiatry.org\/profile\/amanda-s-brown-np\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amanda Brown<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, NP, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and associate at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ativan can also cause sleep disturbances, erectile dysfunction, and changes in appetite.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ativan works by calming the nervous system to balance activity in the brain, promoting a relaxing, calming effect. It also raises dopamine, and when taken in high doses, feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain increase, causing a euphoric feeling, which is one of the reasons it is addictive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of Ativan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people could experience more <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/meds\/a682053.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">severe side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from Ativan use. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shuffling walk<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tremors or inability to sit still<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty swallowing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin rash or hives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yellowing of skin or eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irregular heartbeat\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Memory loss or memory problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disorientation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep apnea or worsening of sleep apnea<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of the time, side effects lessen as the medication\u2019s effect decreases, usually in six to eight hours. However, if you are experiencing severe side effects or effects do not go away within a few hours, you should seek medical attention.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSide effects that warrant stopping the medication include extreme sleepiness, memory loss, irritability, markedly impaired coordination, and dizziness,\u201d Brown says. Because suddenly stopping Ativan can cause withdrawal symptoms, you should talk to your doctor before discontinuing it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ativan warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ativan is a short-term medication. When prescribed for daily use, the recommended course of treatment is four weeks or less.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Ativan withdrawal symptoms<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cLong-term use can lead to dependency and tolerance, meaning a person may need a higher dose to have the same effect or may experience withdrawal from not taking the medication,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dr-wendi-d-jones-90192950\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wendi D. Jones<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Pharm.D., a pharmacist in North Carolina. \u201cPsychologically, it may be more difficult to go without the drug, leading to increased anxiety. Stopping the medication after a few weeks of use shouldn\u2019t cause significant problems. However, if you have been using the medication for longer than two to four weeks, dependence can occur, and tapering off it could be required.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Depression<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For some people, Ativan could exacerbate depression symptoms. Ativan is a central nervous system depressant. When it builds up in your system or if you take it at high doses, it\u2019s possible for depression to worsen and even result in suicidal thoughts or feelings. The drug information outlined in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2016\/017794s044lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">package insert<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> indicates Ativan should only be used in patients with depression when the patient is also on antidepressant treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Age restrictions<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ativan is on the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dcri.org\/beers-criteria-medication-list\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beers Criteria Medication List<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of drugs that are potentially inappropriate for older adults. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older adults have increased sensitivity to benzodiazepines. In these patients, there is an increased risk of cognitive impairment, delirium, falls, fractures, and motor vehicle crashes when Ativan is used. Despite being on the Beers List, Ativan is frequently prescribed to older adults. In these patients, the lowest possible dose should be used and the patient should be closely monitored.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because lorazepam is a sedative, you should not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Memory impairment<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is also conflicting information as to whether Ativan causes or is a risk factor for memory impairment or Alzheimer\u2019s disease. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S089543560100453X\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found the benzodiazepines could be a risk factor for dementia. And another <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmj.com\/content\/349\/bmj.g5205\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study, published in 2014<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, found an association between taking lorazepam and the risk of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. However, more recent <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmj.com\/content\/352\/bmj.i90\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, published in 2016, showed that the risk of dementia was only slightly higher in people taking low doses of benzodiazepines, and it was not present in those taking it at higher doses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Respiratory depression<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzodiazepines can cause respiratory depression, or hypoventilation, when used on their own, and even more when combined with another central nervous system (CNS) depressant. This breathing disorder causes slow, ineffective breathing, creating a higher level of carbon dioxide and a lower level of oxygen in your body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzodiazepines such as Ativan can also cause respiratory depression when combined with other sedating medications or substances such as alcohol, muscle relaxants, sedating antihistamines, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants. Always consult your healthcare provider to make sure that Ativan is safe in combination with other medications you take.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Pregnancy and breastfeeding<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/safe-medication-during-pregnancy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pregnant or planning to become pregnant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, seek medical advice before taking this medication. Animal studies have shown occasional abnormalities in the fetus. There is an increased risk of malformations from tranquilizers during the first trimester. The use of Ativan during the third trimester is also associated with an increased risk of neonatal withdrawal. Lorazepam may pass to babies in breast milk and may cause sedation and irritability in the baby. If you are breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ativan interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAlcohol and opioids should be avoided when taking Ativan,\u201d says Dr. Jones, \u201cIn general, anything that makes you feel tired, including CBD oil and melatonin, need to be taken carefully until you know how your body reacts. There are several medications that can increase the adverse or toxic effects of lorazepam. It is always good to ask your pharmacist if something is safe for you to take, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Drug-drug interactions<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before taking Ativan, or any medication, you should tell your doctor about all medications\u2014prescription or over-the-counter, supplements, and vitamins\u2014you are taking especially:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anticonvulsants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antidepressants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma medications: theophylline<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold medicine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gout medication: probenecid<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medications for Parkinson&#8217;s disease: Rytary, Sinemet, and Stalevo (levodopa)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle relaxants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opioid pain medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral antifungals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping pills<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sedating allergy medicine\/antihistamines<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain medications or cough medications that contain codeine<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are taking any of these medications, your doctor might want to adjust your dosage, switch to a different medicine, or closely monitor you for side effects and adverse reactions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Food-drug interactions<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should not consume grapefruit or grapefruit products while taking this medication as this can increase the effects and lead to toxicity or adverse reactions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should not drink alcohol while taking it as you can experience life-threatening side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there are no specific warnings against drinking coffee or other foods and beverages containing caffeine, it is essential to remember that caffeine is a stimulant and could potentially counteract the effects of lorazepam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid Ativan side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects, such as tiredness, usually start shortly after taking the medication, often within 30 minutes of taking the medication. <\/span>They generally lessen as the effects of the drug decrease<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, typically between six and eight hours after taking it. Some people also notice that side effects decrease as they continue taking the medication, and their body adjusts to it, for example, they might not feel as tired after taking it regularly for several days or weeks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>1. Take Ativan according to your doctor&#8217;s instructions.<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking the correct Ativan dosage <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">helps reduce the side effects you might experience. Some people take them \u201cas needed,\u201d which means only at times you feel anxious, and others take them at regular intervals throughout the day to keep anxiety symptoms at bay. If you are experiencing side effects, talk to your doctor about whether changing the time you take the medication could reduce your discomfort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ativan is available in different forms and doses:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intramuscular injection: 2 mg\/ml, 4 mg\/ml<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intravenously: 2 mg\/ml, 4 mg\/ml\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral tablet: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should start at a low dose and slowly work your way up, assuring you are taking the lowest dose that provides a benefit to you. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/Ativan-Tablets-lorazepam-2135.1869\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prescriber\u2019s Digital Reference (PDR)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests the following doses for anxiety:<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3><span class=\"title\">Ativan dosage for anxiety by age<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><\/td>\n<td><b>Starting oral dosage<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Maximum oral dosage<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Children \u2264 11 years old<\/b><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Determined by child\u2019s age, weight, and health history.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Adolescents 12+ years<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-3 mg per day divided into 2-3 doses throughout the day; may increase gradually as needed and as tolerated<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Up to 10 mg per day as needed, divided into several doses (usual maximum needed is 6 mg\/day in divided doses)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Adults<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-3 mg per day divided into 2-3 doses throughout the day; may increase gradually as needed and as tolerated<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Up to 10 mg per day, divided into several doses (usual maximum needed is 6 mg\/day in divided doses)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Geriatric adults<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1-2 mg per day divided into 2-3 doses throughout the day; may increase gradually as needed and as tolerated<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Up to 6 mg per day (2 mg per day in long term care facility residents). There\u2019s an increased risk of toxicity in this population, therefore, small, gradual increases are best.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For insomnia, the recommended adult dosage starts at 2 mg at bedtime, to be increased to 4 mg, if needed, with the course of treatment four months or less.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>2. Take Ativan with food.<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most people do not experience stomach pain or upset when taking Ativan; however, if you do, <\/span>it might help to take it with food.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>3. Do not suddenly stop taking Ativan.<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms from withdrawal from Ativan can be more uncomfortable than the side effects. <\/span>You should not stop taking the medication suddenly, especially if you are taking it regularly.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Withdrawal symptoms include rebound anxiety, restlessness, tremor, sweating, agitation, insomnia, and possibly seizures. These symptoms begin within one to two days after your last dose and can last for seven days or more, depending on how long you have been taking it. It is best to taper how much and how often you take it slowly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your doctor will work with you to set up a safe tapering schedule. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smchealth.org\/sites\/main\/files\/file-attachments\/benzodiazepinetaper08-12-13.pdf?1497977629\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">San Mateo County Health Department<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests two methods of tapering:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A reduction of 25% of the initial dose every two weeks, or\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decreasing the dose by 25% the first week, 25% the second week, and then by 10% each week until you have discontinued the medication\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tapering process can take several weeks to a few months to completely stop the medication. Doing it this way eliminates or dramatically reduces any withdrawal symptoms you experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>4. Ask your doctor about switching to a different medication.<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your healthcare provider might suggest <\/span>trying other anxiety medications in place of Ativan<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/side-effects-of-antidepressants\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antidepressants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can reduce symptoms of anxiety. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cymbalta\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cymbalta<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (duloxetine)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/silenor\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Silenor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (doxepin)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/lexapro\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lexapro<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (escitalopram)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/paxil\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paxil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/paxil-cr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paxil CR<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/pexeva\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pexeva<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/brisdelle\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brisdelle<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (paroxetine)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/effexor-xr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Effexor XR<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (venlafaxine)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are also other benzodiazepines, which include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/xanax\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xanax<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (alprazolam)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/valium\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (diazepam)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/klonopin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Klonopin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (clonazepam)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everyone reacts to medication differently. What works best for one person may not work for another. It is best to work closely with your doctor and learn about all of your treatment options so you can find the drug that works best for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you have anxiety, you\u2019ve probably heard of Ativan. Still, you might not know that Ativan also helps with insomnia, it can prevent nausea during chemotherapy treatments, and it\u2019s used to treat status epilepticus seizures. Ativan, a brand name of the medication lorazepam, is a quick-acting medication, with most people starting to feel its calming [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":15293,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[9777,12752],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-15292","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-anxiety","tag-medication-side-effects","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Ativan side effects and interactions, and how to avoid them<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ativan side effects are more severe with higher doses. Dizziness, drowsiness, and unsteadiness are common side effects. 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