• Ativan is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. This drug works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body.

How should you take this medication?

• Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor.
   
• Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
   
• Measure the liquid form of lorazepam with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon.
   
• Ativan should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medication for longer than 4 months without your doctor's advice.
   
• Do not stop using lorazepam suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
   
• If you miss a dose, if it is within an hour or so of the scheduled time, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. Otherwise, skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule.

General Precautions with Ativan

• Before taking ativan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, alprazolam, clonazepam); or if you have any other allergies.
   
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, severe lung/breathing problems, mental/mood disorders, muscle weakness, drug/alcohol abuse.
   
• This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision; therefore, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended.
   
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.
   
• The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially drowsiness and unsteadiness.
   
• This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby.
   

What are the possible side effects of Ativan?

• Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
   
• Clumsiness, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, blurred vision, change in sexual interest/ability, hair loss, constipation, heartburn, or change in appetite may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
   
• Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: memory loss, shaking, difficult/slurred speech, vision changes, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, including rare thoughts of suicide), trouble breathing, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, seizures, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection, unusual weakness, low body temperature.