Lorazepam
Also sold as: Ativan
Prescription neededAnxiety and sleep (sedatives)
Comes as:TabletInjection
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose for anxiety: 1 mg to 4 mg a day in divided doses, for a short time only. The injection is used in hospital, for example to stop a long seizure. Do not stop suddenly after long use.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- drowsiness
- tiredness
- unsteady walking
- poor memory
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- slow or shallow breathing
- severe confusion
- falls in older people
- dependence and seizures if stopped suddenly
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Severe breathing problems or sleep apnoea
- Severe liver disease
- Myasthenia gravis
- Use of alcohol or opioid medicines
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Older people (use with caution — risk of falls)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious2 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
Moderate2 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Pregabalin
Both cause drowsiness; together they increase sedation and falls.
- Sodium valproate
Valproate raises lorazepam levels; a lower lorazepam dose may be needed.