Ativan (Lorazepam) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 3, 2012

Ativan

Anxiety »

Introduction to Anxiety

Generalized anxiety disorder (or GAD) is characterized by excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday life events with no obvious reasons for worry. People with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder tend to always expect disaster and can't stop worrying about health, money, family, work, or school. In people with GAD, the worry often is unrealistic or out of proportion for the situation. Daily life becomes a constant state of worry, fear, and dread. Eventually, the anxiety so dominates the person's thinking that it interferes with daily functioning, including work, school, social activities, and relationships.

What Are the Symptoms of GAD?

GAD affects the way a person thinks, but the anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, as well. Symptoms of GAD can include:

Excessive, ongoing worry and tension
An unrealistic view of problems
Restlessness...

Read the Anxiety article »

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Ativan®
(lorazepam) Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Ativan (lorazepam), an antianxiety agent, has the chemical formula, 7-chloro-5-(o-chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one:

Ativan (lorazepam) structural formula illustration.

C₁₅H₁₀C_l2N₂O₂ MW: 321.16

It is a nearly white powder almost insoluble in water. Each Ativan (lorazepam) tablet, to be taken orally, contains 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg of lorazepam. The inactive ingredients present are lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polacriline potassium.

What are the possible side effects of lorazepam (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.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

confusion, depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;
hallucinations; or
feeling light-headed, fainting.

Less serious side effects may include:

drowsiness, dizziness,...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Ativan »

What are the precautions when taking lorazepam (Ativan)?

Before taking lorazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other benzodiazepines (such as alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, glaucoma, lung/breathing problems (such as sleep apnea), mental/mood disorders (such as depression, psychosis), drug/alcohol abuse.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform...

Read All Potential Precautions of Ativan »

Last reviewed on RxList: 10/4/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.