Ativan (lorazepam) is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic.

The effectiveness of Ativan (lorazepam) in long-term use, that is, more than 4 months, has not been assessed by systematic clinical studies. The physician should periodically reassess the usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.

Ativan (lorazepam) is administered orally. For optimal results, dose, frequency of administration, and duration of therapy should be individualized according to patient response. To facilitate this, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg tablets are available.

The usual range is 2 to 6 mg/day given in divided doses, the largest dose being taken before bedtime, but the daily dosage may vary from 1 to 10 mg/day.

For anxiety, most patients require an initial dose of 2 to 3 mg/day given b.i.d. or t.i.d.

For insomnia due to anxiety or transient situational stress, a single daily dose of 2 to 4 mg may be given, usually at bedtime.

For elderly or debilitated patients, an initial dosage of 1 to 2 mg/day in divided doses is recommended, to be adjusted as needed and tolerated.

The dosage of Ativan (lorazepam) should be increased gradually when needed to help avoid adverse effects. When higher dosage is indicated, the evening dose should be increased before the daytime doses.

Ativan® (lorazepam) Tablets are available in the following dosage strengths: 0.5 mg, white, five-sided tablet with a raised "A" on one side and "BPI" and "63" impressed on reverse side.

NDC 64455-063-01 - Bottles of 100 tablets

1 mg, white, five-sided tablet with a raised "A" on one side and "BPI" and "64" impressed on scored reverse side

NDC 64455-064-01 - Bottles of 100 tablets
NDC 64455-064-10 - Bottles of 1000 tablets

2 mg, white, five-sided tablet with a raised "A" and impressed "2" on one side and "BPI" and "65" impressed on scored reverse side.

NDC 64455-065-01 - Bottles of 100 tablets

The appearance of these tablets is a registered trademark of Biovail Laboratories Incorporated.

BOTTLES:
Keep tightly closed.
Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F).
Dispense in a tight container.

Manufactured by: Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc., Philadelphia, PA, 19101, USA
Distributed by: Biovail Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bridgewater, NJ, 08807, USA
Rev 03/07
FDA rev date: 4/18/2007

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