Medications and Drugs

Phobias Slideshow Pictures Depression Slideshow Pictures Take the PTSD Quiz

Brand Names: Ativan

Generic Name: lorazepam (injection) (Pronunciation: lor A ze pam)

• What is lorazepam injection (Ativan)?
• What are the possible side effects of lorazepam injection (Ativan)?
• What is the most important information I should know about lorazepam injection (Ativan)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using lorazepam injection (Ativan)?
• How is lorazepam injection given (Ativan)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Ativan)?
• What happens if I overdose (Ativan)?
• What should I avoid after receiving lorazepam injection (Ativan)?
• What other drugs will affect lorazepam injection (Ativan)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is lorazepam injection (Ativan)?

Lorazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Lorazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

Lorazepam injection is used to treat a seizure emergency called status epilepticus. This medication is also used as a sedative to help you relax before having surgery.

Lorazepam injection may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of lorazepam injection (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.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• weak or shallow breathing;
• seizure (convulsions);
• hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;
• hallucinations;
• unusual thoughts or behavior; or
• feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness;
• headache;
• blurred vision;
• skin rash;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• pain or burning where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about lorazepam injection (Ativan)?

If possible, before you receive lorazepam injection, tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, sleep apnea, or severe breathing problems.

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to lorazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), or oxazepam (Serax).

Lorazepam can cause birth defects in an unborn baby, and generally should not be used during pregnancy. However, status epilepticus is a life-threatening emergency and the benefit of receiving lorazepam to treat it may outweigh any risk to the unborn baby.

Before receiving lorazepam injection, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Do not drink alcohol shortly after receiving lorazepam injection.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by lorazepam injection.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you receive medication to tell your caregivers about any health conditions you have or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you did receive lorazepam injection.

After treatment with lorazepam injection, you will be watched to make sure the medication does not cause harmful side effects.