Ativan Side Effects

Generic name: lorazepam

Note: This document contains side effect information about lorazepam. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Ativan.

Some side effects of Ativan may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to lorazepam: oral concentrate, oral tablet

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking lorazepam (the active ingredient contained in Ativan) 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 of lorazepam may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness;

• blurred vision;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination;

• amnesia or forgetfulness, trouble concentrating;

• nausea, vomiting, constipation;

• appetite changes; or

• skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to lorazepam: compounding powder, injectable solution, intravenous solution, oral concentrate, oral tablet

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have been common and have included drowsiness, fatigue, confusion, impaired cognition, daytime anxiety, asthenia, amnesia, headache, dizziness, and ataxia. Orofacial dyskinesias have been observed rarely.

One study has suggested that the amnestic effects of lorazepam may be increased in patients who consume a large amount of ethanol.

The manufacturer has stated that elderly patients may be associated with a greater incidence of central nervous system depression.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects including depression have been observed rarely with parenteral administration of lorazepam (the active ingredient contained in Ativan)

Equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available when parenteral lorazepam is used.

The manufacturer has stated that elderly patients may be associated with more respiratory depression.

Other

Other side effects have included withdrawal symptoms after abrupt cessation of lorazepam (the active ingredient contained in Ativan) Withdrawal symptoms have included agitation, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, convulsions, tremor, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and sweating. Mania and delusional depression have also been observed rarely.

Local

The vehicle for the injectable form of lorazepam (the active ingredient contained in Ativan) is propylene glycol, which can cause hyperlactatemia and elevated osmolar gaps. Propylene glycol may also interfere with renal tubular function and may blunt renal compensation for respiratory acidosis. While some guidelines seem to indicate that propylene glycol toxicity occurs at high dose (>18 mg/hr) lorazepam infusions, multiple instances of propylene glycol toxicity from far lower dose (4 to 6 mg/hr) lorazepam infusions have also been reported.

Local side effects at the site of intramuscular injection (pain, burning, local irritation and swelling) occur in about 8% of patients. Rarely, vascular impairment after inadvertent intra-arterial injection has occurred, sometimes with severe consequences.

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects including hemolytic anemia, pancytopenia, neutropenia, and aplastic anemia have been reported.

Endocrine

Endocrine side effects including the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of ADH have been reported rarely in association with lorazepam (the active ingredient contained in Ativan) use.

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects including myopathy and one case of rhabdomyolysis have been reported.

Renal

Renal side effects have been reported including a case of hyperlactatemia, increased osmolar gap, and renal dysfunction during continuous lorazepam (the active ingredient contained in Ativan) infusion.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This drug information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug of drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.