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.