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Ativan for Anxiety Disorder

Ativan is a commonly prescribed drug for anxiety and other disorders. It is also available under the generic name Lorazepam. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance.

  1. Function

    • Ativan is a benzodiazapine that is primarily prescribed for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. It is also prescribed for seizure disorder, insomnia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

    Dosage

    • Dosage ranges from .5 to 4 milligrams per day. Ativan can be taken on as as needed basis or up to four times daily.

    Side Effects

    • Ativan can cause drowsiness, trouble concentrating, a lack of coordination and and blurred vision. More serious side effects include hallucinations, fainting and suicidal thoughts.

    Dependency

    • Taking Ativan for longer than a two week period increases the risk of dependency. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and include the possibility of seizures and death if the drug is not tapered.

    Interactions

    • Ativan interacts with many drugs. Antidepressants, narcotics and barbiturates are the most common classes of drugs that Ativan will interact with. It is important to tell your pharmacist about any prescription or over the counter drugs you are taking before taking Ativan.

    Pregnancy

    • Ativan should not be taken during pregnancy. It is a FDA category D medication that can cause birth defects and addiction in the newborn.

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