Uses

Ativan is used to treat anxiety or anxiety associated with symptoms of depression. This drug may also be used for seizures, alcohol withdrawal, prevention of nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, tension headache, and for sleeping trouble (insomnia). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to take

Take by mouth with or without food. Use Ativan as directed by your doctor. The dose and frequency of use will depend on your condition and response. Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ativan.

Side effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: clumsiness, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, lightheadedness, unsteadiness, weakness. Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); memory loss; mood or mental changes (eg, depression). Symptoms of overdose may include clumsiness, confusion, deep sleep, loss of consciousness; slow reflexes. If you suspect an overdose of Ativan, seek medical attention immediately. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precaution

Some medical conditions may interact with Ativan. Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement;
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances;
if you are taking any other medicine that causes drowsiness (eg, narcotics, some antidepressants); if you have a history of lung problems (eg, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]), muscle weakness or fatigue, glaucoma, liver problems, blood disorders, depression, mood or mental problems, or suicidal thoughts; if you have a history of drug abuse or dependence.
Ativan may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Ativan with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Ativan without first checking with your doctor; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness. Ativan may be habit forming if you take Ativan in high doses or for a long time. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Use Ativan with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
Ativan has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Do not become pregnant while you are using it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Ativan while you are pregnant. Ativan is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Ativan.

Drug interactions

Some medicines may interact with Ativan. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antidepressants, probenecid, seizure medication, barbiturates;
Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) or theophyllines because they may decrease Ativan's effectiveness;
Clozapine, kava, loxapine, narcotic pain relievers (eg, morphine, codeine), sodium oxybate (GHB), or valproic acid because side effects, such as extreme sedation, slowed breathing, confusion, or memory problems, may occur;
Digoxin, narcotic pain relievers (eg, morphine, codeine), nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (eg, vecuronium), or sodium oxybate (GHB) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Ativan;
Nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (eg, vecuronium) because they may decrease Ativan's effectiveness.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Ativan may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Missed dose

If you use Ativan regularly and you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised to by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage

Store Ativan at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Ativan out of the reach of children and away from pets.