Lorazepam (Ativan), approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999, is a medication prescribed to treat anxiety disorders or the symptoms of depression- associated anxiety. Lorazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine category of drugs that includes such medications as Dalmane, Valium, and Xanax. Ativan works by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger in the brain known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Typically, lorazepam is used on a short-term basis, that is, no more than four months; longer on this medication is not recommended due to a paucity of rigorous and systematic clinical research.
Common Side Effects
The most common reported side effects from taking lorazepam include a drowsiness or sedative effect, dizziness and lack of coordination. Other common effects that may be noticed are weakness, sleeping problems, headache, nausea or appetite changes as well as blurred vision.
Severe Side Effects
More serious side effects from taking lorazepam may consist of confusion or disorientation, hallucinations or amnesia, respiratory depression, a slow pulse, coma and depression. Other serious potential side effects that may be experienced are seizures, slurred speech, jaundice and bruising or unusual bleeding. It is critical you discuss any symptoms with your physician.
Other
Other potential side effects that have been documented involve suicidal thoughts, hostility or rage episodes with agitation or aggression, sexual arousal and sleep apnea. A caveat to starting this medication is the reminder that it is of the benzodiazepine group; thus, it is possible to develop a physical dependence to lorazepam. Additionally, if you take this drug over a period beyond the recommended four months, lorazepam should not be stopped "cold turkey" because this could result in muscle cramps, seizures or vomiting.
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