Ativan, the brand name for the generic medication lorazepam, has long been used as an anti-anxiety drug. Drugs used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines, the class Ativan fits into, as well as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, commonly called SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, azapirones, beta blockers, anticonvulsants and atypical antipsychotic medications. Some but not all anti-anxiety medications can cause weight gain.
Effects of Different Anti-Anxiety Drugs
Drugs.com information on Ativan does not list weight gain as a side effect, but does list a change in appetite as a possible side effect without distinguishing whether the drug increases or decreases appetite. It's possible that different people taking the drug experience different effects. Weight gain can occur as a side effect of SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants and some atypical antipsychotics, particularly olanzapine, brand name Zyprexa.
Determining Side Effects
Ativan's most common side effects were determined in large clinical trials. Common side effects that occur during clinical trials in more than 1 percent of cases are considered common, while side effects that occur in less than 1 percent of people are considered rare, according to eMedTV. Although weight gain has not been listed as a side effect, that does not mean it might not occur as a side effect of the drug in less than 1 percent of people.
Typical Side Effects
Like all drugs, Ativan does have side effects. Typical side effects of Ativan include insomnia, blurred vision, muscle incoordination, muscle weakness, forgetfulness, drowsiness, confusion and hallucinations. Headaches, hair loss, nausea, constipation and impotence can also occur while you take this drug.
Considerations
If you do gain weight while taking Ativan, ask your doctor about possibly taking a different anti-anxiety medication. Because everyone reacts to medications differently, you may react to this drug with an increased appetite, which will cause weight gain if you eat more than you did before.
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