Ativan is used to treat anxiety, insomnia (during a short term period), and seizure. Off-label uses of Ativan include treatment for alcohol withdrawal, chemotherapy associated nausea and vomiting, catatonia, agitation, and much more. In the United States, benzodiazepines are considered “controlled substances” that are federally regulated because of their potential for misuse. If you are taking Ativan, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects in case you begin to experience any. If you do, be sure to consult your doctor right away.
Common Side Effects
It is important to use Ativan under the guidance of a healthcare provider, and to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how you are affected by the medication.
Severe Side Effects
In severe cases, Ativan can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and, most severely, death because it dampens the signal from your brain that tells your body to breathe. These severe side effects can occur when:
Ativan is taken in high dosesAtivan is taken with other substances that also depress the central nervous system, such as other benzodiazepines, alcohol, opioid pain medication, barbiturates, and moreAtivan is taken when you have other illnesses that affect your breathing, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, and more
Children and the Elderly
In some populations, such as the children and the elderly, Ativan can cause a “paradoxical effect.” Instead of having a calming effect, it may cause agitation and confusion. Elderly patients taking Ativan are also at a higher risk of falls.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Infants
Ativan can affect people who are pregnant and breastfeeding and their babies. Ativan can, in fact, cross the placenta and move into the breastmilk. In these cases, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits of using this medication.
Physical Dependence and Tolerance
Long term use of benzodiazepines such as Ativan can lead to physical dependence. This means that your body develops a tolerance for the medication. Over time, you might need higher doses of the medication to have the same effect. In other words, if you use the same dose of medication over a long period of time, there is a decreased effect of that dose when compared to your previous, smaller dose. People who use benzodiazepines for a long time might have physical dependence, but it does not necessarily mean that they are addicted to or abusing these medications.
Withdrawal
Some people who suddenly stop taking Ativan can experience withdrawal symptoms. This is why it is so important to talk to a healthcare provider before stopping a benzodiazepine. A healthcare provider can help you slowly taper, or reduce, the Ativan dose over time in order to prevent withdrawal.
Drug Abuse and Addiction
Benzodiazepines like Ativan have the potential for abuse and addiction. If you have a personal history of addiction or a family history of addiction, you should be especially careful when using these medications and be closely monitored by your healthcare provider. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), a substance use disorder is a “problematic pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress,” including two or more of the following criteria over a 12-month period: If you experience any of these while taking Ativan, it is best to consult with your doctor to prevent and heavy dependence or addiction.
A Word From Verywell
Medications such as Ativan may be intimidating to some because of their potential for heavy side effects. If your doctor recommends you take Ativan or if you are already taking it, it may be helpful to discuss with your doctor at length the signs and symptoms of dependence on Ativan, as well as any negative or potentially harmful symptoms that may occur. Remember, working closely with your healthcare provider should enable you to spot any warning signs in advance.
