Learn about common and serious Lorazepam side effects, who's most at risk, how to manage them, and when to call your doctor right away.
If you've been prescribed Lorazepam (brand name Ativan), it's normal to wonder what side effects you might experience. Like all medications, Lorazepam can cause side effects — some are mild and go away on their own, while others need immediate medical attention.
This guide covers the most common side effects, the serious ones to watch for, and when you should call your doctor. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident about your treatment.
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine medication prescribed for anxiety disorders, insomnia related to anxiety, and certain seizure conditions. It works by enhancing the effects of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter in the brain. For a full overview, see our guide on what Lorazepam is and how it's used.
Most people who take Lorazepam will experience at least one of these side effects, especially when they first start the medication or after a dose increase. These effects are usually mild and often improve as your body adjusts.
This is the most common side effect of Lorazepam. You may feel sleepier than usual, especially during the first few days. This is actually part of how the medication works — it calms your nervous system, which can make you feel tired.
What to do: Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Lorazepam affects you. Don't drink alcohol, as it can make drowsiness much worse.
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy is common, particularly when standing up quickly. This usually improves within a few days to a week.
What to do: Stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions. If dizziness is severe or doesn't improve, let your doctor know.
You might feel more tired or weak than usual. This is related to the sedating effects of the medication and typically gets better over time.
Lorazepam can affect your balance and coordination. You may feel slightly unsteady on your feet, especially when you first start taking it.
What to do: Be careful on stairs and avoid activities that require precise coordination until you adjust. This is especially important for older adults, who are at higher risk for falls.
Some people experience mild memory problems, particularly difficulty forming new memories (called anterograde amnesia). This is more common at higher doses.
What to do: If memory issues are affecting your daily life, talk to your doctor. They may adjust your dose.
Mild confusion can occur, especially in older adults or at higher doses. If this is bothersome, it's worth discussing with your provider.
Some people experience headaches or mild nausea when starting Lorazepam. These side effects are usually temporary.
While less common, some side effects require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away — or go to the emergency room — if you experience any of the following.
Lorazepam can slow your breathing, especially when combined with opioid medications, alcohol, or other sedatives. The FDA has issued a Boxed Warning about this risk.
Warning signs: Slow, shallow, or difficult breathing; feeling like you can't catch your breath; bluish tint to lips or fingertips.
What to do: Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is having trouble breathing after taking Lorazepam. Make sure to review potential drug interactions with your doctor.
Although rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to Lorazepam.
Warning signs: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; hives or rash; rapid heartbeat.
What to do: Call 911 immediately. Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening.
In some cases, Lorazepam can cause the opposite of its intended effect — making you more agitated, aggressive, or restless instead of calm. This is called a paradoxical reaction and is more common in children and older adults.
Warning signs: Increased anxiety, agitation, aggression, hostility, hallucinations, or unusual excitement.
What to do: Stop taking the medication and contact your doctor right away.
In rare cases, Lorazepam may cause or worsen depressive symptoms, including suicidal thoughts.
What to do: If you or a loved one experiences new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor immediately or call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
Lorazepam can cause physical dependence, especially with long-term use. If you stop taking it suddenly, you may experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures.
Warning signs of withdrawal: Tremors, sweating, increased anxiety, insomnia, irritability, nausea, and in severe cases, seizures or psychosis.
What to do: Never stop taking Lorazepam abruptly. Always work with your doctor to taper off gradually.
People over 65 are more sensitive to Lorazepam's effects. They are at higher risk for:
Doctors typically prescribe lower doses for older adults (usually 0.5 to 1 mg per day).
Lorazepam is classified as Pregnancy Category D, meaning there is evidence of risk to the developing baby. Taking it during pregnancy may cause neonatal withdrawal symptoms or "floppy infant syndrome." If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about safer alternatives.
Combining Lorazepam with opioid pain medications is particularly dangerous. The FDA's Boxed Warning specifically addresses this combination due to the risk of severe respiratory depression, coma, and death. If you take opioids, make sure all of your doctors know.
Here are some general tips for managing Lorazepam side effects:
Lorazepam is an effective medication for anxiety and related conditions, but like all medications, it comes with potential side effects. Most common side effects — like drowsiness, dizziness, and mild memory issues — are manageable and often improve over time. Serious side effects are less common but require immediate attention.
The most important things you can do are: take Lorazepam exactly as prescribed, avoid combining it with alcohol or opioids, never stop it suddenly, and stay in regular contact with your doctor.
If you're currently taking Lorazepam and having trouble finding it at your pharmacy, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies with Lorazepam in stock near you.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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