What Is Lorazepam?

Lorazepam is a prescription benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety disorders, short-term insomnia, and seizures.

Sold under the brand name Ativan, Lorazepam is one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines in the United States. It's classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the DEA, meaning it has a recognized medical use but also carries a risk of dependence.

Whether you've just been prescribed Lorazepam or you're researching it for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know — from what it treats to how much it costs.

What Is Lorazepam Used For?

Lorazepam is FDA-approved for several conditions:

Anxiety Disorders

This is the most common reason Lorazepam is prescribed. It's used for generalized anxiety disorder and for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. Lorazepam works quickly, usually within 15 to 30 minutes when taken orally, making it helpful for acute anxiety episodes.

Insomnia Due to Anxiety

If anxiety is keeping you awake at night, Lorazepam may be prescribed on a short-term basis to help you sleep. It's typically used when insomnia is directly related to anxiety or temporary stress.

Status Epilepticus

In its injectable form, Lorazepam is a first-line treatment for status epilepticus — a medical emergency involving prolonged seizures. This use is typically in hospital or emergency settings.

Preoperative Sedation

Lorazepam is sometimes given before surgery to reduce anxiety and provide sedation. This is also done through injection in a medical setting.

Off-Label Uses

Doctors also prescribe Lorazepam for conditions not specifically approved by the FDA, including:

• Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
• Panic disorder
• Chemotherapy-induced nausea (anticipatory)
• Catatonia
• Acute agitation
• Procedural sedation

For more on how this medication works in your brain, see our article on how Lorazepam works.

How Is Lorazepam Taken?

Lorazepam comes in several forms:

• Oral tablets: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg — the most common form
• Oral concentrate (Lorazepam Intensol): 2 mg/mL liquid that's mixed with food or drink
• Injectable solution: Used in hospital settings for seizures and preoperative sedation

Typical Dosing

Dosing varies based on the condition being treated:

• Anxiety: 2 to 6 mg per day, divided into two or three doses. Most people start at 0.5 to 1 mg two or three times daily.
• Insomnia: 2 to 4 mg at bedtime
• Maximum daily dose: 10 mg per day (most people take much less)

How to Take It

• Take oral tablets by mouth with or without food
• Swallow whole with water
• Take at the same times each day
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but skip it if it's almost time for your next dose. Don't double up.
• Never stop taking Lorazepam suddenly. This can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. Always taper off under your doctor's supervision.

Who Should Not Take Lorazepam?

Lorazepam is not safe for everyone. You should not take Lorazepam if you have:

• A known allergy to Lorazepam or other benzodiazepines
• Acute narrow-angle glaucoma
• Severe respiratory insufficiency
• Sleep apnea (use with extreme caution)

Use caution and talk to your doctor if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding (Lorazepam is Pregnancy Category D — there is risk to the baby)
• Are over 65 (lower doses are recommended due to increased sensitivity)
• Have a history of substance abuse or addiction
• Take opioid medications (the combination carries a Boxed Warning from the FDA due to the risk of respiratory depression, coma, and death)
• Have liver problems

For details on medications that interact with Lorazepam, see our drug interactions guide. For side effect information, see Lorazepam side effects: what to expect.

How Much Does Lorazepam Cost?

The brand name Ativan is largely discontinued in the U.S., but generic Lorazepam is widely available and affordable:

• Without insurance: $8 to $30 for a 30-day supply of generic tablets
• With a discount card: As low as $3 to $10 depending on dose and pharmacy
• With insurance: Lorazepam is typically covered as a Tier 1 (preferred generic) medication with low copays

There's no manufacturer copay card since the brand is discontinued, but pharmacy discount cards from GoodRx, SingleCare, and others can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

For more ways to save, check out our guide on how to save money on Lorazepam.

Final Thoughts

Lorazepam is a well-established, effective medication for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. It works quickly and is available as an affordable generic. However, it is a controlled substance with risks of dependence and withdrawal, so it should always be taken exactly as prescribed and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

If you've been prescribed Lorazepam and need help finding it at a pharmacy near you, Medfinder can show you real-time availability in your area. And if you need help finding a prescriber, see our guide on how to find a doctor who can prescribe Lorazepam.