Lorazepam Oral / IM / IV (Ativan®)
Pronounce: lor-A-ze-pam
Classification: Anticonvulsant; Benzodiazepine; Anxiolytic
About Lorazepam Oral / IM / IV (Ativan®)
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used for the treatment of anxiety disorders, for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety, or anxiety that happens with depression. Benzodiazepines work by slowing the nervous system down. They do this by acting on neurotransmitters in the brain, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). By acting on GABA, lorazepam slows the activity of nerves in your brain and spinal cord. Because of this, lorazepam is also approved as an anticonvulsant (anti-seizure medication).
Lorazepam may be used for reasons other than those listed above, such as in the prevention and/or treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Talk with your provider to see if lorazepam will be part of your treatment plan.
This medication comes as tablets, an oral solution (liquid), sublingual (tablet that dissolves under the tongue), intramuscular (a shot), and intravenous (given in an IV) formulations.
How to Take Lorazepam
This medication can be given on an as-needed (PRN) or scheduled basis. It should be taken as prescribed by your provider. The dose and how often you take the medication depend on why you were prescribed it. Don't drink alcohol while taking this medication. You should not drive a car or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. If you have been taking it on a regular basis, do not stop taking it without first talking with your provider.
Special care should be taken if you are also prescribed opioids to manage pain, as extreme drowsiness, trouble breathing, coma, and even death can occur if taken together with the medication. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take.
It is important to make sure you are taking the correct amount of medication every time. Before every dose, check that what you are taking matches what you have been prescribed. Do not share this medication or give it to someone else, as severe breathing problems and death can occur.
Storage and Handling
Store this medication in the original container. For tablets and sublingual formulations, store at room temperature. For liquid oral solutions, store in the refrigerator and safely throw out any solution not used after 3 months (see below). Due to the risk of diversion (someone else taking your medication to obtain a high, rather than for symptom relief), you may want to keep your medication in a lock box or other secure location. Keep this medication out of reach of children and pets.
To prevent someone from accidentally taking this medication, throw it out when you don't need it anymore or drop it off at a DEA-authorized collector. For locations near you, check www.dea.gov. Ask your pharmacist or provider for help with getting rid of unused medications. Do not flush down a toilet or put it down a drain unless you are told to do so.
Where Do I Get This Medication?
Some cancer medications are only available through specialty pharmacies. Your provider or pharmacist will start this process. Your insurance plan may also affect where you can get your medication. Call your prescription plan provider to find out which specialty pharmacies are in-network.
Insurance Information
This medication may be covered by your prescription plan. If you qualify, you may be able to get financial help through patient assistance programs (PAP). Co-pay cards may also be available to lower your out-of-pocket cost if you have commercial (not Medicare/Medicaid/Tricare) insurance. Your pharmacist, social worker, or navigator can help find resources for financial support.
Possible Side Effects
These are some of the most common or most serious side effects of this medication. Talk with your provider about the side effects you are having and how they can be managed.
Respiratory Depression/Over-Sedation
In patients who have been prescribed this medication and an opioid (pain medication), extra care must be taken to watch for serious interactions. Signs of respiratory depression are slow, shallow breaths, which cause low oxygen levels in your blood. Signs of over-sedation are mental confusion, having a hard time moving, muscle weakness, and having a hard time concentrating. If you or a caregiver notice any of these signs, call 911.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects
Because of how this medication works and its effects on neurotransmitters in the brain, it may cause drowsiness, fatigue, sedation, dizziness, and weakness. If these effects make it hard to carry out daily life, talk with your provider. If you or a caregiver notice you are having a hard time staying awake or have shallow breathing, call 911 right away.
Sexual & Reproductive Concerns
You should talk with your healthcare team before becoming pregnant or breastfeeding while receiving this medication.