8 Lorazepam Side Effects You Should Know About

Lorazepam is a type of benzodiazepine medication. Benzodiazepines, commonly called “benzos,” treat a variety of medical conditions. Lorazepam is FDA approved as a short-term treatment for anxiety symptoms. But it’s not considered a first-choice option in most cases.

Lorazepam comes in a few oral forms. These include an immediate-release tablet (Ativan) and a liquid (Lorazepam Intensol). It’s also available as an extended-release capsule (Loreev XR). 

If you take lorazepam, there are some common side effects and more serious risks to be aware of. Below, we’ll review eight important lorazepam side effects to look out for.

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1. Drowsiness

Drowsiness is the most commonly reported lorazepam side effect in studies. Over 15% of people that took lorazepam in clinical trials experienced drowsiness.

Lorazepam is a sedative medication. This means it slows down brain activity. It has a calming and relaxing effect on the brain, which makes it good at treating anxiety. But it can also cause many side effects, including drowsiness.

Some people only take lorazepam at bedtime to treat trouble sleeping (insomnia) due to anxiety. In this case, drowsiness may be helpful. But if you take lorazepam for anxiety during the day, you may need to be more careful. This is especially true if you take other medications that cause drowsiness, such as opioids and sleep medications. Combining lorazepam with any of these medications increases your risk of excessive drowsiness.

When you first start taking lorazepam, or if your medical provider increases your dosage, avoid activities requiring mental alertness. One of the most common examples is driving. Once you know how lorazepam affects you, it’s easier to tell which activities you can do safely. If your drowsiness continues, talk to your healthcare provider. Lorazepam may not be the best medication for you, or you may need a lower dose.

2. Dizziness

Dizziness is another common side effect of lorazepam. This side effect can worsen if you take other medications that can cause dizziness. Some examples are blood pressure medications and antidepressants.

Like drowsiness, dizziness can affect your ability to drive. So before driving or doing other activities requiring focus, make sure you know how lorazepam affects you. If you’re experiencing extreme dizziness, let your healthcare provider know.

3. Weakness

Lorazepam can make you feel weak while you’re taking it. You might feel like you have less energy (fatigue) or get tired more quickly.

Getting plenty of rest, exercising, and eating foods that increase energy can all help. However, other possible causes of weakness and fatigue exist, including some medical conditions. Your healthcare provider can check for other causes or consider a change in treatment if your fatigue continues.

4. Falls

Benzos may cause unsteadiness and problems with coordination. These problems with balance can lead to a higher risk of falls, especially in older adults.

The American Geriatrics Society includes benzos on its list of medications that people 65 years and older should generally avoid. Called the Beers List, it recommends older adults avoid benzos when possible due to the risk of falls and fractures.

If you have trouble with balance or difficulty walking while taking lorazepam, talk to your healthcare provider. Also, let your provider know right away if you have a fall or fracture.

5. Depression

It’s possible to experience depression symptoms while taking lorazepam. This risk is higher for those with an existing mood disorder. If this applies to you, lorazepam may not be the best medication for your anxiety.

If you experience new or worsening depression after starting lorazepam, let your healthcare provider know immediately. And watch for signs of severe depression, such as having suicidal thoughts or behaviors. 

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, you’re not alone, and help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

6. Memory problems

Benzos can cause short-term memory loss. For example, you may have trouble remembering conversations you had while you were taking lorazepam.

Benzos haven’t been proven to cause long-term memory problems such as dementia. But if you notice any memory issues while taking lorazepam, talk with your healthcare provider. In most cases, memory problems improve after stopping lorazepam. Your provider can help you decide if stopping lorazepam is best for you.

7. Dependence and misuse

All benzos are controlled substances. Controlled substances are more likely to cause dependence and misuse than non-controlled medications. They also have strict regulations around how they’re prescribed and filled. Other controlled substances include opioids such as hydrocodone/acetaminophen and sleep medications such as zolpidem (Ambien). 

Dependence and misuse aren’t the same thing. Dependence is when your body feels “off” if you’re not taking the medication you’re dependent on. Dependence can happen even if you take lorazepam exactly as prescribed. And while it can lead to misuse, this isn’t always the case.

Taking lorazepam at high doses or for too long makes you more likely to develop sedative use disorder. Those with sedative use disorder might have difficulty controlling their benzo use. This is why the FDA mandates that all benzos have a boxed warning about their risk of misuse. This is the most serious warning the FDA can give a medication.

Benzo withdrawal can happen if you stop lorazepam abruptly or decrease your dose too quickly. It's more likely if you’ve been taking lorazepam regularly for a long time. Symptoms may include tremors, anxiety, and cravings for lorazepam. In severe cases, you could have a seizure. These risks are why you should never stop taking lorazepam abruptly. Your healthcare provider can help you safely lower your dose if needed.

Taking your medication exactly as prescribed and for the shortest possible time helps lower your risk of misuse. But if you or someone you know is struggling with medication misuse or substance use disorder, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

8. Overdose

An overdose can happen if you take too much lorazepam. Overdoses are more likely if you also take other medications or substances that can cause difficulty breathing. These include opioids, sleep medications, and alcohol. All benzos have a boxed warning about the risk of overdose when they’re combined with medications like these or alcohol.

Those with sedative use disorder have a higher risk of experiencing an overdose on lorazepam or another benzo. Benzo overdose symptoms include confusion, severe tiredness, and slowed breathing. These can be serious and require immediate medical care. If you or someone around you has a suspected benzo overdose, seek emergency care or call 911.

When should you contact your healthcare provider about lorazepam side effects?

Before taking lorazepam, ask your healthcare provider to help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking it. Your pharmacist is also a great resource for discussing possible side effects and drug interactions.

Common side effects of lorazepam, like drowsiness or dizziness, may improve after a few days of taking it. But if you have severe lorazepam side effects, talk to your provider right away. These side effects include falls, suicidal thoughts, or signs of a substance use disorder. If you or someone around you is experiencing an overdose, seek emergency care.

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Written by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

Edited by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

Reviewed by:

Daphne Berryhill, RPh

Daphne Berryhill, RPh, has two decades of experience as a clinical pharmacist. She spent most of her career in the Chicago area practicing in-home infusion.

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