Lorazepam Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Lorazepam (Ativan) is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety. It’s also available as an injection that’s FDA approved to treat seizures and surgery-related anxiety.

Lorazepam belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by increasing the effects of a chemical called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which has a calming effect on the body. Lorazepam is a controlled substance, which means it has a potential for dependence and misuse. It also has side effects and drug interactions to consider. For these reasons, it's especially important to take lorazepam exactly as it’s prescribed.

Here, we’ll cover standard lorazepam dosages. Your prescriber’s instructions may differ from what’s discussed here. But don’t hesitate to reach out to them with any questions or concerns about your lorazepam dosage.

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What dosage forms does lorazepam come in?

Lorazepam is available as an oral tablet, extended-release (ER) capsule, and concentrated liquid. It also comes as an injection. The chart below shows the various forms and doses of lorazepam that are currently available.

Lorazepam oral concentrate offers an option for those who have trouble swallowing pills. It should be mixed with liquid or semi-solid foods before you take it. Examples include water, juice, and applesauce.

The injectable form is typically given by healthcare professionals in a medical setting. So we’ll only be covering the oral lorazepam dosages below.

What’s the typical lorazepam dosage for adults and children 12 years and older?

Lorazepam is approved for adults and children age 12 and older. The typical lorazepam dosage depends on why you’re taking it and what form you’re prescribed. Lorazepam is only approved for short-term use (4 months or less). Your prescriber will help determine what length of treatment is best for you.

Anxiety

The starting lorazepam dosage for anxiety is typically 2 mg to 3 mg per day, divided into 2 or 3 smaller doses spaced throughout the day. Your prescriber may raise your dosage from there based on how you respond to the medication. Most people take between 2 mg and 6 mg of lorazepam daily for anxiety. But doses up to 10 mg per day may be necessary for some people. 

In some cases, your prescriber may recommend dividing your lorazepam dosages unevenly, with a larger dose before bedtime. For example, if you take 4 mg of lorazepam per day, it may be divided into 1 mg at breakfast, 1 mg with lunch, and 2 mg at bedtime.

Lorazepam ER capsules offer a once-daily dose that may be a more convenient option for some people. You won’t start anxiety treatment with lorazepam ER capsules, but you can switch to them once you’ve found an effective dose of lorazepam tablets or oral concentrate. Your total daily dose will stay the same when you switch. For example, if you’ve been taking 1 mg lorazepam tablets 3 times a day, your lorazepam ER dosage would be 3 mg once daily in the morning. Your prescriber will give you specific instructions for making the switch if it’s an option for you. Keep in mind that lorazepam ER is only FDA approved for adults.

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• Lorazepam side effects: Review possible lorazepam side effects you may experience and what to do about them.

Insomnia related to anxiety

If you’re experiencing insomnia (trouble sleeping) due to anxiety, your prescriber may recommend taking lorazepam just once daily before bedtime. The typical dosage is 2 mg to 4 mg as a single dose before bed.

But keep in mind that benzodiazepines, including lorazepam, aren’t first-choice medications for insomnia. They can be habit-forming and cause next-day drowsiness and dizziness.

Who might need a dosage adjustment of lorazepam?

Certain health conditions may require a dose adjustment of lorazepam. We’ll cover a few of these scenarios below.

Lorazepam dosage adjustment for kidney or liver problems

Lorazepam is metabolized (broken down) by the liver and removed through the kidneys. So if you have existing liver or kidney problems, lorazepam can build up in your body. This may lead to an increased risk of lorazepam side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and falls. 

If you have existing kidney or liver issues, let your prescriber know. They may recommend a lower lorazepam dosage than usual. If your kidney or liver condition is severe, your prescriber may recommend avoiding lorazepam altogether.

Lorazepam dosage adjustment for older adults

Adults 65 and older may start with a lower lorazepam dosage of 1 mg to 2 mg per day, divided into 2 or 3 smaller doses. This is because older adults can be more sensitive to lorazepam side effects that make falls and injuries more likely.

Lorazepam dosage adjustment for drug interactions

Lorazepam can interact with several medications. For example, valproic acid, a seizure medication, can increase lorazepam levels in the body. So you may need a lower lorazepam dosage if you also take valproic acid.

Make sure your healthcare team knows all the medications you take before starting lorazepam. Proving them with an updated medication list can help them review for drug interactions.

How can you stop taking lorazepam?

Stopping lorazepam abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. So it’s best to speak with your prescriber about stopping the medication safely. They may recommend gradually lowering your dose over time to minimize unwanted side effects.

What happens if you miss a dose of lorazepam?

If you miss a dose of lorazepam, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your usual time.

If you only take lorazepam at night and you forget your dose, you can take it when you remember as long as you still have a full night of sleep ahead of you (at least 7 to 8 hours). Don’t take lorazepam if you wake up in the middle of the night unless your prescriber tells you otherwise. Taking lorazepam too close to when you wake up can lead to significant next-day drowsiness.

Never take more than one dose of lorazepam at a time. This raises your risk for lorazepam side effects and overdose.

What should you do if you take too much lorazepam?

Taking too much lorazepam can cause increased drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. More seriously, it can cause slowed breathing and even death in severe cases. That’s why it’s important to take lorazepam exactly as directed by your prescriber. And keep your medication out of reach from children.

Taking lorazepam with other medications and substances that cause drowsiness, such as alcohol or opioids, can raise the risk of an overdose. There’s no safe amount of alcohol to drink if you’re taking lorazepam. 

Prescribers will typically avoid prescribing lorazepam and opioids together. But if opioids are deemed necessary, it’s a good idea to carry naloxone (Narcan, Zimhi) or nalmefene (Opvee, Zurnai) with you at all times. These medications can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available over the counter.

If you’ve taken too much lorazepam, contact Poison Control online or at 1-800-222-1222, or reach out to your prescriber's office. If you’re experiencing side effects that seem life-threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Keep in mind that if your child has taken lorazepam accidentally, you should seek emergency care immediately.

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Written by:

Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA

Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA, is a licensed pharmacist specializing in chronic disease and health and wellness. Upon completing his residency, he worked in the managed care field, conducting medication therapy management and adherence counseling sessions with Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance patients, before transitioning to a career in medical writing.

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:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

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