How Does Ativan Make You Feel?

Physicians often prescribe Ativan — the trade name for lorazepam — to manage anxiety. When you take Ativan, it can cause you to experience:

• More composed: Ativan may help ease anxiety by quieting activity in your brain and nervous system.
• Looser muscles: Ativan can relax muscle tension, which may contribute to an overall sense of ease.
• Increased drowsiness: Sleepiness is a frequent side effect, so you might find yourself feeling more tired after taking it.

That said, like all medications, Ativan can produce adverse effects that influence your mood and sensations.

In what ways does Ativan influence mood?

Ativan belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It’s the brand version of the generic lorazepam and is typically used for short-term relief of anxiety by dampening an overactive nervous system.

Ativan works by boosting the action of a neurotransmitter known as GABA in the brain. GABA is a chemical messenger that fosters relaxation and calm. As a result, Ativan can make you feel less anxious and more settled.

The medication generally takes effect quite fast — in around 30 minutes — and its effects may persist for up to 8 hours. This means physical and mental signs of anxiety often decrease soon after a dose.

What unpleasant effects can Ativan cause?

As with any prescription, Ativan may have undesirable effects you should be aware of. More common mood-related and sensation-related side effects include:

• fatigue and low energy
• dizziness
• general weakness
• changes in appetite

You may also feel more irritable or experience confusion. Some people report increased restlessness after taking the drug.

More severe adverse effects can include:

• alterations in behavior
• development of physical or psychological dependence
• thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Due to the potential for dependence, clinicians usually advise limiting Ativan use to no more than 4 months. Seek immediate medical help if you experience any serious side effects.

Support is available

If you or someone you care about is in crisis or thinking about suicide or self-harm, please reach out for help:

• Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Trained counselors offer free, confidential support 24/7.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free, confidential assistance around the clock.
• Outside the United States? Locate a helpline in your area via Befrienders Worldwide.
• If you can, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

If you’re calling for someone else, stay with them until help arrives. If it’s safe to do so, remove any weapons or substances that could be used to cause harm.

If you’re not physically present, remain on the phone with the person until emergency services take over.

Disclaimer: HealthEH has taken care to ensure the information provided is accurate, thorough, and current. Nevertheless, this article is not a substitute for the expertise and judgment of a licensed healthcare professional. Always consult your physician or another qualified health provider before starting or changing any medication. Drug information can change and may not include all potential uses, instructions, precautions, interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of specific warnings or other information for a particular drug does not imply that the drug or combination of drugs is safe, effective, or appropriate for every patient or situation.