Ativan Tablet (Lorazepam): Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Ativan (Lorazepam) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Ativan? (Ativan kya hai)

Ativan (Lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine class prescription-only medicine used for short-term treatment of anxiety disorders and severe anxiety. It works by acting on GABA receptors in the brain to produce a calming effect. It is a controlled substance — take only as directed by your doctor.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• Anxiety disorders — for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and severe anxiety episodes
• Short-term relief of severe anxiety — for immediate relief during acute episodes
• Seizures (status epilepticus) — for emergency seizure management in a hospital setting
• Pre-operative sedation — to sedate the patient before an operation

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• Patients whom a doctor has prescribed it for anxiety disorder or severe anxiety
• In emergency medical settings for status epilepticus (uncontrolled seizures)
• Under anesthesiologist supervision for pre-operative sedation
• Short-term insomnia

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• If allergic to Lorazepam or any benzodiazepine
• Myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disease)
• Severe respiratory failure or sleep apnea
• Acute narrow-angle glaucoma
• History of alcohol or drug abuse — without consulting a doctor
• Self-use during pregnancy (always consult your doctor)
• During breastfeeding

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

Do not take without a doctor — this is a controlled substance.

• Adult dose: As prescribed by your doctor
• Child dose: Weight-based dose — only on paediatric specialist advice
• Maximum dose: Do not exceed the prescribed daily limit
• Do not stop the dose suddenly — tapering is necessary

7. How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

• Swallow the whole tablet with water — do not crush or break
• Take exactly the dose the doctor has written
• Do not increase the dose yourself
• Do not use beyond the prescribed duration

8. Best Time (Kab leni chahiye)

• As directed by your doctor — generally once or twice daily
• For anxiety: before an anxiety episode or as per doctor's guidance
• For sedation: 2 hours before a procedure

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

Lorazepam can be taken with or without food. If nausea occurs, it is better to take it after food. Do not take it with alcohol — this combination can be life-threatening.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• Dependence risk: Lorazepam is a controlled substance. Regular use can cause physical and psychological dependence. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms (seizures, severe anxiety, tremors) — always taper under medical supervision.
• Withdrawal: Do not stop the dose yourself. Taper gradually only under your doctor's guidance.
• Alcohol: Do not take Lorazepam with alcohol — risk of respiratory depression and death.
• Driving: Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery due to drowsiness.
• Pregnancy: Benzodiazepines cross the placenta — dependence and neonatal withdrawal can occur in the unborn baby. Always consult your doctor.
• Elderly: Use cautiously in the elderly — higher risk of falls and confusion.

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• Dose adjustment is necessary in liver or kidney disease — be sure to inform your doctor
• Monitoring is necessary if there is a history of depression or suicidal thoughts
• Do not use with other CNS depressants — tell your doctor about all your medicines
• Storage: Below 25°C, away from moisture and direct light, out of reach of children

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

Common Side Effects (Aam Nuksanat)

• Drowsiness / sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness
• Confusion
• Unsteady gait

Serious Side Effects (Sanjeedah Nuksanat — Foran Doctor Se Milein)

• Severe respiratory depression — breathing becoming slow or stopping
• Paradoxical reaction — agitation, aggression, hallucinations (especially in elderly/children)
• Suicidal thoughts — seek emergency help immediately
• Severe allergic reaction — rash, swelling, breathing difficulty

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

Be sure to tell your doctor about all your medicines.

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

Go to emergency immediately if:

• Extreme drowsiness — cannot wake up even when roused
• Slow or stopped breathing
• Severe confusion or loss of consciousness
• Suicidal thoughts or a desire to harm yourself
• Paradoxical agitation — becoming more aggressive or restless after the medicine
• Chest tightness or severe allergic reaction

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

Note: Switch to alternatives only under your doctor's guidance — benzodiazepines are not interchangeable.

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

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17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Lorazepam kis kaam aati hai?

A: Lorazepam (Ativan) is prescribed by doctors for short-term relief of anxiety disorders and severe anxiety. It is a controlled medicine — take only as directed by your doctor.

Q: Lorazepam ke side effects kya hain?

A: Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and muscle weakness. For serious effects such as slow breathing or suicidal thoughts, see a doctor immediately.

Q: Lorazepam Pakistan mein price kya hai?

A: Price varies by pharmacy and pack size. Verify the current price at your local pharmacy or online listing. Controlled medicines are not available without a prescription.

Q: Kya Lorazepam pregnancy mein safe hai?

A: Do not use Lorazepam during pregnancy without medical supervision. It crosses the placenta and can affect the unborn baby — neonatal withdrawal can also occur. Always consult your doctor.

Q: Lorazepam lene se kab band karna chahiye?

A: Do not stop Lorazepam suddenly — withdrawal can be serious (seizures, tremors, severe anxiety). Discontinue only through gradual dose tapering under your doctor's guidance.

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.