You should not use Ativan if you have narrow-angle glaucoma or myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to similar medicines (including alprazolam or Xanax, clonazepam or Klonopin, diazepam or Valium, and others).

Do not use lorazepam if you are pregnant. This medicine can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn.

Lorazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Misuse of habit-forming medicine can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Ativan should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Do not drink alcohol while taking Ativan. Lorazepam can increase the effects of alcohol.

It is dangerous to purchase Ativan on the Internet or from vendors outside the United States. Medications distributed from Internet sales may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. The sale and distribution of Ativan outside the U.S. does not comply with the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the safe use of this medication.

You should not take Ativan if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma;

• myasthenia gravis; or

• a history of allergic reaction to any benzodiazepine (such as alprazolam or Xanax, clonazepam or Klonopin, diazepam or Valium, and others).

To make sure Ativan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• seizures or epilepsy;

• kidney or liver disease (especially alcoholic liver disease);

• asthma or other breathing disorder;

• open-angle glaucoma;

• a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior (Ativan may make these symptoms worse);

• a history of drug or alcohol addiction; or

• if you use a narcotic (opioid) medication.

Do not use Ativan if you are pregnant. This medicine can cause birth defects. Your baby could also become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking Ativan.

Lorazepam can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Ativan.

Ativan is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

The sedative effects of lorazepam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking Ativan.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Ativan: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe drowsiness;

• thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;

• unusual changes in mood or behavior;

• confusion, aggression, hallucinations;

• worsening sleep problems;

• sudden restless feeling or excitement;

• muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, or trouble swallowing;

• vision changes; or

• upper stomach pain, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

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