Lorazepam Side Effects

Lorazepam is a prescription medication most commonly used for the treatment of anxiety. Also known by its brand name Ativan, Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine and works by slowing down the movement of chemicals in the brain, thus reducing nervous tension.

Important safety precautions to be aware of when taking Lorazepam include the warning that it could become habit-forming. Drugs.com warns patients who take Lorazepam for a long time, or those who take the drug in high doses, run the risk of becoming dependant or addicted. Common Lorazepam side effects include dizziness or drowsiness, feeling clumsy or lightheaded, headaches and weakness.

Severe Lorazepam side effects include severe allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; memory loss; mood or mental changes such as depression.

I experienced the exact opposite effect from Lorazepam than is described under the common ones. I started taking Lorazepam while going through my divorce. I was feeling very anxious and overwhelmed, so my doctor prescribed a very low dose of this sedative, Lorazepam, to be taken when needed. I insisted upon a low dose because of my tendency to become dependent on drugs of this nature. The last thing I needed was to be hooked to something.

Since it was a sedative, I decided to take my first dose in the evening, after supper. Lorazepam can be taken with or without food, but I thought to be on the safe side, I would take it on a full stomach. It took about a half hour to 'kick in', and I experienced the exact opposite from the common Lorazepam side effects. I became nervous and jittery. My face and ears were flushed a deep red. My thoughts raced out of control. My heart was pounding. And this was supposed to be a sedative!

I know many people who also take this drug and they did not experience the Lorazepam side effects I did. A friend of mine who wished not to be named said that all he ever experienced was extreme drowsiness. Another anonymous friend, who took a much higher dose than I ever did, experienced the headaches and unfortunately the dependency.

Drugs certainly affect people differently. Because of my past drug abuse, I do have a high tendency to react to medications the same way I reacted to methamphetamine. Lorazepam side effects are normally very mild; however, caution should be taken when ingesting any medication.