Ativan (Lorazepam) for Alzheimer's

Overview

Ativan is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety. Ativan is also known by its drug name, Lorazepam. Ativan is sometimes prescribed to treat sleep problems and behavior issues such as restlessness, resistance, and verbal disruptiveness in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Ativan may be considered in cases where non-drug approaches have failed to address these symptoms. Since the FDA has not approved Ativan specifically for use in Alzheimer’s, such usage is considered “off-label.”

Ativan is an anxiolytic (antianxiety medication) of the benzodiazepine class. Ativan is believed to work by decreasing the excitability of neurons in the brain.

How do I take it?
Ativan is taken once or more daily.

Ativan comes in tablet form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Ativan lists common side effects including drowsiness, dizziness, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, nausea, vomiting, constipation, rash, headache, and changes in appetite.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Ativan include seizures and liver problems.