The drug Ativan is the brand name for Lorazepam, an anti-anxiety agent. Ativan is a benzodiazepine and mild tranquilizer, sedative, and central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Ativan is manufactured in pill form as well as liquid form for injection. This drug most common form is a white tablet. Each Ativan tablet intended for oral use contains .5mg, 1mg, or 2mg of Lorazepam. In liquid form Ativan is intended for intramuscular or intravenous use. Each ml or Ativan injection contains either 2.0 or 4.0 mg of Lorazepam, 0.18 ml polyethylene glycol 400 in propylene glycol with 2.0% benzyl alcohol as preservative.

Drugs or substances that may interact with Ativan include:

1. Clozaril (clozapine) - when taken with Ativan can increase side effects such as sedation and loss of coordination
2. Heparin, Macrolide antibiotics, Depakene (valproic acid), and Benemid (probenecid) - when taken with Ativan can increase its effects
3. Birth control pills, caffeine/amphetamines/other stimulants, and Theo-Dur (theophylline) - these drugs can reduce Ativan's effects
4. Lithium - when taken with Ativan can lower body temperature
5. Perocet (oxycodone) and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants - can cause a slower rate of breathing when taken with Ativan
6. Dilantin (pheytoin) - can cause Dilatin or Ativan blood levels to change
7. Narcotics, marijuana, tobacco smoking - can increase sedation
8. Sedatives, sleeping pills, other benzodiazepines - combination with Ativan could cause death
9. Alcohol - when taken with Ativan can lower breathing rate and blood pressure resulting in unconsciousness

Often times, Ativan causes upset stomachs. Take this drug with food or milk if this situation occurs. When prescribed Ativan, take it exactly as directed. Do not increase your dose of this drug or take more often than prescribed. Tolerance may develop to this medication making it less effective with prolonged use.