Most adverse reactions to benzodiazepines, including CNS effects and respiratory depression, are dose dependent, with more severe effects occurring with high doses. When higher dosage is indicated, the evening dose should be increased before the daytime doses The dosage of Ativan (lorazepam) should be increased gradually when needed to help avoid adverse effects. For elderly or debilitated patients, an initial dosage of 1 to 2 mg/day in divided doses is recommended, to be adjusted as needed and tolerated.

For insomnia due to anxiety or transient situational stress, a single daily dose of 2 to 4 mg may be given, usually at bedtime.For anxiety, most patients require an initial dose of 2 to 3 mg/day given two times a day or three times a day.The usual range is 2 to 6 mg/day given in divided doses, the largest dose being taken before bedtime, but the daily dosage may vary from 1 to 10 mg/day.The physician should periodically reassess the usefulness of the drug for the individual patient. The effectiveness of Ativan (lorazepam) in long-term use, that is, more than 4 months, has not been assessed by systematic clinical studies. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic.

Ativan (lorazepam) is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms.

Lorazepam take as needed