What is Lorazepam?

Lorazepam (Ativan) is used to relax muscles and relieve muscle spasms. It may also be used to calm anxiety , stop seizures, or relieve nausea and vomiting.

How is it given?

  • Sublingual (under the tongue)
  • Buccal (in the pocket between the cheek and gums)
  • Injection into the muscle, veins or subcutaneous tissue (under the skin)
  • Oral
  • Rectal

We will discuss which route will work best for your child. Only administer via the route that was prescribed by the physician.

What is the dose?

Our team will work out a starting dose based on your child’s weight, which may need to be increased or decreased. Any dose changes (increases or decreases) need to be monitored carefully with the help of your child’s medical team.

The optimal dose of lorazepam is the amount that eases your child’s symptoms or stops seizure activity. Lorazepam is sometimes taken only as needed, but your child may also require lorazepam at regular times to improve symptom control.

What are the possible side effects of lorazepam?

Your child may have some of these side effects. Notify your doctor or the Canuck Place team if your child continues to have any of these side effects and they do not go away, or if they bother your child.

  • Drowsiness
  • Slowed breathing
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness or feeling weak
  • Unsteadiness
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry mouth
  • Headaches
  • Hyperactive or irritable

If you have any questions call a Canuck Place Nurse at 604-742-3478 and for immediate assistance call the Kid’s Counter at 604-742-3475

Lorazepam pdf 289.24 kb