Many patients prescribed medications for anxiety often wonder how these treatments might affect their body beyond symptom relief. One recurring concern is whether drugs like lorazepam, also known as Ativan, could contribute to weight gain.
This article will explain how lorazepam works in the body, discuss the common and serious side effects of the drug, and explore whether weight changes are likely to occur.
What Is Lorazepam and How It Works
Lorazepam is a prescription medication classified as a benzodiazepine. It is the active ingredient in Ativan, a brand name commonly used in medical settings. This drug is primarily prescribed to manage anxiety, but it’s also used for treating insomnia, acute seizures, and symptoms related to alcohol withdrawal.
Lorazepam works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity. This calming effect helps reduce excessive nerve signaling, making it effective for conditions where the nervous system is overstimulated. Because of its fast-acting sedative properties, lorazepam is typically recommended for short-term use to minimize the risk of dependence or tolerance.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors the safety of lorazepam by reviewing side effects reported during clinical trials and from real-world use. This ongoing evaluation helps determine whether lorazepam is a safe treatment option and informs updates to prescribing information for Ativan tablets.
Common Side Effects of Lorazepam
Common side effects of Ativan include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and sedation. These are mild side effects that usually improve over time, but the drug can also cause adverse effects that vary from person to person. In older adults, the side effects may include confusion or coordination issues, which increase the risk of falls and other complications.
More serious concerns involve life threatening side effects such as slowed breathing, severe allergic reactions, or withdrawal symptoms if the medication is stopped abruptly. Dependency is also a known risk, especially with long-term use or higher doses. These adverse effects are outlined in the prescribing information, and the Food and Drug Administration continues to monitor how often such side effects are reported to assess whether lorazepam remains a safe treatment option.
If you’re experiencing a dependency or the side effects of the medication, our Ativan addiction treatment in Cedar Rapids has made every effort to make healing possible through personalized Ativan addiction treatment in a supportive, evidence-based, and holistic residential setting.
Does Lorazepam Impact Weight?
Weight gain or weight loss is not listed as a common side effect of lorazepam, but some patients have reported weight changes while taking the drug.
Lorazepam may increase the risk of certain side effects that indirectly affect weight, such as reduced physical activity due to sedation or altered appetite. Although this side effect wasn’t consistently reported in clinical trials, it remains possible for lorazepam to cause mild side effects related to weight regulation.
How Benzodiazepines May Affect Appetite and Metabolism
Side effects such as drowsiness and reduced energy can lead to lifestyle changes that may impact weight. Like other benzodiazepines, lorazepam may impact brain regions involved in appetite and digestion.
Though not directly proven to cause weight gain, lorazepam can cause side effects that affect eating habits and physical activity. These drug effects that may be dangerous in long-term use could alter metabolism or suppress appetite in some patients. The connection is not conclusive, but patients should understand how benzodiazepine-related changes in daily behavior could contribute to weight fluctuations.
Comparing Lorazepam With Other Anti-Anxiety Medications
Compared to SSRIs or other anxiety medications, Ativan may cause fewer weight-related issues. Some antidepressants are known to trigger significant weight gain, while lorazepam’s side effects are more commonly neurological or behavioral. However, the long-term side effects from taking lorazepam may still include dependency, cognitive impairment, and physical inactivity—all of which could contribute to weight gain. Whether lorazepam is a safe treatment depends on the patient’s health status, treatment goals, and risk of side effects that can occur with prolonged use.
Monitoring Weight While on Lorazepam
Patients taking lorazepam should monitor their weight and energy levels regularly. Unexplained weight changes could be a side effect of Ativan or a response to reduced physical activity. Managing your weight involves staying physically active, eating balanced meals, and being aware of the subtle effects of medications.
If you suspect that you’re taking Ativan and experiencing weight-related changes, talk to your doctor. Although lorazepam can cause mild side effects, early awareness and monitoring can prevent long-term health impacts.
Seeking Help for Medication-Related Concerns
If you develop serious side effects while taking lorazepam, such as extreme fatigue, disorientation, or difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately. Life-threatening side effects and withdrawal symptoms are side effects that should never be ignored.
Stop taking Ativan only under your doctor’s supervision. Side effects in older adults and those with preexisting conditions can be more intense, making medical guidance critical in managing drug effects that may be dangerous.
Final Thoughts From Radix Recovery
While weight gain is not a widely recognized outcome of lorazepam use, possible side effects such as changes in appetite, fatigue, or lifestyle habits can lead to noticeable shifts in weight for some individuals. These effects may not be common, but they highlight the importance of monitoring how the body responds to treatment.
At Radix Recovery in Cedar Rapids, we support patients about drug effects that extend beyond the expected, including the risk of these side effects. Our programs at Higley Mansion provide an environment where care is tailored to both physical and emotional well-being.
We’ve made every effort to ensure that our approach addresses not only the medication’s impact but also the broader challenges individuals face during recovery.
