Lorazepam is the generic form of the brand-name drug Ativan, used to treat anxiety disorders and to relieve anxiety that's associated with depression. Alcohol, antidepressants, and narcotics are among the medications that may cause negative interactions with valerian root. Drug interactions such as these can increase your risk of side effects, including drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty breathing. As with other benzodiazepines, lorazepam should be used with extreme caution in patients with pulmonary disease and in patients with respiratory insufficiency resulting from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), status asthmaticus, abnormal airway anatomy, cyanotic congenital heart disease, or pulmonary hypertension. Lorazepam, sold under the brand name Ativan among others, is a benzodiazepine medication. It is used to treat anxiety disorders, trouble sleeping, active seizures including status epilepticus, alcohol withdrawal, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. It is also used during surgery to interfere with memory formation and to sedate those. benzodiazepines - obesity. The plasma half-lives of benzodiazepines may be prolonged in obese patients, presumably due to increased distribution into fat. Find patient medical information for Ativan Oral on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings. DRUG INTERACTIONS. The benzodiazepines, including Ativan (lorazepam), produce increased CNS-depressant effects when administered with other CNS depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, antipsychotics, sedative/hypnotics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, narcotic analgesics, sedative antihistamines, anticonvulsants, and anesthetics. The recommended starting dosage of Ativan for anxiety treatment is 1 mg two to three times daily. When taking Ativan for insomnia due to anxiety, the recommended starting dose is 2 mg to 4 mg once daily at bedtime. The use of benzodiazepines with alcohol is not recommended. Patients with acute alcohol intoxication exhibit depressed vital signs. The central nervous system depressant effects of benzodiazepines may be additive with those of alcohol, and severe respiratory depression and death may occur. Lorazepam, brand name Ativan, is a prescription anti-anxiety drug used for the management of anxiety disorders and anxiety associated with depression; the treatment of insomnia, panic attacks, and seizures. Common side effects are weakness, dizziness, unsteadiness, and headache. Drug interactions, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety.