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Lorazepam
What is lorazepam?
Lorazepam (brand names Ativan®, Lorazepam Intensol®) is a benzodiazepine medication used off label to treat behavior problems such as anxiety, fears, and phobias in cats and dogs. It can also be used to treat seizures or to stimulate appetite in cats.
Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.
How is lorazepam given?
This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 days, and improvements in clinical signs should follow.
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember, and then wait the recommended amount of time between doses. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses.
Lorazepam may cause the following side effects:
Serious adverse reactions may occur. If any of the following signs develop, contact your veterinarian immediately:
This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease. Do not stop this medication abruptly or rebound effects may occur.
Lorazepam should NOT BE USED in pets
Lorazepam should be USED WITH CAUTION in:
The following medications should be used with caution when given with lorazepam:
It is important to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any treatment.
Lorazepam is a controlled substance, which means that it has been designated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as having a potential for diversion to people other than the patient it was prescribed for. Use of a controlled substance in any person or animal other than that for which it is prescribed is illegal. Therefore, this medication should be stored in a locked cabinet or safe that cannot be easily moved, with access limited to only those that need to administer the medication. Monitor the amount of medication remaining to ensure the expected amount is present.
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Sep 27, 2024.
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