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Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does anyone think that taken Attivan with your daily meds can cause a seizure

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Marrero, LA
May 19
 · 
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Answer Summary

Members responded to a question about whether taking Ativan with daily seizure medications can cause seizures, and the overwhelming shared... Read more

Members responded to a question about whether taking Ativan with daily seizure medications can cause seizures, and the overwhelming shared experience was that Ativan (Lorazepam) is actually used to stop seizures, not cause them. Several members described using it only as a rescue medication during breakthrough or cluster seizures, with many reporting it works over 90% of the time, and one member noted that timing it at the first sign of an aura made it most effective. A recurring theme was the importance of consulting a doctor or pharmacist before combining medications, as everyone's treatment plan is different.

MyEpilepsyTeam

Can taking Ativan (lorazepam) alongside daily epilepsy medications cause a seizure? This is a really important question worth understanding carefully.

Ativan belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. These actually work to *prevent* seizures by calming excessive electrical activity in the brain. So on their Show Full Answer

Can taking Ativan (lorazepam) alongside daily epilepsy medications cause a seizure? This is a really important question worth understanding carefully.

Ativan belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. These actually work to *prevent* seizures by calming excessive electrical activity in the brain. So on their own, they're not typically a seizure trigger. The bigger risk comes if Ativan is *stopped suddenly*. Abruptly stopping a benzodiazepine can actually trigger seizures because the brain's calming signals are suddenly reduced.

Key things to be aware of:

- Never stop taking Ativan suddenly without guidance from your neurologist
- Always let your doctor or pharmacist know all the medications you're taking to check for interactions
- Mixing any new medication with your existing anti-seizure drugs should always be reviewed by your care team first

When in doubt, a quick call to your neurologist or pharmacist is always the safest move before making any changes to your routine.

May 19
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I used to take Ativan as a short term rescue medication and it helped. It gave me time to get somewhere safe or would work enough to keep the seizure away

October 13
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I don't know because I've never taken that medicine before.

October 12
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Hi Randy, I use Lorazepam tablets (.5mg). If I feel the need I'll take 1 tab, if no relief I'll take another tab. never anymore than 1mg. Over the years I've found timing is everything. If I use Lorazepam when I first notice an aura I most always avoid a "bad" seizure, the longer I wait the less effective the drug will be. Over the past 8-10 years I've had mild seizures but I've been able the avoid what I call a "bad" seizure

May 21
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Kerri have u ever tried Botox injections for migraines? I find it works wonders. I have chronic migraines and the last one lasted over a week and within a hour of getting the Botox, the migraine was down to a medium headache. It’s 32 injections in ur head, but it’s so worth it and lasts for 3 months b4 u need it done again.

May 23

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