Are you concerned about taking Ativan and whether it will lower blood pressure, or cause other unwanted side effects? Here you will find a summary of the research that’s been done that might shed some light on these important topics.
Additionally, some non-pharmacological alternatives to benzodiazepines will be covered to discuss with your caregiver that could be well worth exploring. For managing blood pressure-related symptoms, there are also alternatives to consider. Read on to learn more.
Are there Natural Approaches to Manage Blood Pressure?
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Ativan is a benzodiazepine that induces short-term calming and sedating effects for conditions such as anxiety or panic attacks. Ativan is useful as a short-term aid in a wide range of medical uses. However, used long-term, this calming effect may potentially influence blood pressure. The effect on blood pressure is typically slight and usually temporary. When it occurs In older persons, or in cases of polypharmacy or long-term use, these effects may be more risky.
Blood pressure is measured in various ways, typically by using the “cuff” method, to gauge the pressure against blood vessel walls. A measurement of between 90 and 120 is considered to be normal. This measurement is of the pumping action of the heart which is referred to as the systolic measurement. A systolic measurement lower than 90 is considered low blood pressure or hypotension. Low blood pressure or hypotension tends to be neglected as a topic of concern. Mostly one hears about high blood pressure, (hypertension), as it is associated with many other non-optimum health conditions. Both hypotension (low blood pressure) and hypertension (high blood pressure) may go undiagnosed as there may be minimal to no noticeable symptoms.
However, some persons with low blood pressure may often feel dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue. A person with hypotension may experience such symptoms chronically, and others may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure, below 90 on the blood pressure scale. This is called orthostatic hypotension which typically occurs after standing for a long time, or when rising from a seated or lying position. Orthostatic hypotension happens suddenly and can make you feel faint, like you may pass out, can cause blurred vision, can cause dizziness or a spinning sensation.
Benzodiazepines can slow the heart rate, respiration rate, and relax the central nervous system. and this can temporarily lower blood pressure slightly. However, if one’s blood pressure is already in a low range, this may be a health concern to speak with your prescriber or caregiver about. Often, low blood pressure is undiagnosed. Fortunately, it may be easily checked.
Understanding How Ativan Works in the Body
It is thought that Ativan, like all benzodiazepine medications, enhances the effects of GABA receptors at various points in the central nervous system. Since GABA is a powerful inhibitory neurotransmitter, this is why Ativan is used for many applications for sedation and calming symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks.
Ativan is also used to quickly tranquilize an agitated person, used before surgery as a sedative, in acute alcohol withdrawal, in treating pre-chemotherapy associated nausea, insomnia, and is used in many other off label purposes.
Ativan is well absorbed when taken orally, and reaches 90% peak concentration in about 2 hours. Taken intravenously or intramuscularly via injection, the onset of effects is much quicker. When given in IV form, it takes between 1 and 3 minutes to take effect, and if injected, onset time ranges from 15-30 minutes.
Benzodiazepines cause respiratory depression, and when taken at high dosages, or in combination with other depressants such as opioids, kratom, or alcohol, the results can be catastrophic leading to coma and even death.
Benzodiazepines also may cause slurred speech, induce drowsiness, and can affect many other functions relating to the central nervous system. Below you will find a more complete description of how Ativan can affect different areas of the body.
Common Side Effects of Ativan
A person taking Ativan may experience mild to more severe side effects and these can differ greatly from person to person. In addition to sedation, there can be paradoxical side effects which can have unexpected stimulatory effects.4-6
These are commonly reported side effects of Ativan:
Sedation
Slowed breathing
Muscle relaxation
Dizziness
Physical weakness, asthenia
Inability to control muscles, clumsiness, ataxia
Hypotension
Tiredness, fatigue
Amnesia
Confusion
Irritability, unusual emotional mood swings
Sexual dysfunction
Menstrual irregularities
Double vision, burred vision
Slurred speech
Hoarseness
Appetite changes
Constipation
Incontinence
Urinary retention
More severe side effects of Ativan which are less common can include:
Suicidality
Respiratory failure
Seizures
Abnormal changes in behavior
Impaired cognitive function, most notably in the elderly
Memory loss
Respiratory failure
Tolerance, dependency and potential for abuse
Withdrawals when the medication is stopped
Involuntary muscle movements, dystonia
Fainting, orthostatic hypotension after rising from a seated or laying position
Changes in white or red blood cells
Liver damage, jaundice
Paradoxical reaction s(hyperactive and aggressive behavior, agitation, heightened anxiety, racing heart beat at rest)
When combined with other CNS depressants such as opioids, coma or death
Cognitive decline, delirium, psychosis
Cardiac impairment
Abnormal metabolism of fat
Does Ativan Cause Low Blood Pressure?
So is there a connection between taking Ativan and low blood pressure? While more research is called for, a note of caution is worth mentioning here, particularly in the elderly. In this population, and in other at-risk persons, benzodiazepines like Ativan can contribute to orthostatic hypotension. As a result, this population may experience more falls, due to symptoms like dizziness and loss of balance. When a person is taking other medications such as Ativan, that depress the central nervous system these drops in blood pressure, and other symptoms related to low blood pressure can be more pronounced, and more frequent.
It is important to note that in general, people with low blood pressure do not experience symptoms unless there is such a decrease in the pumping action of the heart, and insufficient circulation, that the blood cannot reach the vital organs that need it.1,2,3
When to Speak to a Health Care Professional
If you are experiencing ongoing problems like dizziness, feeling lightheaded, blurred vision or other symptoms it is time to seek a healthcare provider who can test for hypotension or rule it out.
If you are currently taking Ativan or any benzodiazepine, and are experiencing symptoms that fit the description of hypotension, do not stop taking Ativan abruptly, Seek guidance from your medical care professionals, who can help determine whether it is recommended to slowly taper off Ativan or other recommendations to help resolve the situation.
Researchers have discovered some non-drug-based strategies have proven helpful in reducing orthostatic hypotension, thus preventing unnecessary falls or other outcomes without additional drug side effects. Exercise, sleeping position, dietary changes, and other interventions have shown promise in clinical trials. 9
Safer Alternatives for Managing Anxiety
Alternative to Meds Center offers effective and safe holistic treatment options for anxiety, as well as safe and gradual benzodiazepine tapering. Using orthomolecular and naturopathic support for medication withdrawal, the process is gentle and avoids the typically intolerable nature of benzodiazepine discontinuation.
Much research backs the holistic approach to managing and reducing symptoms of anxiety, pointing to cognitive behavioral and other genres of counseling, exercise, herbal and nutritional applications, and many others that do not carry the same risks and side effects associated with medication-based approaches.7,8
We would encourage you to read further about the specific treatment programs and strategies that are used at the center to help those who are looking for safer alternatives to Ativan, or other anti-anxiety treatment options that do not rely on medication for results.
4. Ghiasi N, Bhansali RK, Marwaha R. Lorazepam. [Updated 2024 May 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532890/[cited 2026 Jan 6]
Originally Published January 7, 2025 by Diane Ridaeus
This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.
Dr. Samuel Lee
Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
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However, some persons with low blood pressure may often feel dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue. A person with hypotension may experience such symptoms chronically, and others may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure, below 90 on the blood pressure scale. This is called orthostatic hypotension which typically occurs after standing for a long time, or when rising from a seated or lying position. Orthostatic hypotension happens suddenly and can make you feel faint, like you may pass out, can cause blurred vision, can cause dizziness or a spinning sensation.
Alternative to Meds Center offers effective and safe 
