From the Guidelines
Ativan (lorazepam) can lose potency after its expiration date but doesn't typically become harmful, and for optimal therapeutic effect, it's best to use unexpired Ativan and properly dispose of expired medication. The expiration date on Ativan indicates when the manufacturer guarantees full potency and safety 1. Over time, the chemical structure of lorazepam can gradually break down, potentially making the medication less effective for treating anxiety, insomnia, or seizures. Environmental factors like heat, light, and humidity can accelerate this degradation. Some key points to consider when using Ativan include:
- Regular use can lead to tolerance, addiction, depression, and cognitive impairment 1
- Paradoxic agitation occurs in about 10% of patients treated with benzodiazepines, including Ativan 1
- Infrequent, low doses of agents with a short half-life are least problematic 1 For safety and optimal therapeutic effect, it's best to use unexpired Ativan and properly dispose of expired medication. If you have expired Ativan, consult with your healthcare provider about obtaining a new prescription rather than using the expired medication, especially for conditions requiring precise dosing.
From the Research
Ativan Expiration
- Ativan, also known as lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and insomnia 2, 3.
- The provided studies do not directly address the issue of Ativan's potency or effectiveness after its expiration date.
- However, it is known that benzodiazepines, including lorazepam, can be affected by factors such as storage conditions, light, and temperature, which may impact their stability and potency over time 4, 5.
- There is no clear evidence to suggest that Ativan becomes "bad" or completely ineffective after its expiration date, but its quality and potency may degrade over time 6.
Stability and Potency
- The stability and potency of lorazepam can be influenced by various factors, including storage conditions and handling 4.
- It is recommended to store lorazepam in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture, to maintain its potency and effectiveness 5.
- However, the exact effects of expiration on lorazepam's potency and effectiveness are not well-studied, and more research is needed to fully understand this issue 2, 3.
Clinical Use
- Lorazepam is commonly used in clinical settings to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions, and its effectiveness is well-documented 2, 3.
- However, the use of expired lorazepam is not recommended, as its potency and effectiveness may be compromised 4, 5.
- Clinicians should exercise caution when using lorazepam, especially if the medication is near or past its expiration date, and consider alternative treatments if necessary 6.