Can Ativan treat insomnia?

Hi. It’s Jenny at AnxietyBoss.com. Our question today is from Alfred in Mason City, Iowa. Can Ativan treat insomnia?

Ativan, although typically prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, is known to be a very effective sleeping aid. Ativan works to balance Gamma Aminobutyric Acid or GABA in the brain so that brain activity is decreased which ultimately results in a decrease of anxiety. This relates to insomnia in the sense that the incapability to fall asleep is often caused by anxiety or stress; hence, when there is less anxiety and stress, sleep is much easier to achieve.

Now Ativan is not a long-term medication; however, if there is prolonged usage, the body may become dependent on it and it will stop working unless the dosage is consistently increased.

Before taking Ativan, it’s very important to let your doctor know if you have any family history of drug addiction, as Ativan is known to be highly addictive.