Unfortunately, it can a side effect of Ativan. However, Ativan is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, insomnia, muscle relaxation, and seizure control are some. I take Klonopin which is another benzodiazepine, but I take it for Anxiety. I used to take Xanax, which is in the same category. I know they give me Ativan in the hospital when I have to go, which is supposed to produce a calming effect. Maybe you should discuss this issue with your doctor if you feel that you're getting worse. Because Effexor is also an anti-depressant, which I have taken before. Have you tried a sedative for sleep?

No, I haven't tried a sedative for sleep. The Ativan has helped before, but I never took it more than a few nights before. I had anxiety when I was given them, but now the anxiety has subsided and now I'm mainly depressed.

Everyone is different. I love Ativan....I'm a depressive type anyway....but it doesn't have that effect on me...so yes, go to your Dr.

I called my doctor two days ago. He didn't think the ativan was causing the depression. I decided to not to take it the last two nights. Today the depression has lifted a bunch, but woke up with anxiety like I did when I started taking the ativan. So, now I don't know what to do. Not take the ativan and have anxiety or take and have depression?

Cute dog. Lorazapam can cause depression. That is correct.

You may have to decide if you would rather be anxious or depressed.

Alternately a better plan in my book would be switching up your other antidepressant. If you've been on it for 5 years it might have stopped working, they do that after a while.

I'm on Prozac and it's great, zero depression in 3 years except that one month they took me off of it. Wellbutrin and Lexapro are other antidepressants that I would recommend. They work well with benzos, I always take an anti-depressant and a benzo.

Another option you have is switching the Ativan to Klonopin. That's what I take. It has a much longer half life. It's like an extended release anti-anxiety med that keep you at a steady level of calm all day instead of going up and down as Ativan can do.

Hope this helps.

It is a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines which acts on brain and nerves to produce calming effect. It is is used for insomnia, anxiety and depression. It doesn't cause such side effects, so discuss with your doctor. and tell your doctor if you any have history of depression.