The drug, which is a benzodiazepine, comes as a pill, a liquid, a tablet taken sublingually (under the tongue), or in a form that’s used intravenously (IV, within a vein).

This article will go over how Ativan is used during chemotherapy, its side effects, and facts you should know before or while you are taking it.

Use of Ativan During Chemotherapy

The most common side effect of chemotherapy is nausea and vomiting. There are many treatments that can help reduce this side effect.

Ativan is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating nausea associated with chemotherapy, and there are other drugs more effective than Ativan that can prevent nausea.

Sometimes, Ativan is used in the following settings:

To prevent nausea and vomiting before chemotherapyTo treat nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy

This medication can also be helpful due to its sedating properties. During and following chemotherapy, some people value the mild drowsiness this medication can cause.

While Ativan can be effective, it should not be taken alone as an anti-nausea drug. It should be added to an anti-nausea regimen of at least two other drugs. Ativan is most often used with other medications designed to prevent and control nausea, especially steroids such as Ozurdex or Maxidex (dexamethasone).

Side Effects

You may experience fatigue, dizziness, and weakness while taking Ativan. Other side effects include feelings of depression, sleep problems, and sleepiness. Let your healthcare provider know what you are experiencing.

If the side effects become bothersome, other anti-nausea medications can be prescribed. Sometimes it takes trying out a few different medications before finding the best one for you, and there are many available.

Dosage

Available only by prescription, Ativan is most often prescribed in a tablet form that can be swallowed or dissolved under the tongue. It can also be administered intravenously or by injection, which is helpful if you have severe vomiting.

If you’re taking Ativan to prevent nausea and vomiting, the typical dosage is:

A 0. 5 or 1 milligram (mg) tablet taken orally the night before chemotherapy, or the day of treatment, about one to two hours beforehand

If you are taking Ativan to treat nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy, the dosage is:

A 0. 5 or 1 mg tablet taken orally every eight hours as needed

What If It Doesn’t Work?

If Ativan doesn’t help with your nausea and vomiting, your healthcare provider may change the dosage or prescribe another anti-nausea medication. Don’t despair—many new and very effective medications have been approved for both the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea in recent years.

Precautions

Follow the directions given by your healthcare provider to minimize your chance of having side effects or an adverse reaction.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:

Any history of addiction or substance misuse/abuse: Ativan can become habit-forming. The risk of addiction when used for chemotherapy, however, is very small. Use it exactly as directed. Any medical issues you may have: This includes breathing problems, kidney or liver disease, glaucoma, a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Any other medications you are taking: This includes prescription drugs, herbal supplements and vitamins, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Warnings

Before taking Ativan, you should be aware of the following:

Ativan has a sedative effect: Use caution when driving and operating heavy machinery. It’s a good idea to have someone drive you to and from chemotherapy. Do not drink alcohol while taking Ativan: It can increase the effects of alcohol, and the combination of these medications (benzodiazepines) and alcohol can lead to a fatal overdose.

Tips for Reducing Nausea During Chemotherapy

There are several simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing nausea during your treatment. Most people require preventative measures, as well as medications. Trying to tough it out is not advised.

Some lifestyle measures that others have found helpful include:

Eat several small meals throughout the day instead of fewer, larger meals. Don’t skip eating before your chemotherapy. Eat a light meal so you don’t feel hungry (hunger can increase nausea). Eat food that you like if that helps your appetite. Some people recommend avoiding your favorite foods during chemotherapy so you won’t develop a negative association with these foods. Try to avoid sweets or fried or fatty foods. Chemotherapy can cause significant cancer fatigue. Cooking your meals in advance and freezing them or accepting friends’ offers to bring food to you can be a lifesaver. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing.

A Word From Verywell

Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy can cause physical and emotional distress. While Ativan may be best known as an anti-anxiety drug, it can also help prevent and treat chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting, as well as anxiety that’s associated with nausea or vomiting.

However, even after the effects are gone, it stays in your system for a while longer. The average half-life of the drug (when it is halfway eliminated in your body) is about 12 hours.