Brief Answer:
It is possible for lorazepam to delay bladder emptying.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Do you mean that you are having trouble emptying your bladder or that your kidney function is impaired since starting lorazepam?

Lorazepam and Ativan are the same thing. Ativan is one brand of the drug lorazepam.

Lorazepam can effect bladder emptying although this is an uncommon side effect. Are you normally able to urinate without catheterization? Because if you have a catheter, lorazepam wouldn't make a difference, but if you are usually able to urinate without one, then it is possible lorazepam could slow down your ability to void.

If your question is about kidney function and the kidney's production of urine, if you already have some kidney impairment, then lorazepam can build up in your system since the body clears out lorazepam thru the kidneys.

I would recommend that if you have been on lorazepam for a while that you not discontinue it abruptly as you can get withdrawal/rebound symptoms. You should also discuss this with the doctor who normally sees you for your ongoing medical care. If you are concerned about talking with your doctor because you have been using more than the prescribed amount of lorazepam, or if you weren't prescribed it at all, you can still tell your doctor. We have seen everything, and the most common reason people use meds like this without a prescription is because the patient has underlying depression and anxiety and is "self medicating" to try to feel better. So your doctor may be ablate help you out with treatment that would help you feel better in the long run.

---