General Information and Indications:
Lorazepam is used to relieve anxiety.
This drug is sometimes ordered for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more details.
Information For Users:
Lorazepam comes as a tablet and concentrate
(liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken two or three times a day and
may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your
prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions.
Take lorazepam exactly as directed.
Lorazepam concentrate (liquid) comes with a specially marked dropper for
measuring the dose. Ask your pharmacist to show you how to use the dropper.
Dilute the concentrate in 1 ounce or more of water, juice, or carbonated
beverages just before taking it. It also may be mixed with applesauce or
pudding just before taking the dose.
Lorazepam can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more
often, or for a longer time than your doctor tells you to. Tolerance may
develop with long-term or excessive use, making the drug less effective. Do
not take lorazepam for more than 4 months or stop taking this medication
without informing your doctor. Stopping the drug suddenly can worsen your
condition and cause withdrawal symptoms (anxiousness, sleeplessness, and
irritability). Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually.
Other uses for this medicine
Lorazepam is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, epilepsy, insomnia
(sleeplessness), and nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment and to
control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal. Talk to your doctor about
the possible risks of using this medication.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to lorazepam, alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax),
clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), estazolam
(ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane), oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax),
temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially antihistamines; digoxin (Lanoxin);
levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet); medications for depression, seizures, pain,
Parkinson's disease, asthma, colds, or allergies; muscle relaxants; oral
contraceptives; probenecid (Benemid); rifampin (Rifadin); sedatives;
sleeping pills; theophylline (Theo-Dur); tranquilizers; valproic acid (Depakene);
and vitamins. These medications may add to the drowsiness caused by
lorazepam.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding glaucoma; seizures; or lung,
heart, or liver disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking lorazepam, call your
doctor without delay.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking lorazepam.
o you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or
operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
o remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
o Inform your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may
decrease the effectiveness of this drug.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Side effects from lorazepam are common and include:
o drowsiness
o dizziness
o tiredness
o weakness
o dry mouth
o diarrhea
o upset stomach
o changes in appetite
Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
o restlessness or excitement
o constipation
o difficulty in urination
o frequent urination
o blurred vision (Impaired vision)
o changes in sex drive or ability, impotence
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:
o shuffling walk
o persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still
o fever
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o severe skin rash
o yellowing of the skin or eyes, jaundice
o irregular heartbeat
Brand Name(s):
o Ativan®
o Lorazepam Intensol®
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