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Ativan (Further Info)
Source
National Institutes of Health, U.S.A.
Why is this
medication prescribed?
Lorazepam is used to relieve anxiety. Lorazepam
is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by
slowing activity in the brain to allow for relaxation.
How should this
medicine be used?
Lorazepam comes as a tablet
and concentrate (liquid) to take by mouth. It usually is taken two
or three times a day and may be taken with or without food. Follow
the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. 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 (30 milliliters) 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
talking to 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, 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 for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special
precautions should I follow?
Before taking lorazepam,
-
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are
allergic 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), any other medications, or any of the
ingredients in lorazepam tablets or concentrate. Ask your doctor
or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
-
Tell your doctor and pharmacist what
prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins,
nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or
plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following:
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; and valproic acid (Depakene).Your doctor may need
to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully
for side effects.
-
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had
glaucoma; seizures; or lung, heart, or liver disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to
become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant
while taking Lorazepam, call your doctor immediately.
Talk to your doctor about the risks and
benefits of taking this medication if you are 65 years of age or
older. Older adults should take lower doses of Lorazepam because
higher doses may not be more effective and are more likely to
cause serious side effects.
if you are having surgery, including dental
surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking
Lorazepam.
you should know that this medication may make
you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you
know how this medication affects you.
talk to your doctor about the safe use of
alcohol during your treatment with Lorazepam. Alcohol can make
the side effects of this medication worse.
Tell your doctor if you use tobacco products.
Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this
medication.
What special
dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue
your normal diet.
What should I do
if I forget a dose?
If you take several doses per day and miss a
dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects
can this medication cause?
Lorazepam may cause side effects. Call your
doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
-
drowsiness
-
dizziness
-
tiredness
-
weakness
-
dry mouth
-
diarrhea
-
nausea
-
changes in appetite
-
restlessness or excitement
-
constipation
-
difficulty urinating
-
frequent urination
-
blurred vision
-
changes in sex drive or ability
Some side effects can be serious. If you
experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
-
shuffling walk
-
persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit
still
-
fever
-
difficulty breathing or swallowing
-
severe skin rash
-
yellowing of the skin or eyes
-
irregular heartbeat
Lorazepam may cause other
side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems
while you are taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or
your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's
(FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone
[1-800-332-1088].
What storage
conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in,
tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room
temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the
bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer
needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your
medication.
In case of
emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison
control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is
not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
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