Lorazepam

Generic Name: Lorazepam (lor A ze pam)

What is lorazepam?

• Lorazepam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Lorazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.

• Lorazepam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

• Lorazepam is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders. It is also used to treat certain types of seizure disorders and to relieve insomnia (induce sleep).

What is the most important information I should know about lorazepam?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Lorazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

• Lorazepam may be habit forming. Physical and/ or psychological dependence can occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking lorazepam suddenly without first talking to your doctor if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.

• Avoid alcohol while taking lorazepam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by lorazepam. Alcohol may also increase the risk of having a seizure if lorazepam is being taken for a seizure condition.

How should I take lorazepam?

• Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.

• Take lorazepam exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

• To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the oral concentrate with a dose-measuring spoon, dropper, or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

• Lorazepam is also available as an injection. If you are using the injection at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions regarding preparation, administration, and storage of the injectable formulation.

• Your doctor may want you to have medical evaluations during treatment with lorazepam to monitor progress and side effects.

• Lorazepam may be habit forming. Physical and/ or psychological dependence can occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking lorazepam suddenly without first talking to your doctor if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.

• Store the lorazepam oral concentrate in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius), protected from light.

• Store lorazepam tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lorazepam?

• You may not be able to take lorazepam, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

• Lorazepam passes into breast milk. Do not take lorazepam without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

• Lorazepam is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that lorazepam is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

• If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from lorazepam. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

What happens if I miss a dose/overdose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could be dangerous.

• Symptoms of a lorazepam overdose include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, a slow heart beat, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking and talking, an appearance of being drunk, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking lorazepam?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Lorazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

• Lorazepam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

• Avoid alcohol while taking lorazepam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by lorazepam. Alcohol may also increase the risk of a seizure if lorazepam is being taken for a seizure condition.

What other drugs will affect lorazepam?

• Lorazepam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with lorazepam. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

• Antacids may decrease the effects of lorazepam. Separate doses of an antacid and lorazepam by several hours whenever possible.

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