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| LORAZEPAM |
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| What
is LORAZEPAM? |
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Lorazepam belongs to the group of benzodiazepines, which are sedative drugs. Lorazepam is used in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia (sleeplessness). The injection form of the drug is also used to control bouts of seizures. It may be used as a muscle relaxant by your doctor. There are some other indications for which doctors prescribe lorazepam.
Lorazepam is produced as tablets and injection. |
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| How
should I use LORAZEPAM? |
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Lorazepam is usually prescribed two to three times a day, but depending on your condition your doctor may prescribe completely various dosages of this drug. Thus, take lorazepam exactly as directed by your doctor, and do not change the dosage on your own. Read the instructions on the drug leaflet carefully.
Lorazepam is often prescribed for short courses. It’s one of those drugs that can cause dependence and tolerance, so do NOT take more than the prescribed dose. Tolerance and dependence may occur if you have been taking large doses of the drug or you have been taking it for long periods. It is extremely important to talk to your doctor before extending or stoppage of your treatment. If you stop the drug suddenly, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal (like insomnia, irratibility and anxiety). Your doctor will guide you how to discontinue the drug gradually. |
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| Contraindications |
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Lorazepam must not be used in patients with coma, acute alcohol intoxication, acute close angle glaucoma (increased eye pressure) or untreated open angle glaucoma. |
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| If
you miss a dose! |
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Try not to forget any dose. If you are taking lorazepam on a regular basis and you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. But if it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and do NOT take a double dose to make up for the missed one. |
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| Dietary
instructions |
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You can take lorazepam with food or with empty stomach. In case you feel stomach upset, take it with food or milk. |
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| Special
Precautions & Warnings |
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Tell your doctor if:
• You are allergic to lorazepam or other benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, diazepam, oxazepam and any other drugs.
• You are taking any drugs, prescription or non-prescription, specially other benzodiazepines, antidepressants, anti-epileptics (eg valproic acid), antihistamines and medications for cold or allergy, digoxin (for heart failure), levodopa (for Parkinson’s disease), pain-killers (sepecially opioids, like codiene or morphine), muscle relaxants (eg baclofen), oral contraceptives, probenecid, rifampin, sedatives or sleeping pills, theophylline and even vitamins.
• You have or have had the following diseases: heart, lung, kidney or liver, asthma, Parkinson’s disease, muscular diseases specially myasthenia gravis, glaucome, seizures and psychosis or any mental problems.
• You are going to have a surgery, including dental procedures. |
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| Side
Effects |
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Lorazepam can cause some serious effects. If the following symptoms become severe or persist talk to your doctor:
Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, restlessness or irratibility, feeling tired or sleepy, light-headedness, headache, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, dry mouth, loss of appetite, difficulty with urination or frequent urination, blurred vision and sexual problems.
But if you experience any of the following symptoms, consult your doctor immediately:
Fever, skin rash, difficult breathing, yellow skin or eyes, depression, memory loss, involuntary muscle spasms, imbalance, behavioral problems, seizure, tremor and palpitations. |
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| Storage |
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Keep lorazepam in its container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store tablets at room temperature, away from direct light, excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. If you notice a change in the color or contents of injection, do not use it. |
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| Emergency/Overdose |
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In case of overdose, seek help at the nearest emergency centre. Some of the signs and symptoms of overdose are severe drowsiness and dizziness, slurred speech and confusion. |
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| Drug
interactions |
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Taking other sedative-hypnotics, opioids, anesthetics, anti-depressants and some of the drugs for hypertension such as clonidine or methyldopa can add to the drowsiness and dizziness of lorazepam.
• Taking ketoconazole, itraconazole and cimetidine with lorazepam may decrease metabolism of this drug and increase its serum concentration and thus its effects.
• Lorazepam can decrease the effects of levodopa used in Parkinson’s disease.
• Taking rifampin, barbiturates (like phenobarbital) and valproic acid with lorazepam can increase metabolism of lorazepam and decrease its therapeutic effects. |
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| Children,
pregnant women & nursing mothers |
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Lorazepam should only be used in children if prescribed by a doctor. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking lorazepam. Lorazepam is excreted in breast milk and it is recommended not to use it while feeding. |
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| More
information |
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• Lorazepam can cause dependence (both physical and mental), specially if you have been taking large doses of lorazepam for a long time. In this case if you stop it at once, you may feel some serious symptoms like: confusion, irratibility, upset stomach, sweating, nausea, vomiting or pins and needles in hands or feet.
• Lorazepam makes you drowsy, so do not drive a car or operate a machinary until you come to know how much it affects you.
• Alcohol adds to the drowsiness of lorazepam, thus do not drink alcohol till you know how lorazepam works on you.
• Cigarette or tobacco smoking may decrease the effects of lorazepam.
• Stay in touch with your doctor while taking the drug. If you take lorazepam for long periods, your doctor may want to check your blood count and liver function. |
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