Common Uses

Lorazepam is an anti-anxiety medicine. It is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders.

How to Take

Take the exact doze of Lorazepam as you doctor prescribed;

Take a full glass of water after each dose of Lorazepam;

Do not take more than prescribed by your doctor. Lorazepam can cause dependence;

Do not take Lorazepam longer than prescribed because it can cause physical and psychological dependence;

Lorazepam can cause withdrawal effect if it is stopped suddenly, that is why your doctor can prescribe you a gradual reduction in dose.

Side Effects

Stop taking Lorazepam and seek urgent medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives); sores in the mouth or throat; yellowing of the skin or eyes; a rash; hallucinations or severe confusion; or changes in vision. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking Lorazepam and talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness; depression; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome, they may be caused by Lorazepam.

Precautions

Do not take Lorazepam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Lorazepam may make worse this condition. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; have liver disease; have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease; or are depressed or have suicidal thoughts. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.

Lorazepam Interactions

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. Antacids may decrease the effects of Arivan (Lorazepam). Separate doses of an antacid and Lorazepam by several hours whenever possible. 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 herbal products.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, you can take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose of Lorazepam, 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.

Notes

Be incredibly careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Lorazepam can cause drowsiness and dizziness.

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

Storage

Store Lorazepam at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Remove any cotton from the bottle of disintegrating tablets, and keep the bottle tightly closed.

Please note, all the information given above is a summary. You should visit your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider to get more details about this medicine. Do not share Lorazepam with the others who it was not prescribed for. Do not use it for other health conditions. Do not store this medication with an end term of its storage.