Lorazepam? For what?

uses of Lorazepam

Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety. Lorazepam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves ( central nervous system ) to produce a calming effect. Lorazepam works by enhancing effects of a certain natural chemical in body ( GABA ) .

how to use of Lorazepam

Don't swallow whole. Place tablet under the tongue. It will dissolve in about 20 seconds. Wait at least 2 minutes before swallowing to make sure all drug is absorbed.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If directed by your doctor, use Lorazepam regularly in order to get most benefit from it. To help we remember, use it at the same time ( s ) each day.

Lorazepam may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time ( more than 1-4 weeks ) , if it has been used in high doses, or if we have a history of alcoholism, drug abuse, or personality disorder. In such cases, if we suddenly stop Lorazepam, withdrawal reactions may occur while use Lorazepam. Such reactions can include seizures, trouble sleeping, mental/mood changes, increased reactions to noise/touch/light, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, hallucinations, numbness/tingling of arms and legs, muscle pain, fast heartbeat, short-term memory loss, and very high fever. Report any such reactions to your doctor immediately. When stopping extended, regular treatment with Lorazepam, gradually reducing the dosage as directed will help prevent withdrawal reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Though it is very unlikely to occur, Lorazepam can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior ( addiction/habit forming ) . Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop medication when so directed. This will lessen chances of becoming addicted.

Don't suddenly stop using Lorazepam without your doctor's approval. Some conditions may become worse when drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

When used for an extended time, Lorazepam mayn't work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. Don't increase your dose without first talking to your doctor.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

other used of Lorazepam

This section contains uses of Lorazepam that are not listed in approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use Lorazepam for a condition that's listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

If directed by your doctor, Lorazepam may also be used to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, to prevent nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and for sleeping trouble ( insomnia ) .

side effects of Lorazepam

Drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, headache, nausea, blurred vision, change in sexual interest/ability, hair loss, constipation, heartburn, or change in appetite may occur while use Lorazepam. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed Lorazepam because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than risk of side effects. Many people using Lorazepam do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

A very serious allergic reaction to Lorazepam is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

precautions of Lorazepam

Before taking Lorazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're allergic to it; or to other benzodiazepines ( e. g. , diazepam, alprazolam, clonazepam ) ; or if we have any other allergies.

Lorazepam should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if we have:

Before using Lorazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

Lorazepam may make we dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness or clear vision such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you're using Lorazepam.

The elderly may be more sensitive to effects of this drug, especially drowsiness and unsteadiness. Also, elderly may not experience relief of anxiety with Lorazepam. It may have the opposite effect on elderly, causing mental/mood changes, sleeping problems, increase in sexual interest, or hallucinations.

Children may not experience relief of anxiety with Lorazepam. It may have opposite effect on children, causing agitation, shaking, or hallucinations.

Lorazepam isn't recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Infants born to mothers who took this drug during last weeks before delivery have had withdrawal symptoms, including unusual drowsiness, slowed breathing, and feeding problems. Consult your doctor for more details

Lorazepam passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding isn't recommended while using Lorazepam. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

interactions of Lorazepam

Your healthcare professionals ( e. g. , doctor or pharmacist ) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring we for it. Don't start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Lorazepam shouldn't be used with following medication because a very serious interactions may occur while use Lorazepam:

If we are currently using Lorazepam listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Lorazepam.

Before using Lorazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines ( e. g. , diphenhydramine ) , anti-seizure drugs ( e. g. , carbamazepine ) , medicine for sleep or anxiety ( e. g. , alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem ) , muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers ( e. g. , codeine ) , psychiatric medicines ( e. g. , chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone ) .

Check the labels on all your medicines ( e. g. , cough-and-cold products ) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about safe use of those products.

This document doesn't contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Lorazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share list with your doctor and pharmacist.

overdose of Lorazepam

If overdose of Lorazepam is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, slow reflexes, clumsiness, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.

notes of Lorazepam

Lifestyle changes such as starting a stress reduction program may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.

Don't share Lorazepam with others. It is against law.

Laboratory and/or medical tests ( e. g. , blood counts, liver function tests ) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

missed dose of Lorazepam

If we miss a dose Lorazepam and are taking more than 1 dose daily, don't take it if it's almost time for next dose. Instead, skip missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Don't double dose of Lorazepam to catch up. If we take it once daily at bedtime and miss a dose, don't take it following morning. Call your doctor to find out what to do.

storage of Lorazepam

Store Lorazepam at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F ( 15-30 degrees C ) away from heat, light and moisture. Don't store Lorazepam in bathroom. Keep this and all medicines away children and pets.

Properly discard Lorazepam when it's expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Shipping options for Lorazepam

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