What you have to know before use Lorazepam.

Lorazepam: uses

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

Lorazepam: how to use

Don't swallow whole. Place the tablet under the tongue. It'll 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 you remember, use it at 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 dosage as directed will help prevent withdrawal reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Though it's 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 the medication when so directed. This will lessen chances of becoming addicted.

Do not 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. Do not increase your dose without first talking to your doctor.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Lorazepam: other used

This section contains uses of Lorazepam that are not listed in approved professional labeling for drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use Lorazepam for a condition that is 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 symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, to prevent nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and for sleeping trouble ( insomnia ) .

Lorazepam: side effects

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 don't 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 we notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Lorazepam: precautions

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

Lorazepam shouldn't be used if we 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 we are using Lorazepam.

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

Children mayn't 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.

Lorazepam: interactions

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 we may use, especially of:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if we 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 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 products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share list with your doctor and pharmacist.

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