Lorazepam ( Alzapam,  Ativan,  Loraz,   Lorazepam Intensol )
In Canada ( Apo-Lorazepam,  Novo-Lorazepam,  Nu-Loraz )

        Lorazepam is an Antianxiety agent ( benzodiazepines,  mild tranquilizer ) used for the relief of anxiety,  agitation,  irritability,  to relieve insomnia,  to calm people with mania / schizophrenia,  and intravenously as a sedative and nervous tension or prior to surgery to relief the anxiety.  It has less of an effect on the liver then other benzodiazepines,  making it better suited if you are taking birth control pills,  anti-abuse drugs,  propranolol,  ulcer medications,  or any other drug that effects the liver.
        Ativan may also be used to help in the prevention of severe alcohol withdraw symptoms ( Delirium Tremens,  DTs ),  to treat serial seizures in children by placing it under the tongue,  or in patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and have severe vomiting,  to promote amnesia.

CLASS:  3-Hydroxy Benzodiazepine.
Generic name: Lorazepam.
Type:  Antianxiety,  Sedative / Hypnotic.

Strengths:

Tables:
0.5 mg,  1 mg,  2mg.

Sublingual Tables:
0.5 mg,  1 mg,  2mg.

Oral Solution:
2 mg per ml.

Injection:
2 mg per ml,  4mg per ml.

Dosages: Actual dosage must be determined by a physician.

Normal dosage: 

If under 18 years of age:
Safety and effectiveness not established! 1 to 4mg under tongue to treat serial seizures in children.

18 to 60 years of age:
Sedation and anxiety,  2 to 3mg. 
Insomnia,  2 to 4mg taken at bedtime.

Over 60 years of age:
Never over 2mg daily.
Sedation and anxiety,  0.5 to 1mg.
Insomnia,  0.5 to 1mg taken at bedtime.

Oral:

Start:  1 to 2mg daily and in 2 or 3 doses.
Increases:  0.5 mg as needed.
Maintenance:  2 to 6mg in 24 hours and in divided doses.
Maximum:  10 mg in 24 hours.

Problems with:

Liver Function:  Lower dosage,  as needed.  Do not use if in liver failure.
Kidney Function: Lower dosage,  as needed.  Do not use if in kidney failure.

Test:

Before taking:  None.
While taking:  None.

Take With:  Empty stomach and a full glass of water.

Full Benefits In:  In first week.

Missed Dose(s):  If within one hour take. If over an hour skip and then continue on your normal schedule.
Never Take a Double Dose!

If Stop Taking:  Do not stop without consulting your physician and never abruptly if been taken for four or more weeks.

Overdose symptoms include:  Confusion,  loss of consciousness,  or sleepiness.

Warnings

Narcotics may increase the sedative effects of this drug.  Do not take other sedative,  benzodiazepines,  or sleeping pills with this drug. The combinations could be fatal. Do not drink alcohol when taking benzodiazepine. Alcohol can lower blood pressure and decrease your breathing rate to the point of unconsciousness.

The habit-forming potential is high. Do not stop taking this drug abruptly, this could cause psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms.

Do not take this drug if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.  Do not take this drug if you are breast-feeding.

Do not give this drug to anyone under twelve and only in small doses if over sixty.

Do not use If:
    You had negative reactions to other benzodiazepine.
    If you have a history of drug dependence.
    If you have had a stroke.
    If you have multiple sclerosis.
    If you have Alzheimer's disease.
    If you are seriously depressed.
    If you have other brain disorders.

Lorazepam ( Symptoms or Effects )

Common:  Clumsiness,  dizziness,  sleepiness,   unsteadiness,  or weakness.

Rare:  Abdominal cramps,  blurred vision, confusion,   convulsions,  disinhibition,  dry mouth,  forgetfulness,   hallucinations,  headache,  memory loss,  racing heartbeat / palpitations,  shaking / slurred speech,  sore breast / milk secretion,   staggering / trembling,  trouble breathing,  or irregular menstruation's, urination problems,

See physician always:  Abdominal cramps,  blurred vision, confusion,  convulsions,  disinhibition,  dry mouth,  forgetfulness,   hallucinations,  headache,  memory loss,  racing heartbeat / palpitations,  shaking / slurred speech,  sore breast / milk secretion,   staggering / trembling,  trouble breathing,  irregular menstruation's,  or urination problems,

See physician if severe:  Clumsiness,  dizziness,   sleepiness,  unsteadiness,  or weakness.

See physician NOW:  Convulsions,   hallucinations,  memory loss,  trouble breathing or staggering / trembling.