|
Lorazepam
Brand
Name: Lorazepam
Most
Common Medical Uses
Lorazepam
affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause
anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Lorazepam is most commonly used
to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety
disorders. It is also used to treat certain types of seizure disorders
and to relieve insomnia (induce sleep). Lorazepam may also be used
for purposes other than those listed in here.
How
to Take This Medication
Take
lorazepam exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with
a full glass of water. Do not take more than is prescribed for you.
Lorazepam is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically
dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed
amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your
doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if lorazepam is stopped suddenly
after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend
a gradual reduction in dose.
Possible
Side Effects
Stop
taking lorazepam and seek emergency 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 to take 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.
Precautions
Do
not take lorazepam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Lorazepam
may worsen 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.
Drug
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 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
Take
the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost
time for the next dose, 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.
Storage
Store
at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Use
caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Lorazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness.
Avoid alcohol while taking lorazepam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness
and dizziness caused by lorazepam. Alcohol may also increase the
risk of having a seizure if lorazepam is being taken for a seizure
condition. Lorazepam is habit forming. You can become physically
and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more
than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than
is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if lorazepam
is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your
doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.
|
