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What is the most importantinformation I should know about lorazepam? * Tolerance and dependence can develop with the use ofAtivan. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using itabruptly. Only your doctor should advise you to discontinue or changeyour dose.
What is lorazepam? * Lorazepam is in a class of drugs calledbenzodiazepines. Lorazepam affects chemicals in the brain that maybecome unbalanced and cause anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.
* Lorazepam is used to relieve anxiety,nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders. It is alsoused to treat certain types of seizure disorders and to relieveinsomnia (induce sleep).
* Lorazepam may also be used for purposes otherthan those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with myhealthcare provider before taking lorazepam? * Do not take lorazepam if you have narrow-angleglaucoma. Lorazepam may worsen this condition.
* Before taking lorazepam, tell your doctor if you
- have kidneydisease
- have liverdisease
- have asthma,bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease or
- are depressed orhave suicidal thoughts.
* You may not be able to take lorazepam, or you mayrequire a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment ifyou have any of the conditions listed above.
* Lorazepam is in the FDA pregnancy category D.This means that lorazepam is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Donot take this medication without first talking to your doctor if youare pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
* Lorazepam passes into breast milk. Do not takelorazepam without first talking to your doctor if you arebreast-feeding a baby.
* If you are over 65 years of age, you may be morelikely to experience side effects from lorazepam. Your doctor mayprescribe a lower dose of this medication.
How should I take lorazepam?
* Lorazepam comes as a tablet and concentrate (liquid) totake by mouth. It usually is taken two or three times a day and may betaken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescriptionlabel carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any partyou do not understand. Take lorazepam exactly as directed.
* Lorazepam concentrate (liquid) comes with a speciallymarked dropper for measuring the dose. Ask your pharmacist to show youhow to use the dropper. Dilute the concentrate in 1 ounce or more ofwater, juice, or carbonated beverages just before taking it. It alsomay be mixed with applesauce or pudding just before taking the dose.
* Lorazepam can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose,take it more often, or for a longer time than your doctor tells you to.Tolerance may develop with long-term or excessive use, making the drugless effective. Do not take lorazepam for more than 4 months or stoptaking this medication without talking to your doctor. Stopping thedrug suddenly can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms(anxiousness, sleeplessness, and irritability). Your doctor probablywill decrease your dose gradually.
What happens if I miss a dose? * Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose youmissed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take adouble dose of this medication. A double dose could be dangerous.
What happens if I overdose? * Seek emergency medical attention if an overdoseis suspected.
* Symptoms of a lorazepam overdose includesleepiness, dizziness, confusion, a slow heart beat, difficultybreathing, difficulty walking and talking, an appearance of beingdrunk, and unconsciousness.
What should I avoid whiletaking lorazepam? * Use caution when driving, operating machinery, orperforming other hazardous activities. Lorazepam will cause drowsinessand may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness,avoid these activities.
* Avoid alcohol while taking lorazepam. Alcohol mayincrease drowsiness and dizziness caused by lorazepam. Alcohol may alsoincrease the risk of a seizure if lorazepam is being taken for aseizure condition.
* Lorazepam may increase the effects of other drugsthat cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol,antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers,anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell yourdoctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take anymedicine without first talking to your doctor.
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