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| Pronunciation |
|
 (lor
A ze
pam) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Ativan® |
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| Foreign Brand
Names |
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| Apo-Lorazepam® (Canada);
Novo-Lorazepam® (Canada); Nu-Loraz (Canada); PMS-Lorazepam (Canada);
Pro-Lorazepam®
(Canada) |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Benzodiazepine |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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|
- If you have an allergy to lorazepam or any other part of the medicine.
If you are allergic to another benzodiazepine, talk with healthcare provider.
- If you have narrow-angle glaucoma or severe lung disease.
- If you are pregnant or
breast-feeding.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used in the treatment of anxiety and panic attacks.
- It is also used to treat or prevent alcohol withdrawal and
insomnia.
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|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Lorazepam works in the brain at the emotional center called the limbic
system.
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| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
- A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those
who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before
and after medicine is given. Mix solution with water, juice, or soft food first
before taking by mouth. Mix with water for tube feedings.
- Do not suddenly stop using this medicine if you have been taking it
for a long time. Medicine should be slowly
decreased.
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|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Since medicine is frequently taken on an as needed basis, separate
dose by at least 8-12 hours.
|
|
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines, especially with certain antibiotics.
- This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
- If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects. You could feel
sleepy and shaky.
- You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities
until you see how this medicine affects you.
- Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines
and herbs that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives,
tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare
provider.
- Tell healthcare provider if you have lung disease. You may be more
sensitive to this medicine.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control
that you can trust while taking this medicine.
- Do not use if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Feeling sleepy, lightheaded, or unable to think clearly. Avoid
driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you
see how this medicine affects you.
- Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may
help.
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| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Watch for change in symptoms. Is condition better, worse, or about the
same?
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Changes in balance, feeling shaky or unsteady.
- Too tired or sleepy.
- Any rash.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
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- Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
|
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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