What is Lorazepam?

Lorazepam (Oral)

Lorazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Lorazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.
Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety disorders.
Lorazepam may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Lorazepam (Injection)

Lorazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Lorazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.
Lorazepam injection is used to treat a seizure emergency called status epilepticus. This medication is also used as a sedative to help you relax before having surgery.
Lorazepam injection may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Lorazepam?

Lorazepam (Oral)

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to lorazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), or oxazepam (Serax).
This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use lorazepam if you are pregnant.
Before taking lorazepam, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Do not drink alcohol while taking lorazepam. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol.
Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by lorazepam.
Lorazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Lorazepam should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
It is dangerous to try and purchase lorazepam on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. Medications distributed from Internet sales may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. Samples of lorazepam purchased on the Internet have been found to contain haloperidol (Haldol), a potent antipsychotic drug with dangerous side effects. For more information, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or visit www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide.

Lorazepam (Injection)

If possible, before you receive lorazepam injection, tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, sleep apnea, or severe breathing problems.
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to lorazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), or oxazepam (Serax).
Lorazepam can cause birth defects in an unborn baby, and generally should not be used during pregnancy. However, status epilepticus is a life-threatening emergency and the benefit of receiving lorazepam to treat it may outweigh any risk to the unborn baby.
Before receiving lorazepam injection, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Do not drink alcohol shortly after receiving lorazepam injection.
Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by lorazepam injection.
In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you receive medication to tell your caregivers about any health conditions you have or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you did receive lorazepam injection.
After treatment with lorazepam injection, you will be watched to make sure the medication does not cause harmful side effects.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lorazepam?

Lorazepam (Oral)

It is dangerous to try and purchase lorazepam on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. Medications distributed from Internet sales may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. Samples of lorazepam purchased on the Internet have been found to contain haloperidol (Haldol), a potent antipsychotic drug with dangerous side effects. For more information, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or visit www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide.
Do not use this medication if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are allergic to lorazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), or oxazepam (Serax).
Before taking lorazepam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• glaucoma
• asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems
• kidney or liver disease
• a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
• a history of drug or alcohol addiction

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category D. Lorazepam can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use lorazepam without your doctor’s consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.
It is not known whether lorazepam passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
The sedative effects of lorazepam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking lorazepam.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 12 years old.

Lorazepam (Injection)

You should not receive lorazepam injection if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, sleep apnea, or severe breathing problems. You also should not receive this medication if you are allergic to lorazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), or oxazepam (Serax).
If possible before you receive lorazepam injection, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• glaucoma
• sleep apnea or severe breathing problem
• asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems
• kidney disease; or
• liver disease

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive lorazepam injection, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category D. Lorazepam can cause birth defects in an unborn baby, and generally should not be used during pregnancy. However, status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition and the benefit of receiving lorazepam to treat it may outweigh any risk to the unborn baby.
It is not known whether lorazepam injection passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are currently breast-feeding a baby.
In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you receive medication to tell your caregivers about any health conditions you have or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you did receive this medication.

Lorazepam Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Lorazepam?

Lorazepam (Oral)

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• confusion, depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself
• hyperactivity, agitation, hostility
• hallucinations; or
• feeling light-headed, fainting

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness
• blurred vision
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination
• amnesia or forgetfulness, trouble concentrating
• nausea, vomiting, constipation
• appetite changes; or
• skin rash

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Lorazepam (Injection)

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• weak or shallow breathing
• seizure (convulsions)
• hyperactivity, agitation, hostility
• hallucinations
• unusual thoughts or behavior; or
• feeling like you might pass out

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness
• headache
• blurred vision
• skin rash
• nausea, vomiting; or
• pain or burning where the medicine was injected

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Lorazepam Interactions

What other drugs affect Lorazepam?

Lorazepam (Oral)

Before taking lorazepam, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton)
• an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate)
• medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), mesoridazine (Serentil), pimozide (Orap), or thioridazine (Mellaril)
• narcotic medications such as butorphanol (Stadol), codeine, hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin), levorphanol (Levo-Dromoran), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph), naloxone (Narcan), oxycodone (OxyContin), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet); or
• antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), amoxapine (Asendin), citalopram (Celexa), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), protriptyline (Vivactil), sertraline (Zoloft), or trimipramine (Surmontil)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with lorazepam. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Lorazepam (Injection)

Before receiving lorazepam injection, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• birth control pills
• probenecid (Benemid)
• valproate (Depakene)
• a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton)
• an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate)
• medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo), haloperidol (Haldol), loxapine (Loxitane), mesoridazine (Serentil), pimozide (Orap), or thioridazine (Mellaril)
• narcotic medications such as butorphanol (Stadol), codeine, hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin), levorphanol (Levo-Dromoran), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph), naloxone (Narcan), oxycodone (OxyContin), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet); or
• antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), amoxapine (Asendin), citalopram (Celexa), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), protriptyline (Vivactil), sertraline (Zoloft), or trimipramine (Surmontil)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with lorazepam injection. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Lorazepam?

Lorazepam (Oral)

Do not drink alcohol while taking lorazepam. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol.
Lorazepam can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by lorazepam. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these other medicines.

Lorazepam (Injection)

Lorazepam injection can cause extreme drowsiness that may last for 24 to 48 hours after you have received the medication. Older adults may feel sleepy for even longer.
Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be awake and alert until the effects of lorazepam have worn off completely.
Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by lorazepam. Tell your doctor if you will need to use any of these other medicines within 48 hours after you receive lorazepam injection.
Do not drink alcohol within the first 1 or 2 days after you receive lorazepam injection. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol.

Lorazepam Dosage

How should I take Lorazepam?

Lorazepam (Oral)

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
Measure the liquid form of lorazepam with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Lorazepam should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medication for longer than 4 months without your doctor’s advice.
Lorazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Lorazepam should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
Contact your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your symptoms.
Do not stop using lorazepam suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Your symptoms may return when you stop using lorazepam after using it over a long period of time. You may also have seizures or withdrawal symptoms when you stop using lorazepam. Withdrawal symptoms may include tremor, sweating, muscle cramps, stomach pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, and seizure (convulsions).
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your doctor may need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store lorazepam at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Store the liquid form of lorazepam in the refrigerator.
Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Benzodiazepines are drugs of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

Lorazepam (Injection)

Lorazepam is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in an emergency or surgical setting.
After treatment with lorazepam injection, you will be watched to make sure the medication is working and does not cause harmful side effects.
Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you in surgery.
Lorazepam can make you very drowsy, dizzy, or light-headed. These effects may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury after you have received lorazepam injection. You may need help getting out of bed for at least the first 8 hours.

What happens if I overdose on Lorazepam?

Lorazepam (Oral)

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of lorazepam can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, fainting, or coma.

Lorazepam (Injection)

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, fainting, or coma.

What happens if I miss a dose of Lorazepam?

Lorazepam (Oral)

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Lorazepam (Injection)

Since lorazepam injection is given as needed by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that you will be on a dosing schedule.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com