• Uses

Lorazepam is used for the management of anxiety disorders, the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depression. The effectiveness of lorazepam and other benzodiazepines has not been adequately studied for treatment beyond 4 months. Lorazepam is effective for insomnia, panic attacks, and is used in combination with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy. Lorazepam also is administered before anesthesia and used for prevention and treatment of alcohol withdrawal.

• Directions

Take lorazepam tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If lorazepam upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

• Side Effects

This drug can cause drowsiness, dizziness, lack of coordination, grogginess, headache, nausea, dry mouth, blurred vision. If these effects continue or become severe, contact your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience any of these effects while using this drug: confusion, hallucinations, depression, yellowing of the eyes or skin, slow pulse, trouble breathing, fever/chills, prolonged sore throat, unusual tiredness, unusual bleeding or bruising. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

• Precautions

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your body may become dependent on lorazepam, ask your prescriber or health care professional if you still need to take it. However, if you have been taking lorazepam regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get severe side effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice before increasing or decreasing the dose. Even after you stop taking lorazepam it can still affect your body for several days.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how lorazepam affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking lorazepam.

• Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription drugs you take especially: narcotic pain relievers, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antidepressants, probenecid, seizure medication, barbiturates, theophylline. It is recommended to limit the use of alcohol while using this medication as excessive drowsiness can occur. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

• Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, fainting, or prolonged erection. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others, since they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug. Use of this drug does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis)

• Missed dosage

Not applicable

• Storage

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature, approximately 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.