Lorazepam
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Molecule Description
LORAZEPAM is a prescription medicine used to treat symptoms of short-term anxiety (an emotional state where you may sweat, tremble, feel anxious, and have a fast heartbeat). Lorazepam is used for managing anxiety disorders and short-term relief of anxiety-associated and depressive symptoms. It is also used for sleep disturbances that occur due to anxiety. In some cases, it might be used to induce sedation before surgery or dental procedures. The medicine is beneficial for reducing excessive and abnormal nerve cell activity and calming the brain.
Do not suddenly discontinue taking this medicine since it may cause harmful effects like restlessness and increased heart rate. Inform your healthcare provider of all the medicines you take since they may interact with LORAZEPAM.
Uses
- For treating Short term anxiety
- For treating Anxiety disorder
- Sleep disturbances that occur due to anxiety
- Sedation before surgery or dental procedures
- Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Contraindications
When should one not use Lorazepam
- Hypersensitivity to LORAZEPAM
- Pulmonary impairment
- CNS depression
- Seizure history
- Renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Depression
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Fatigue
- Balance disorder
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Ataxia
- Respiratory depression
- Hypotension
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Breast Feeding
Driving
Alcohol
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have a known history of closed-angle glaucoma, as it may increase the risk of worsening the patient's condition.
- You have impaired kidney function - LORAZEPAM must be used with caution in patients with a history of kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects.
- You have impaired liver function - LORAZEPAM should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from liver diseases due to the increased risk of serious adverse effects, including coma. It is recommended to closely monitor liver function while receiving this medicine.
- You have a known history of respiratory disorders, as it may worsen the patient's condition. Close monitoring of lung function is recommended for such patients.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
LORAZEPAM belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines. It works by increasing the action of the chemical messenger GABA, which suppresses excessive and abnormal activity in nerve cells in the brain. LORAZEPAM acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and increases chloride ion conductance at the neuronal cell membrane. The action helps to calm the patient.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Bacitracin - Bacitracin may decrease the excretion of LORAZEPAM, leading to higher serum levels.
- Metoclopramide - The risk of sedation can be increased when Metoclopramide is combined with LORAZEPAM.
- Codeine- The risk of adverse effects can be increased when Codeine is combined with LORAZEPAM.
- Lisinopril - LORAZEPAM may decrease the excretion rate of Lisinopril, which could result in a higher serum level.
- Acetophenazine - The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when LORAZEPAM is combined with Acetophenazine.
Interactions with food items
- No major known food interactions have been established with this medication.
Dosage
Overdose
There could be adverse overdose symptoms like fatigue, ataxia or respiratory depression of LORAZEPAM. Call the emergency helpline or contact your healthcare provider immediately in case of an overdose.
Missed a Dose
It is advisable to take an LORAZEPAM according to the prescribed schedule. After missing a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. But, if the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not consume double doses to make up for missed doses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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