Lorazepam

Description

LORAZEPAM is a prescription medicine used to treat symptoms of short-term anxie

ty (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

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

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

Can I take LORAZEPAM during pregnancy?+E2:E9

LORAZEPAM is not recommended for pregnant women since it may harm the foetus, except when essential. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare professional doctor before consuming the medicine.

Breast Feeding

Can I take LORAZEPAM while breastfeeding?

There is evidence that the principal component of LORAZEPAMs might be excreted in the breast milk of lactating mothers. There might be potential adverse reactions like excess drowsiness in the infants from the medication. Please check with your healthcare advisor about the consumption of this medicine breastfeeding. Either discontinue nursing or discontinue the medicine considering the importance of it.

Driving

Can I drive if I have taken an LORAZEPAM?

It is advisable to avoid driving or undertake any activity that requires attention immediately after consuming LORAZEPAMs as it might make you feel dizzy, unsteady, or you may have trouble keeping balance.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with LORAZEPAMs?

Alcohol consumption is not recommended while taking LORAZEPAMs. It is due to the increased risk of side effects, such as difficulty concentrating and dizziness. It is advisable not to perform any activities requiring high mental alertness, like driving a vehicle or operating machinery, if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.

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 r...
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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 ...

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 an...

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Ravindra Ghongade

B. Pharm

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Nikita Toshi

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How much time does it take for LORAZEPAM to start showing effects?

A: This depends on what the medication is used for; if it is used to treat anxiety, it will start showing effect within a few hours, or it might take a week before full benefits are evident. If it is consumed to relieve muscle spasms, the difference can be observed within 15 minutes. The muscles start relaxing after taking LORAZEPAM regularly for a few days.

Q: Is LORAZEPAM a habit-forming medication?

A: People who take LORAZEPAM in higher doses or consume it for a long time might become addicted to the medication. Also, if there is a history of alcoholism and medication abuse, there is a chance of becoming addicted to LORAZEPAM. Therefore, this medication should be taken for the lowest effective dose and the shortest possible time.