What are the Uses of Ativan Lorazepam?

 Uses of Ativan Lorazepam

This drug is prescribed to relieve anxiety. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine, a type of medicine that acts to calm the brain and nerves (central nervous system). This medication works by increasing the effects of a natural substance in the body (GABA).

How to Use Ativan

See also the Warning section.

Read the Medication Guide issued by your pharmacist before beginning lorazepam use and each time you acquire a refill. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or chemist.

Take this medication orally with or without food, as advised by your doctor. The dosage is determined by your medical condition, age, and reaction to treatment.

To get the most out of this drug, use it on a regular basis, as advised by your doctor. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) every day.

Do not abruptly discontinue this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may worsen if this medicine is quickly discontinued. Your dosage may need to be gradually reduced.

When used for an extended period of time, this medicine may lose effectiveness. Consult your doctor if this drug stops working properly.

Although this medicine benefits many people, it can occasionally lead to addiction. This risk may be increased if you have a substance use disorder (such as drug or alcohol abuse or addiction). Take this medication exactly as directed to reduce the risk of addiction. Contact your doctor or chemist for additional information.

Tell your doctor if your issue persists or worsens.

What are the side effects of Ativan Lorazepam?

See also the Warning section.

Drowsiness, dizziness, lack of coordination, headache, nausea, blurred vision, change in sexual interest/ability, constipation, heartburn, or change in appetite are all possible. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor or chemist right away.

Remember that this medication was prescribed because your doctor determined that the benefit to you outweighed the risk of adverse effects. Many people who take this drug do not experience major adverse effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you experience any serious side effects, such as mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations, depression, suicidal thoughts), difficulty speaking, vision changes, unusual weakness, difficulty walking, memory problems, or signs of infection (such as a persistent sore throat or fever).

If you have any of the following significant adverse effects: yellowing of the eyes or skin, seizures, or slow/shallow breathing, get medical attention immediately.

This medicine can rarely provide the reverse of its normal calming effect. Symptoms of the opposite effect may include agitation, impatience, violent behaviour, disorientation, restlessness, excitement, and excessive talking. If you observe any of these problems, contact your doctor straight away.

This medication seldom causes severe allergic reactions. However, if you detect any of the following signs of a major allergic response, get medical attention immediately: rash, itching/swelling (particularly of the face/tongue/throat), extreme dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

This isn't an exhaustive list of potential adverse effects. If you detect any other symptoms that are not listed above, please consult your doctor or chemist.

Warnings

Ativan Lorazepam has a high potential for abuse and addiction, which can result in overdose and death. Taking this medication with alcohol or other drugs that induce sleepiness or breathing issues (particularly opioid prescriptions like codeine and hydrocodone) can result in significant side effects, including death. To reduce your risk, your doctor should prescribe the lowest effective dose of lorazepam for the shortest period of time. Make sure you understand how to take lorazepam and which drugs you should avoid taking with it. See also the Drug Interactions section. If you experience any of the following very dangerous side effects: slow/shallow breathing, unusual lightheadedness, severe drowsiness/dizziness, difficulties waking up, get medical attention immediately.

Stopping this medicine abruptly can induce dangerous (and perhaps fatal) withdrawal symptoms, especially if you've been taking it for a long period or in large doses. To avoid withdrawal, your doctor may gradually lessen your dose. If you have any withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, hallucinations/confusion, depression, nausea, or seizures, notify your doctor or chemist immediately. Withdrawal symptoms can sometimes last weeks or months.

Precautions

Before using lorazepam, notify your doctor or chemist if you are allergic to it, to other benzodiazepines (such as alprazolam, clonazepam, or diazepam), or to any other medications. This product may include inactive chemicals, which might trigger allergic reactions or other issues. Contact your chemist for additional information.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or chemist about your medical history, particularly if you have kidney disease, liver disease, glaucoma, lung/breathing problems (such as sleep apnea), mental/mood disorders (such as depression, psychosis), or a personal or family history of a substance use disorder.

This medication may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can cause you to become dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you can do so safely. Avoid alcoholic drinks. If you are currently smoking marijuana (cannabis), consult your doctor.

Before having surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all of the products you consume.

Older persons may be more susceptible to the drug's negative effects, including loss of coordination and sleepiness. Loss of coordination and tiredness can increase the risk of falling. Furthermore, lorazepam may have the reverse of its usual soothing effect in older persons.

In youngsters, this medicine may have the opposite soothing effect, causing restlessness, shivering, or mental/mood disorders (e.g., agitation, hallucinations).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to get pregnant. You should not become pregnant while taking lorazepam. Lorazepam may harm an unborn child. Newborn babies of women who take this medicine late in pregnancy may exhibit signs such as slow/shallow breathing, incessant crying, shaking, or difficulty eating. If you become pregnant, speak with your doctor immediately about the risks and advantages of this drug.

This medication gets into breast milk. Before you start breast-feeding, consult your doctor.

Interactions of Ativan Lorazepam

See also the Warning section.

Drug interactions can alter the way your prescriptions operate or increase your risk of major adverse effects. This document does not include all potential medication interactions. Make a list of all the goods you use (including prescription/nonprescription medications and herbal supplements) and share it with your doctor and chemist. Do not begin, stop, or modify the dosage of any medication without your doctor's clearance.

Clozapine, kava, and sodium oxybate are some of the products that may interact with this medicine.

If this drug is combined with other medications that can cause drowsiness or breathing issues, the chance of serious side effects (such as slow/shallow breathing and severe drowsiness/dizziness) may rise. Tell your doctor or chemist if you are taking any other medications, including opioid pain relievers (codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), sleep or anxiety medications (alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine).

Check the labels on all of your medications (such as allergy or cough-and-cold remedies), as they may contain drowsiness-causing chemicals. Consult your chemist about how to use those products safely.