Ativan (Lorazepam)

Name of generic: lorazepam
Drug class: Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, Benzodiazepines, Miscellaneous antiemetics

Oral route(Capsule Extended Release; Tablet)

Risks From Concomitant Use With Opioids; Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction; and Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions: Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. It is recommended to avoid prescribing the drugs for patients whose treatment options are not sufficient. Limit duration and dosages to the minimum amount required. Monitor patients for any signs or symptoms of respiratory depression as well as sedation. The usage of benzodiazepines which include lorazepam, for instance, exposes users to the dangers of misuse, abuse, and addiction that could result in overdose or even death. Use and misuse of benzodiazepines usually involve usage of other drugs, alcohol, or illicit substances, and are linked to a higher risk of adverse events that are serious. Before prescribing lorazepam, and throughout treatment, you must assess the potential for misuse, abuse, and addiction. The continuous use of benzodiazepines such as lorazepam could lead to serious physical dependence. The dangers of withdrawal and dependence increase when treatment is prolonged and greater doses daily. Rapid or abrupt discontinuation or reduction after prolonged usage can trigger acute withdrawal reactions, which could be life-threatening. To minimize the risk of withdrawal reactions, employ gradual taper to stop taking the lorazepam medication or decrease the dosage.

Brand names

In the U.S.

Ativan
Lorazepam Intensol
Loreev XR

Available Dosage Forms:

Tablet
Solution
Capsule, Extended Release

Therapeutic Class: Antianxiety

Pharmacologic Class: Benzodiazepine, Short or Intermediate Acting

Uses for Ativan

Ativan helps treat disorders of anxiety. It also provides temporary relief from the symptoms of anxiety or stress that are caused by depression. Lorazepam is one of the benzodiazepines, which is a brain stimulant that helps alleviate the symptoms associated with anxiety. The benzodiazepines constitute central nervous system (CNS) depressants medications that reduce the activity of the nervous system.

This medication is only available upon prescription by your doctor.

Before taking Ativan

When deciding whether to take a medication, the potential risks of using the medication must be considered against the benefits it can do. This is a decision that you and your physician will take. To determine the appropriate medicine it is important to take the following into assessed:

Allergies

Inform your doctor If you’ve ever experienced an unusual reaction or allergic reaction to this medicine, or any other medication. Be sure to inform your health doctor if you are suffering from other kinds of allergies, like dyes, food or preservatives, or animals. For products that are not prescription-only, you must review the label or the ingredients on the package carefully.

Pediatric

Studies that are appropriate have not been conducted to determine the relationship of age and the effects of Lorazepam tablets, oral liquid in children less than 12 years old, as well as longer-release pills for children. The safety and effectiveness of the product have not been proven.

Geriatric

The studies that have been conducted up to now haven’t revealed the existence of geriatric-specific issues that hinder the effectiveness of lorazepam among the older. However, patients who are elderly tend to suffer undesirable side effects (eg extreme drowsiness, unstable) as well as age-related kidney heart, or liver problems that may need to be treated with caution and adjustments to the dosage.

Breastfeeding

Women’s studies indicate the medication poses a low risk to babies when it is used during breastfeeding.

Interactions between medicines

Certain medicines shouldn’t be taken together In other instances, two medicines can be combined even though interactions could occur. In these situations, the doctor may decide to adjust the dosage or take other precautions if required. If you are taking this medication it is crucial that you inform your healthcare provider that you are currently taking one or more of the medications mentioned below. These interactions have been chosen based on their potential impact and may not be all-inclusive.

The use of this medication together with any of the following medications is not advised. Your doctor might choose not to treat you with this medicine or alter any other medication you are taking.

Flumazenil

Utilizing this medicine in conjunction together with any of the following medications is generally not advised, however it may be necessary for certain situations. If two medicines are prescribed in conjunction the doctor could alter the dosage or frequency you take one or both of the medications.

Alfentanil
Alprazolam
Amobarbital
Anileridine
Benzhydrocodone
Bromazepam
Bromopride
Buprenorphine
Butabarbital
Butalbital
Butorphanol
Calcifediol
Calcium Oxybate
Cannabidiol
Carbinoxamine
Carisoprodol
Cetirizine
Chloral Hydrate
Chlorzoxazone
Clobazam
Codeine
Dantrolene
Dezocine
Diacetylmorphine
Difenoxin
Dihydrocodeine
Diphenoxylate
Doxylamine
Esketamine
Ethchlorvynol
Ethylmorphine
Fentanyl
Flibanserin
Fospropofol
Gabapentin
Gabapentin
Hydrocodone
Hydromorphone
Ketamine
Ketobemidone
Lemborexant
Levocetirizine
Levorphanol
Lofexidine
Loxapine
Magnesium Oxybate
Meclizine
Meperidine
Mephenesin
Mephobarbital
Meprobamate
Meptazinol
Metaxalone
Methadone
Methocarbamol
Methohexital
Metoclopramide
Midazolam
Mirtazapine
Morphine
Morphine Sulfate Liposome
Nalbuphine
Nicomorphine
Opium
Opium Alkaloids
Orlistat
Oxycodone
Oxymorphone
Papaveretum
Paregoric
Pentazocine
Pentobarbital
Periciazine
Phenobarbital
Piritramide
Potassium Oxybate
Pregabalin
Primidone
Propofol
Remifentanil
Remimazolam
Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b-njft
Scopolamine
Secobarbital
Sodium Oxybate
Sufentanil
Tapentadol
Thiopental
Tilidine
Tramadol
Trazodone
Zolpidem

Utilizing this medicine in conjunction in conjunction with one of the following medications could result in an increased risk of some adverse effects, however taking both medications could be the best option for you. If you are prescribed both medications in combination, your physician could alter the dose or frequency at which you take either or both medications.

Desogestrel
Dienogest
Drospirenone
Estradiol
Ethinyl Estradiol
Ethynodiol
Gestodene
Levonorgestrel
Mestranol
Nomegestrol
Norethindrone
Norgestimate
Norgestrel
Posaconazole
Probenecid
Pyrimethamine
Rifapentine
St John’s Wort
Theophylline
Valproic Acid

Interactions with alcohol/food/tobacco/food

Certain medications shouldn’t be used during or near the time of taking food, or eating specific kinds of food, as interactions can happen. Smoking or drinking alcohol in conjunction together with certain medications can create interactions. The following interactions have been chosen because of their potential impact and are not intended to be comprehensive.

Other medical issues

The presence of medical issues could impact the effectiveness of this medication. Be sure to inform your doctor if there are any other medical conditions including:

Drug or alcohol abuse, dependence, or the history of or
Breathing or lung problems (eg, COPD, respiratory depression sleep apnea, COPD) or
Seizures or a history of using with cautiousness. This medication can make your condition worse.

Depression or
Mental issues (eg, psychosis)–Use is not advised for patients suffering from these disorders.

Glaucoma, acute narrow-angle – Should not be treated in patients suffering from this type of condition.

Kidney disease or
Use with cautiousness. The effects could be amplified due to the slower elimination of the medication out of the body.

Proper use of Ativan (lorazepam)

Use this medicine only according to the directions of your physician. Do not take more than you need and don’t take it for longer periods of time and do not take it for more period of time than the prescription your doctor gave you. If too much medication is consumed for an extended period of period of time, it could develop into a habit (causing physical or mental dependence).

The medicine must be accompanied by a Medication Guide. Follow these directions attentively. Talk to your doctor if have any concerns.

Take and swallow the tablet entire. Do not break, crush or chew it.

Suck this extended release capsule in its entirety. Don’t crush, break or chew on it. If you are unable to swallow the capsule that has extended-release and you are unable to swallow it, open it up and sprinkle the medication onto an applesauce spoon. Mix it well, then take it in, without chewing. Drink water following the swallowing of the mixture. Drink the mixture within two hours after mixing. Do not keep the mix for future use.

Make sure you measure your dosage of oral fluid with the marked medication dropper included in the box. Mix each dose by adding water, juice or soda, applesauce or puddings.

Dosing

The dosage of this medication can differ depending on the patient. Follow the doctor’s instructions or the instructions in the prescription. The information below is only the doses that are typical of this medication. If your dose differs don’t alter it unless your doctor instructs you to change it.

The quantity of medicine you consume is contingent on your strength medication. Additionally, the amount of doses that you are taking each day, the interval between doses, as well as the duration of time that you use the medication are contingent on the medical issue for which you’re taking the medication.

For oral dosage form (oral solution):
- For anxiety:
  - Children and adults older than 12 years old older: 2-6 milligrams (mg) in doses divided daily. Your physician may alter the dosage as required.
  - Adults over the age of 65: Start with between 1 and 2 mg divided into doses every day. Your physician may alter your dosage as necessary.
  - Children under 12 years old–Use and dose should be determined by your doctor.
For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For anxiety:
  - Children and adults aged 12 and older: Initially 2, three milligrams (mg) in doses that are divided daily. Your physician may alter your dosage as required.
  - For older adults, start with between 1 and 2 mg divided into doses daily. Your doctor can alter the dose if necessary and if you are able to tolerate it.
  - Children under 12 years old–Use and dosage should be determined by your doctor.
- For insomnia due to anxiety or transient situations of stress:
  - Adults and children aged 12 years and over–2 up to four milligrams (mg) given as an individual dose prior to time of bed. Your doctor can alter your dosage if needed.
  - Children under 12 years old–Use and dose should be determined by your physician.
For oral dosage forms (extended-release capsules):
- For anxiety:
  - Adults: Take one capsule every day early in the day. The dosage is based on the daily dose total of lorazepam tablets. you consume three times a day in equal doses. Your doctor can alter your dosage as required.
  - Children–Use and dosage must be determined by your physician.

Missed dose

If you have missed the dose of this medication be sure to take it as fast as you can. But, if it’s nearing the time to take your next dose, avoid the missed dose and then go back to your normal dose schedule. Don’t double doses.

Storage

Keep the medication in a sealed bottle at room temperatures, and away from moisture, heat and sunlight. Be sure to keep the medicine from getting frozen.

Keep your items out of reach of children.

Avoid keeping outdated medicines or medications that are no longer required.

Consult your physician to tell you how to dispose of any medicine that you do not take.

Safety precautions when taking Ativan

It is crucial to have your doctor examine your child’s or your own progress during regular visits to check if this medication is working and to allow for adjustments in the dosage. Tests for blood may be required to look for any undesirable side effects.

Utilizing this medication while you are pregnant may cause harm to your baby. Make sure you use a safe method of contraception to stop you from becoming pregnant. If you think that you’ve become pregnant while taking the medication, inform your doctor immediately.

The medicine could cause a habit. If you suspect that the medicine isn’t functioning as it should don’t take more than the dose you are prescribed. Contact your doctor for guidance.

If you experience odd and bizarre thoughts or behaviors during your treatment with lorazepam make sure you discuss it with your physician. Certain changes that have occurred for people who take this medication are similar to those experienced by those who drink alcohol and afterward behave in a manner that isn’t normal. Other changes can be more extreme and unusual including anxiety, depression becoming worse hallucinations (seeing or hearing or experiencing things that aren’t) thoughts of self-destruction, and an unusual level of feelings of nervousness, excitement, or irritation.

This medication can cause drowsiness, difficulty thinking, problems with managing movements or problems in seeing clearly. Make sure you are aware of the reaction you will experience to this medication before you drive, work with machines, or perform any else that may be risky in the event that you aren’t aware of in a position to think or perceive clearly.

The symptoms of an overdose may include blurred vision, changes in consciousness disorientation, confusion or faintness upon waking up from a sitting or lying position, hallucinations, more sweating or loss of consciousness, diminished energy or strength muscles or muscle weakness or shakiness, sleeplessness, unstable walking, an irregular or slow heartbeat sweating, difficulty speaking or speaking, trembling, unsteadiness or other issues that affect coordination or muscle control troubles sleeping, abnormal exuberance, nervousness, agitation or irritability. unusual fatigue and weakness. Contact your physician immediately when you experience these signs.

This medicine can trigger breathing depression (serious breathing problems that could be life-threatening), particularly when combined in conjunction with narcotic pain medications. Consult your physician if you are taking any of the narcotic medicines.

Do not discontinue taking it without talking with your physician prior to doing so. Your doctor may prefer to gradually decrease the dosage you’re using before stopping completely. This could help to prevent worsening of your condition as well as lessen the chance of developing withdrawal-related symptoms like seizures, headaches, hallucinations muscle or stomach cramps, tremors, difficulty sleeping, or any unusual behavior.

This medication will enhance those effects caused by alcohol as well as the other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. CNS depressants are drugs that reduce the activity of the nervous system, which can cause an increase in drowsiness or less alert. A few examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines and medicines for allergies, hay fever colds, sedatives tranquilizers or sleeping pills prescription pain medication or barbiturates, narcotics, or medication to treat seizures. They also include muscle relaxers or anesthetics (numbing medications) and even certain dental anesthetics. The effect can persist for up to a couple of weeks after the medication is stopped. Consult your physician prior to using any of the listed when you’re taking this medication.

The extended release capsule during pregnancy could cause neonatal withdrawal syndrome for your infants. Inform your doctor immediately when your baby exhibits an unusual pattern of sleep or diarrhea, a high-pitched cry, irritation, shakiness or the loss of weight, tremors or vomiting, or does not gain weight.

Don’t take any other medication without discussing them with your physician. This includes prescription and other nonprescription (over-the-counter OTC) medications as well as herbal or vitamin supplements.

Ativan side effects

Alongside its necessary effects, some medicines may result in unwanted negative effects. While not all of these adverse effects can be present, if they do occur, they could require medical attention.

Consult your physician immediately in the event that any of these negative side effects occur:

More commonly

Drowsiness
Relaxed and calm
Sleepiness

The exact cause is not known.

Aggressive, angry
Affliction
attack or assault
Black, tarry stool
bleeding gums
blood in urine or in the stools
bluish lips or skin
blurred vision
change in consciousness
chest tightness
chills
Coma
confusion
Uncertainty about identity, location, and even the passage of time
cough or hoarseness or cough
Dark urine that is dark
lower output of urine
difficulties breathing or difficulty swallowing
difficulties with speaking
Despair
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness after rising abruptly from a sitting or lying in a seated
I’m drooling
dry mouth
excitation
Unusual or false sense of wellbeing
Heartbeats that are irregular or fast
feeling empty or sad
A fever without or with chills
a general feeling of fatigue or weakness
headache
itching, hives or itching, or a rash
hyperventilation
Increased thirst
The breathing is irregular, slow or fast or slow or irregular breathing, or
irritability
Loss of appetite
Control of balance is not maintained
loss of consciousness
Loss of interest or enjoyment
Memory loss
Side or lower back discomfort
muscle pain, cramps, trembling, jerking, or stiffness
nausea or vomiting
The air is not flowing
Urination that is painful or difficult to urinate
pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
Red spots that are specific on the skin
Memory problems
The swelling or puffiness of the eyelids, around the lips, eyes, face, or the tongue
Reddening of the skin especially around the ears.
insanity
experiencing, hearing, or experiencing things that aren’t being experienced, heard, or felt.
seizures
shaking
Walking in a shuffling fashion
sore throat
ulcers, sores, or spots of white on lips or inside the mouth
stiffness in the legs
stomach pain
sweating
inflammation of eyes, or the inside of the nose
swelling of the ankles, face, or hands
swollen glands
the thoughts or efforts to kill self
difficulty in concentrating
difficulty sleep
Body movements that twist and turn
Uncontrolled movements, particularly of the neck, face, and back
unprovoked bleeding or unusual bleeding or
Unpleasant breath smell
unusual bleeding or unusual bleeding or
unusual weakness or fatigue
Vomiting of blood
Skin or eyes with yellow eyes

Seek emergency assistance immediately If any of the following signs of overdose develop:

Signs of an overdose

Patterns and rhythms change of speech
Increased sweating
Energy loss or strength
nightmares
Shaking and unstable walk
Speech slurred
Trouble speaking
shaking, unsteadiness, or other coordination or muscle control
Unusual drowsiness, dullness weakness, fatigue, or sensation of slowness
unexpected excitement, nervousness insanity, or irritation
unusual paleness
Unusually weak sensation

Certain side effects can be experienced which usually don’t require medical care. These side effects can disappear when your body adjusts. Additionally, your doctor might be able to inform you how to prevent or minimize the effects of these adverse effects. Talk to your doctor in the event that any of these adverse effects persist or are troubling or if you have concerns about these: