Lorazepam

Description

What is lorazepam?

Lorazepam belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It is thought that benzodiazepines work by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

Lorazepam is used in adults and children at least 12 years old to treat anxiety disorders.

Loreev XR extended-release capsules are used to treat anxiety disorders in adults only.

Lorazepam is also used to treat insomnia caused by anxiety or temporary situational stress.

Lorazepam is sometimes used to treat nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety:

Initial dose: 2 to 3 mg orally per day, given 2 to 3 times per day
Maintenance dose: 1 to 2 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day.

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:

2 to 4 mg orally once a day at bedtime

Comments:
-The dosage should be increased gradually when needed to help avoid adverse effects.
-Clinical studies have not evaluated this drug for efficacy in long-term treatment (e.g., greater than 4 months).

Use: Management of insomnia due to anxiety of transient situational stress

Usual Geriatric Dose for Anxiety:

Older or debilitated patients:
-Initial dose: 1 to 2 mg orally per day, given in divided doses.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Anxiety:

12 years or older:
-Initial dose: 2 to 3 mg orally per day, given 2 to 3 times per day
-Maintenance dose: 1 to 2 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day

-The daily dosage may vary from 1 to 10 mg/day.
-The dosage should be increased gradually when needed to help avoid adverse effects.
-When higher dosage is indicated, the evening dose should be increased before the daytime doses.
-Use of anxiolytic agents is typically not needed to treat anxiety/tension associated with the stress of everyday life.
-Clinical studies have not evaluated this drug for efficacy in long-term treatment (e.g., greater than 4 months).

Usual Pediatric Dose for Insomnia:

12 years or older: 2 to 4 mg orally once a day at bedtime

Comments:
-For debilitated patients, an initial dosage of 1 to 2 mg/day in divided doses is recommended.
-The dosage should be increased gradually when needed to help avoid adverse effects.
-Clinical studies have not evaluated this drug for efficacy in long-term treatment (e.g., greater than 4 months).

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of lorazepam can be fatal if you also drink alcohol or use other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow breathing.

Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, feeling restless, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, feeling light-headed, slow heartbeats, weak or shallow breathing, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking lorazepam?

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how lorazepam will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Lorazepam side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to lorazepam: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Lorazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Lorazepam may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe drowsiness;
• unusual changes in mood or behavior, being agitated or talkative;
• sudden restless feeling or excitement;
• seizures, depression, thinking problems, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• confusion, aggression, hallucinations;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• vision changes; or
• dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

Common lorazepam side effects may include:

• dizziness, sedation, drowsiness;
• weakness; or
• feeling unsteady.

You will need frequent blood tests to check your blood counts and liver function.

After you stop using lorazepam, seek medical help right away if you have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions.

Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping this medicine suddenly. Tell your doctor if you have ongoing anxiety, depression, problems with memory or thinking, trouble sleeping, ringing in your ears, a burning or prickly feeling, or a crawling sensation under your skin