$Unique_ID{BRK03208} $Pretitle{} $Title{lorazepam} $Subject{Ativan Wyeth Benzodiazepine sedative/hypnotic lorazepam anxiety depression depressant central nervous system brain spinal cord nervousness} $Volume{} $Log{ Ativan 0.5 mg*0320801.scf Ativan 1 mg*0320802.scf Ativan 2 mg*0320803.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. lorazepam ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Ativan (Wyeth) lorazepam (various manufacturers) TYPE OF DRUG Benzodiazepine sedative/hypnotic INGREDIENT lorazepam DOSAGE FORM Tablets (0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg) STORAGE This medication should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. USES Lorazepam is prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety and anxiety associated with depression. It is not clear exactly how this medicine works, but it may relieve anxiety by acting as a depressant of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This medication is currently used by many people to relieve nervousness. It is effective for this purpose for short periods, but it is important to try to remove the cause of the anxiety as well. TREATMENT Lorazepam should be taken exactly as your doctor directs. It can be taken with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Do not take this medication with a dose of antacids, since they may slow its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. If you are taking this medication regularly and you miss a dose, take the missed dose immediately if you remember within an hour. If more than an hour has passed, skip the dose you missed and wait for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Bitter taste in the mouth, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness (after a night's sleep), dry mouth, fatigue, flushing, headache, heartburn, excessive salivation, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, sweating, or vomiting. As your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Dry mouth can be relieved by chewing sugarless gum or by sucking on ice chips. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about blurred or double vision, chest pain, depression, difficulty in urinating, fainting, falling, fever, joint pain, hallucinations, memory problems, mouth sores, nightmares, palpitations, rash, shortness of breath, slurred speech, sore throat, uncoordinated movements, unusual excitement, unusual tiredness, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Lorazepam interacts with several other types of medications: 1. To prevent oversedation, this drug should not be taken with alcohol, other sedative drugs, or central nervous system depressants (such as antihistamines, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, pain medicines, narcotics, medicines for seizures, and phenothiazine tranquilizers) or with antidepressants. 2. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of carbamazepine, levodopa, and oral anticoagulants (blood thinners) and may increase the effects of phenytoin. 3. Disulfiram, cimetidine, and isoniazid can increase the blood levels of lorazepam, which can lead to toxic effects. 4. Concurrent use of rifampin may decrease the effectiveness of lorazepam. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to lorazepam or other benzodiazepine tranquilizers (such as alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, diazepam, flurazepam, halazepam, midazolam, oxazepam, prazepam, temazepam, and triazolam). * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had liver disease, kidney disease, epilepsy, lung disease, myasthenia gravis, porphyria, mental depression, or mental illness. * This medicine can cause drowsiness. Avoid tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or using potentially dangerous machinery. * This medication has the potential for abuse and must be used with caution. Tolerance may develop quickly; do not increase the dosage without first consulting your doctor. It is also important not to stop this drug suddenly if you have been taking it in large amounts or if you have used it for several weeks. Your doctor may want to reduce the dosage gradually. * This is a safe drug when used properly. When it is combined with other sedative drugs or alcohol, however, serious side effects can develop. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. This medicine may increase the chance of birth defects if it is taken during the first three months of pregnancy. In addition, too much use of this medicine during the last six months of pregnancy may cause the fetus to become dependent on it, resulting in withdrawal side effects in the newborn. Also, use of this drug during the last weeks of pregnancy may cause drowsiness, slowed heartbeat, and breathing difficulties in the newborn. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. This drug can pass into the breast milk and cause drowsiness, slowed heartbeat, and breathing difficulties in the nursing infant. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.