Drug
Lorazepam
Pronounced
"lor-AZ-e-pam"
Uses
This form of lorazepam is used to treat anxiety in people who are taking lorazepam in a stable, evenly divided dose (usually 3 times a day). Lorazepam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect. This drug works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA).
Warning
Lorazepam has a risk for abuse and addiction, which can lead to overdose and death. Taking this medication with alcohol or other drugs that can cause drowsiness or breathing problems (especially opioid medications such as codeine, hydrocodone) may cause very serious side effects, including death. To lower your risk, your doctor should have you take the smallest dose of lorazepam that works, and take it for the shortest possible time. Be sure you know how to take lorazepam and what other drugs you should avoid taking with it. See also Drug Interactions section. Get medical help right away if any of these very serious side effects occur: slow/shallow breathing, unusual lightheadedness, severe drowsiness/dizziness, difficulty waking up.
Suddenly stopping this medication may cause serious (possibly fatal) withdrawal, especially if you have used it for a long time or in high doses. To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have any withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, trouble sleeping, restlessness, hallucinations/confusion, depression, nausea, or seizures. Withdrawal symptoms may sometimes last weeks to months.
How to Use This Medication
See also Warning section.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking lorazepam and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment.
If you have trouble swallowing the capsule whole, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on a tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow all of the mixture right away without chewing. After swallowing the mixture, drink some water to make sure you have taken all your dose. The mixture should be used within 2 hours. Do not store it for later use.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Do not suddenly stop using this drug without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your doctor may lower your dose slowly.
When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.