lorazepam – injection, Ativan

Medication Uses This medication is used to treat serious seizures that do not stop (status epilepticus). It is also used before surgeries or procedures to cause drowsiness, decrease anxiety, and cause forgetfulness about the procedure or surgery. Lorazepam belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines, which produce a calming effect on the brain and nerves (central nervous system). It is thought to work by increasing the effect of a certain natural chemical (GABA) in the brain. OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional. This drug may also be used to cause drowsiness in patients who need a tube and machine to help with breathing (intubated), to prevent nausea and vomiting in patients on chemotherapy, and to treat a mental/mood disorder (delirium).

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein or muscle as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Report any withdrawal reactions immediately. Along with its benefits, this medication may rarely cause abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction). This risk may be increased if you have abused alcohol or drugs in the past. Use this medication exactly as prescribed to lessen the risk of addiction. Do not suddenly stop using this drug without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. 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. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, pain/burning/swelling/redness at the injection site, or unsteadiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes, muscle weakness. Get medical help right away if you have any rare but very serious side effects, including: loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, slow/shallow breathing, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice other effects not listed above.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using lorazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to other benzodiazepines, or if you have any other allergies. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, drug/alcohol abuse, mental/mood disorders, breathing problems, sleep apnea. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. For at least 8 hours after receiving this drug, you should not get out of bed without help. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until the effects of the medication wear off. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. It may have the opposite effect on the elderly, causing symptoms including mental/mood changes. This drug may have an opposite effect on children, causing restlessness, shaking, or mental/mood changes. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Tell the doctor right away if you notice symptoms in your newborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

QUESTION

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: clozapine, haloperidol, kava, loxapine, sodium oxybate. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including certain antihistamines, other medicines for sleep or anxiety, muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers, psychiatric medicines. Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: extreme drowsiness/dizziness, confusion, extreme tiredness, unsteadiness, loss of consciousness. Do not share this medication with others. It is against the law. For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. Store in the refrigerator away from light or as directed by your pharmacist. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call (US) or (Canada).

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.