Lorazepam

Lorazepam, commonly known by the brand name Ativan, is a potent prescription medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class. It is primarily used for the short-term management of anxiety and related conditions.

Brand Names: Ativan
Generic Name: Lorazepam

This medication is not meant for treatment without a specialist's intervention

Common Uses:
Lorazepamisananti-anxiety medicine, Itis used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tensionassociated withanxiety disorders.

How to Take:

Lorazepam can also be used for other purposes.
The Medication Intake:

1. take exact doze of Lorazepam as you doctor prescribed;
2. take a full glass of water after each dose of Lorazepam;
3. do not take more than prescribed by your doctor. Lorazepam can cause dependence;
4. do not take Lorazepam more or longer than prescribed because it can cause physical and psychological dependence;
5. Lorazepam can cause withdrawal effect if it is stopped suddenly, that is why you doctor can prescribe you a gradual reduction in dose.

Side Effects
Stop taking Lorazepam and seek medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives); sores in the mouth or throat; yellowing of the skin or eyes; a rash; hallucinations or severe confusion; or changes in vision. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Lorazepam and talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness; depression; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome, they may be caused by Lorazepam.

Precautions
Do not take Lorazepam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Lorazepam may make worse this condition. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; have liver disease; have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease; or are depressed or have suicidal thoughts. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.

Lorazepam Interactions
Lorazepam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor. Antacids may decrease the effects of Lorazepam. Separate doses of an antacid and Lorazepam by several hours whenever possible. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Lorazepam. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Missed Dose
If you have missed a dose of Lorazepam, the general rule is to take it as soon as you remember - unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you have missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could be dangerous.

Notes
- use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
- Lorazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness.
- avoid alcohol while taking Lorazepam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by Lorazepam. Alcohol may also increase the risk of having a seizure if Lorazepam is being taken for a seizure condition.

Storage
Store Lorazepam at room temperature away from moisture, heat and light. Remove any cotton from the bottle of disintegrating tablets, and keep the bottle tightly closed.

All the information given above is just a summary. You should visit your doctor to get more information about this medicine. Do not share this medicine with others who it was not prescribed for. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store the medication with an end term of its storage.