Lorazepam: Drug Information

Brand Name: Atvian, Temesta

Other names: Almazine, Atipam, Calmese, Larpose, Loripam, Lopez, Trapex, Zepnap

Drug Class: Anxiolytic

Uses of Lorazepam:

Lorazepam is recommended for the treatment of anxiety disorders associated with depression and psychosomatic disorders. It belongs to the class of benzodiazepine anxiolytic drugs and works by augmenting GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) activity in the brain. It also possesses sedative properties and can cause drowsiness to some extent.

Dosage:

Lorazepam should be taken as prescribed by your doctor with or without meals. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly as it may result in worsening your present condition.

Warning and Precautions:

Do not take Lorazepam if you are hypersensitive to benzodiazepines.

This medicine should not be administered to infants.

Lorazepam should not be taken during pregnancy as it may have a harmful impact on the fetus. Thus, you must notify your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this medicine.

Do not breast feed when taking this medicine as it can harm the baby.

This medicine is not recommended for patients suffering from severe liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you have acute narrow angle glaucoma, pulmonary insufficiency, muscle weakness, psychosis, blood disorders, mood disorders or any other illness.

Caution is advised when administering this medicine to children below the age of 6 yrs.

Close drug monitoring is required when giving this medicine to the elderly as it may cause drowsiness, confusion, tremors and fatigue.

Do not consume alcohol when taking Lorazepam.

Do not drive or operate any hazardous machinery after taking this medicine.

Drug interactions of Lorazepam:

Lorazepam can augment central nervous system (CNS) depression if taken with alcohol, general anesthetics, narcotic analgesics, tricyclic antidepressants and mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Side effects of Lorazepam:

Some of the most common side effects of the medication include drowsiness, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, confusion, ataxia (overdose), vomiting, sleep disturbances, anxiety, constipation, dry mouth and diarrhea.

Overdose:

In case of an overdose of the medication, you must report to your doctor at the earliest or contact your local poison control center.