Lorazepam – what it is, what it is for and side effects!

Lorazepam  belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, it affects chemicals in the brain in people with anxiety . Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety disorders . Lorazepam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. You should not take Lorazepam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma or myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to Valium or a similar medicine.

Do not use Lorazepam if you are pregnant. This medication can cause life-threatening birth defects or withdrawal symptoms in newborns. In addition, Lorazepam can be addictive and should only be used by the person for whom it was prescribed. Misuse of addictive drugs can cause addiction, overdose, or death.

Lorazepam should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Also, keep medication in a safe place where others cannot get to it. Do not drink alcohol while taking Lorazepam . This medicine may increase the effects of alcohol.

How to take Lorazepam:

Take Lorazepam exactly as it has been prescribed for you. Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Also, never use this medication in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working to treat your symptoms as well.

Lorazepam can be addictive. Never share this medication with anyone else, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Misuse of addictive drugs can cause addiction, overdose, or death.

Selling or donating this medicine is against the law. Measure the liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special measuring spoon or medicine cup. Also, if you don’t have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist.

Lorazepam Dosage:

Check below the recommended dosage of Lorazepam :

Usual Adult Dose of Lorazepam for Anxiety:

Pills:

• Starting dose: 2 to 3 mg orally per day given 2 to 3 times per day
• Maintenance dose: 1 to 2 mg orally 2 to 3 times daily

Parenteral:

• IV: 2 mg total or 0.044 mg/kg, whichever is less

The daily dosage can range from 1 to 10 mg per day. Also, the dosage should be increased gradually as needed to help avoid adverse effects. When a higher dose is indicated, the evening dose should be increased before daytime doses.

Use: Management of anxiety disorders  or for the short-term relief of anxiety  or anxiety  symptoms associated with depressive symptoms.

Usual adult dose for light anesthesia:

• IM: 0.05 mg/kg up to a maximum of 4 mg
• IV: 2 mg total, or 0.044 mg/kg, whichever is less

Doses of other injectable central nervous system depressant drugs should be reduced. For optimal effect, the intramuscular drug should be administered at least 2 hours before the intended surgical procedure. Narcotic analgesics should be administered at the usual preoperative time.

• IV: This dose should not normally be exceeded in patients over 50 years of age.
• IV: Higher doses up to 0.05 mg/kg up to a total of 4 mg can be administered. In addition, for optimal effect, the intravenous drug should be administered 15 to 20 minutes before the intended surgical procedure.

Use: Preanesthetic medication for adult patients, producing sedation (drowsiness or drowsiness), anxiety relief  and decreased ability to recall events related to the day of surgery

Adult usual dose score for Status Epilepticus:

• 0.1 mg/kg IV to 4 mg per dose; can repeat in 5 to 10 minutes
• Maximum dose: 8 mg

Vital signs must be monitored, a clear airway must be maintained, and artificial ventilation equipment must be available. When an intravenous port is not available, the IM route may be helpful.

Uso: Tratamento I give status epilepticus.

Usual adult dose for insomnia:

• 2 to 4 mg taken orally at bedtime.

Dosage should be increased gradually as needed to help avoid adverse effects.

Usage: Insomnia management.

Usual Geriatric Dose for Anxiety:

Elderly or debilitated patients:

• 1 to 2 mg orally per day in divided doses

The dose should be increased gradually as needed to help avoid adverse effects.

What Happens if I Miss a Dose of Lorazepam?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What Happens If You Overdose Lorazepam?

Seek emergency medical attention. An overdose of lorazepam can be fatal. Symptoms of overdose may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, feeling dizzy and faint.

What to Avoid While Taking Lorazepam?

Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects can occur. Lorazepam may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you. Severe dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents.

Lorazepam side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Lorazepam : hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Severe drowsiness;
• Also, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior;
• Also, confusion, aggression, hallucinations;
• Aggravated sound problems;
• Also, sudden feeling of restlessness or excitement;
• Muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing;
• Also, vision changes;
• Upper stomach pain;
• Also, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Precautions Before Taking This Medicine:

It is dangerous to buy Lorazepam on the Internet or from suppliers outside the United States. Medications distributed through Internet sales may contain dangerous ingredients or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy.

To make sure Lorazepam is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• Also, seizures or epilepsy ;
• Kidney or liver disease (especially alcoholic liver disease);
• Also, asthma or other respiratory disorder ;
• Open-angle glaucoma;
• Also, a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior;
• A history of drug or alcohol addiction;
• Also, if you use a narcotic (opioid) medication.

What Other Drugs Will Affect?

Taking this medicine with other medicines that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Also, ask your doctor before taking Lorazepam with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription cough medicine , a muscle relaxant, or medicine for anxiety ,  depression , or  seizures .

Tell your doctor about all your current medications and any you start or stop using, especially:

• Any other medications to treat anxiety ;
• In addition, probenecid;
• Aminophylline or theophylline;
• Also, an antidepressant or medication to treat mental illness;
• A barbiturate such as phenobarbital;
• In addition, narcotic pain medicine;
• Seizure medication;
• Also, medicine that contains an antihistamine (such as sleeping pill, cold or allergy medicine).