Generic Ativan, lorazepam is used to relieve anxiety.
Lorazepam also is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, epilepsy, insomnia, and nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal.
Lorazepam comes as a tablet and concentrate (liquid) to take by mouth. It usually is taken two or three times a day and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take
Lorazepam exactly as directed.
Lorazepam can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer time than your doctor tells you to. Tolerance may develop with long-term or excessive use, making the drug less effective. Do not take
Lorazepam for more than 4 months or stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. Stopping the drug suddenly can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms (anxiousness, sleeplessness, and irritability). Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually.
Side effects from
Lorazepam are common and include: Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, weakness, dry mouth, diarrhea, upset stomach, changes in appetite. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: restlessness or excitement, constipation, difficulty urinating, frequent urination, blurred vision, changes in sex drive or ability. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: shuffling walk, persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still, fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe skin rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, irregular heartbeat.
Before taking
Lorazepam, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to
Lorazepam,
alprazolam (
Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax),
clonazepam (
Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene),
diazepam (
Valium), estazolam (ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane), oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), or any other drugs.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antihistamines; digoxin (Lanoxin); levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet); medications for depression, seizures, pain, Parkinson's disease, asthma, colds, or allergies; muscle relaxants; oral contraceptives; probenecid (Benemid); rifampin (Rifadin); sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline (Theo-Dur); tranquilizers; valproic acid (Depakene); and vitamins. These medications may add to the drowsiness caused by
Lorazepam.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; seizures; or lung, heart, or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking
Lorazepam, call your doctor immediately. If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking
Lorazepam.
Lorazepam may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you. Alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by
Lorazepam.