• Basic Info
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

LORAZEPAM (lor A ze pam) is a benzodiazepine. It is used to treat anxiety.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• alcohol or drug abuse problem
• bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health condition
• glaucoma
• kidney or liver disease
• lung disease or breathing difficulties
• myasthenia gravis
• Parkinson's disease
• seizures or a history of seizures
• suicidal thoughts
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lorazepam, other benzodiazepines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures, like phenobarbital
• clozapine
• medicines for depression, mental problems or psychiatric disturbances
• medicines for sleep
• phenytoin
• probenecid
• theophylline
• valproic acid

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your body may become dependent on this medicine, ask your doctor or health care professional if you still need to take it. However, if you have been taking this medicine regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get severe side effects. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice before increasing or decreasing the dose. Even after you stop taking this medicine it can still affect your body for several days.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• changes in vision
• confusion
• depression
• mood changes, excitability or aggressive behavior
• movement difficulty, staggering or jerky movements
• muscle cramps
• restlessness
• weakness or tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation or diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping, nightmares
• dizziness, drowsiness
• headache
• nausea, vomiting

Last Updated: June 19, 2009