How should I take lorazepam?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from
this medication.
Measure the liquid form of lorazepam with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a
regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Lorazepam should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medication for
longer than 4 months without your doctor's advice.
Lorazepam may be habit-forming and
should be used only by the person it
was prescribed for. Lorazepam should never be shared with another person, especially
someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place
where others cannot get to it.
Contact your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your
symptoms.
Do not stop using lorazepam suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may
need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Your symptoms may return when you stop using lorazepam after using it over a long
period of time. You may also have seizures or withdrawal symptoms when you stop using
lorazepam. Withdrawal symptoms may include tremor, sweating, muscle cramps, stomach pain,
vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, and seizure (convulsions).
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your doctor may need to check
your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store lorazepam at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine.
Benzodiazepines are drugs of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is
using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do
not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine. An overdose of lorazepam can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness,
fainting, or coma.
What should I avoid while taking lorazepam?
Do not drink alcohol while taking lorazepam. This medication can increase the
effects of alcohol.
Lorazepam can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and
medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by lorazepam. Tell
your doctor if you regularly use any of these other medicines.
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