Lorazepam (
Alzapam, Ativan, Loraz, Lorazepam Intensol )
In Canada ( Apo-Lorazepam, Novo-Lorazepam, Nu-Loraz )
Lorazepam is an
Antianxiety agent ( benzodiazepines, mild tranquilizer ) used for the
relief of anxiety, agitation, irritability, to relieve insomnia, to
calm people with mania / schizophrenia, and intravenously as a sedative and
nervous tension or prior to surgery to relief the anxiety. It has less of an
effect on the liver then other benzodiazepines, making it better suited if you
are taking birth control pills, anti-abuse drugs, propranolol, ulcer
medications, or any other drug that effects the liver. Ativan may also be
used to help in the prevention of severe alcohol withdraw symptoms ( Delirium
Tremens, DTs ), to treat serial seizures in children by placing it
under the tongue, to promote amnesia, or in patients who are undergoing
chemotherapy and have severe vomiting.
|
CLASS:
|
3-Hydroxy
Benzodiazepine. |
|
Generic
name: |
Lorazepam. |
|
Type:
|
Antianxiety,
Sedative / Hypnotic. |
Strengths:
Tables:
0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2mg.
Sublingual Tables:
0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2mg.
Oral Solution:
2 mg per ml.
Injection:
2 mg per ml, 4mg per ml.
Dosages:
Actual dosage must be determined by a physician.
Normal
dosage:
If under 18 years of age:
Safety and effectiveness not established! 1 to 4mg under tongue to treat serial
seizures in children.
18 to 60 years of age:
Sedation and anxiety, 2 to 3mg.
Insomnia, 2 to 4mg taken at bedtime.
Over 60 years of age:
Never over 2mg daily.
Sedation and anxiety, 0.5 to 1mg.
Insomnia, 0.5 to 1mg taken at bedtime.
Oral:
Start: 1 to 2mg daily and in 2 or 3 doses.
Increases: 0.5 mg as needed.
Maintenance: 2 to 6mg in 24 hours and in divided doses.
Maximum: 10 mg in 24 hours.
Problems
with:
Liver Function: Lower dosage, as needed. Do not use if in liver
failure.
Kidney Function: Lower dosage, as needed. Do not use if in kidney
failure.
Test:
Before taking: None.
While taking: None.
Take
With: Empty
stomach and a full glass of water.
Full
Benefits In: In
first week.
Missed
Dose(s): If
within one hour take. If over an hour skip and then continue on your normal
schedule.
Never Take a Double Dose!
If
Stop Taking: Do
not stop without consulting your physician and never abruptly if been taken for
four or more weeks.
Overdose
symptoms include:
Confusion, loss of consciousness, or sleepiness.
Warnings
Narcotics may
increase the sedative effects of this drug. Do not take other sedative, benzodiazepines, or
sleeping pills with this drug. The combinations could be fatal. Do not drink
alcohol when taking benzodiazepine. Alcohol can lower blood pressure and
decrease your breathing rate to the point of unconsciousness.
The
habit-forming potential is high. Do not stop taking this drug abruptly, this
could cause psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms.
Do not take this
drug if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Do not take this
drug if you are breast-feeding.
Do not give this
drug to anyone under twelve and only in small doses if over sixty.
Do
not use If:
If you had negative reactions to other benzodiazepine.
If you have a history of drug dependence.
If you have had a stroke.
If you have multiple sclerosis.
If you have Alzheimer's disease.
If you are seriously depressed.
If you have other brain disorders.
Lorazepam ( Symptoms or Effects )
Common:
Clumsiness, dizziness, sleepiness, unsteadiness, or weakness.
Rare:
Abdominal cramps, blurred vision, confusion, convulsions, disinhibition, dry
mouth, forgetfulness, hallucinations, headache, memory loss, racing
heartbeat / palpitations, shaking / slurred speech, sore breast / milk
secretion, staggering / trembling, trouble breathing, or irregular
menstruation's, urination problems.
See
physician always:
Abdominal cramps, blurred vision, confusion, convulsions, disinhibition, dry
mouth, forgetfulness, hallucinations, headache, memory loss, racing
heartbeat / palpitations, shaking / slurred speech, sore breast / milk
secretion, staggering / trembling, trouble breathing, irregular
menstruation's, or urination problems.
See
physician if severe:
Clumsiness, dizziness, sleepiness, unsteadiness, or weakness.