Lorazepam

Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine. It is thought that benzodiazepines work by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

Introduction #

Generic name: Lorazepam (oral)

Brand names: Ativan, Lorazepam Intensol, Loreev XR

Dosage forms: oral capsule, extended release (1 mg; 2 mg; 3 mg); oral concentrate (2 mg/mL); oral tablet (0.5 mg; 1 mg; 2 mg)

Drug classes: Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, Benzodiazepines, Miscellaneous antiemetics

Uses #

Treatment of Short term anxiety

Treatment of Anxiety disorder

Benefits #

In Treatment of Short term anxiety

Ativan 1mg Tablet reduces the symptoms of excessive anxiety and worry that may arise in stressful conditions such as an exam or job interview. It can also reduce feelings of restlessness, tiredness, difficulty concentrating and feeling irritable. This will therefore help you go about your daily activities more easily and be more productive. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. Stopping suddenly can cause serious problems.

In Treatment of Anxiety disorder

Ativan 1mg Tablet helps relieve symptoms of many anxiety disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder by increasing the level of a chemical called GABA in your brain. This prevents abnormal symptoms of anxiety such as restlessness, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, feeling irritable and sleep problems. It helps you feel calm with a better ability to deal with problems. Exercise and a healthy diet can also improve your mood. Keep taking the medicine until your doctor advises you to stop.

Directions for use #

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Ativan 1mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How it works? #

Ativan 1mg Tablet is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Side effects #

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• Severe drowsiness

• Unusual changes in mood or behavior, being agitated or talkative

• Sudden restless feeling or excitement

• Thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself

• Confusion, aggression, hallucinations

• Sleep problems

• Vision changes

• Dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

Common lorazepam side effects may include:

• Dizziness, drowsiness

• Weakness

• Feeling unsteady.

Warnings #

• Lorazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing. These effects can be fatal.

• Lorazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medicine should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction.

• Do not stop using lorazepam without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.

• Get medical help right away if you stop using lorazepam and have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts about suicide.

• Do not use lorazepam if you are pregnant. This medicine can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn.

• You should not use this medicine if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, severe respiratory insufficiency, myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to Valium or a similar medicine.