What is the most important information I should know about lorazepam?
Lorazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol.
MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep this medicine where others cannot get to it.
You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using lorazepam suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.
What is lorazepam?
Lorazepam is used in adults and children at least 12 years old to treat anxiety disorders.
Extended-release lorazepam is used in adults to treat anxiety disorders.
Lorazepam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lorazepam?
You should not use lorazepam if you have:
- narrow-angle glaucoma; or
- a history of allergic reaction to any benzodiazepine (lorazepam, alprazolam, diazepam, Valium, Xanax, Versed, Klonopin, and others).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;
- drug or alcohol addiction;
- depression, mental illness or psychosis, mood changes, or suicidal thoughts or actions;
- seizures;
- an allergy to aspirin or yellow food dye; or
- kidney or liver disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you use lorazepam during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of lorazepam on the baby.
You should not breastfeed.
If you do breastfeed, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness, feeding problems, or slow weight gain in the nursing baby.
How should I take lorazepam?
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use lorazepam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.
Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Measure the oral concentrate (liquid) with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Mix the liquid with water, juices, soda or soda-like beverages, or with semi-solid foods such as applesauce or puddings. Swallow this mixture right away.
Swallow the extended-release capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and mix the medicine with applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing.
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.
Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Store the liquid form of lorazepam in the refrigerator. Throw away any liquid not used within 90 days.
Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of lorazepam can be fatal if you also drink alcohol or use other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow breathing.
Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, feeling restless, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, feeling light-headed, slow heartbeats, weak or shallow breathing, or coma.
What should I avoid while taking lorazepam?
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.
What are the possible side effects of lorazepam?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Lorazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.
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;
- seizures, depression, thinking problems, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
- confusion, aggression, hallucinations;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- vision changes; or
- 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 side effects may include:
- dizziness, sedation, drowsiness;
- weakness; or
- feeling unsteady.
You will need frequent blood tests to check your blood counts and liver function.
After you stop using lorazepam, seek medical help right away if you have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions.
Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping this medicine suddenly. Tell your doctor if you have ongoing anxiety, depression, problems with memory or thinking, trouble sleeping, ringing in your ears, a burning or prickly feeling, or a crawling sensation under your skin.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect lorazepam?
Taking lorazepam with other drugs that slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- valproate, probenecid, aminophylline, or theophylline;
- medicine to treat mental illness; or
- medicine that contains an antihistamine (such as sleep medicine, cold or allergy medicine).
This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect lorazepam. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about lorazepam.
