LORAZEPAM
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING LORAZEPAM.
LORAZEPAM - ORAL (lor-AYE-zeh-pam)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Ativan
USES:
Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety.
OTHER USES:
LORAZEPAM may also be used for seizures, alcohol withdrawal,
prevention of nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, tension
headache, and for sleeping trouble (insomnia).
HOW TO USE LORAZEPAM:
Take as directed. The dose and frequency of use will depend on your
condition and response. Long-term or excessive use of LORAZEPAM can
cause dependency.
SIDE EFFECTS:
LORAZEPAM can cause drowsiness, dizziness, lack of coordination,
grogginess, headache, nausea, dry mouth, blurred vision. If these
effects continue or become severe, contact your doctor. Notify your
doctor if you experience any of these effects while using
LORAZEPAM:
confusion, hallucinations, depression, yellowing of the eyes or
skin, slow pulse, chest pain, trouble breathing, fever/chills,
prolonged sore throat, unusual tiredness, unusual bleeding/bruising.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: of:
heart disease, kidney or liver disease, lung disease or trouble
breathing, muscle disorders, glaucoma, depression or psychiatric
conditions, drug dependency, any allergies. Use caution driving or
performing tasks requiring alertness. LORAZEPAM is not recommended
for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using LORAZEPAM.
LORAZEPAM is excreted into breast milk. Caution is advised. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding. Elderly patients may be more
sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use with caution.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription drugs
you take especially:
narcotic pain relievers, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills,
antidepressants, probenecid, seizure medication, barbiturates,
theophylline. It is recommended to limit the use of alcohol while
using this medication as excessive drowsiness can occur. Do not
start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
confusion, slow reflexes, clumsiness, deep sleep, and loss of
consciousness.
NOTES:
Long-term or excessive use of LORAZEPAM may lead to tolerance. Use
this only as directed. This is a potent medication. Do not share
this with others.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered. If it is near the
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual
dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at controlled room temperature away from sun and moisture. Do
not store in the bathroom.
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