Lorazepam Side Effects
Serious Side Effects of Lorazepam
- depression or thoughts of suicide
- hallucinating
- passing out or feeling dizzy
- feeling irritated or hyper
- allergic reaction: hives, red or itchy skin, inflammation of the mouth, throat, tongue and face, and difficulty breathing
Common Side Effects of Lorazepam
- short-term memory loss
- drowsiness
- inability to have sex, lack of desire to have sex
- blurred vision
- difficulty sleeping
- diarrhea
- upset stomach or vomiting
- skin rash
- weakness of the muscles
If you are over the age of 60, you may be more sensitive to side effects caused by Lorazepam.
Contact your healthcare provider if any of these symptoms increase or do not go away.
Side Effects of a Withdrawal from Lorazepam
Patients taking this medication can develop
Lorazepam dependancy. If you end your dose cycle of Lorazepam and suffer from any of the following symptoms you may be suffering from withdrawal and should contact your doctor:
- increased nervousness
- short term memory loss
- panic attacks
- confusion
- seizure
- trouble sleeping
- sweating
- trembling
- upset stomach, nausea or cramping
Warnings & Recalls for Lorazepam
Lorazepam may cause extreme fatigue or trouble breathing in certain patients and can be
fatal.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Lorazepam. This combination can result in
increased effects of alcohol and
severe drowsiness.
Patients with
depression may become more depressed while taking
Lorazepam. Your doctor may instruct you to take an anti-depressant while using Lorazepam.
Before taking Lorazepam, let your doctor know if you:
- are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding
- are taking any other medications
- have glaucoma
- have depression
- have a history of alcohol or drug abuse
- have kidney or liver disease or failure
- are allergic to anything
Lorazepam Addiction and Abuse
Lorazepam is a controlled substance due to its risk for abuse. If you have an alcohol or drug abuse problem, it is recommended that you do not take Lorazepam.
Warning: Lorazepam may be addictive and you may become dependent on it. Signs of addiction include changing from prescribed doses to "as-needed" doses, using more than prescribed or feeling like you need to use Lorazepam. To learn more about signs of a withdrawal, see "Side Effects" tab.
Is Lorazepam Safe to use During Pregnancy?
Lorazepam is an
FDA pregnancy Category D medication.
Do not takt Lorazepam if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it can harm the fetus or nursing baby. Women who take Lorazepam during the last phase of pregnancy increase the risk of the newborn suffering from the following conditions:
- a withdrawal
- trouble feeding
- respiratory problems
- apnea
- irregularly slow motor or cognitive abilities
- abnormally weak muscles (hypotonia)
- hypothermia
- cleft palate
Lorazepam is
contraindicated during
pregnancy.
According to
Biovail Pharmaceuticals, Lorazepam
should not be taken while
breastfeeding or
pregnant.
Lorazepam Treatment and Use
Lorazepam | Ativan is a generic benzodiazepine medication manufactured by Biovail Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Lorazepam may be prescribed for providing short-term relief for anxiety related to depression. Lorazepam can benefit patients by:
- decreasing nervousness or apprehension
- inducing sleep
- causing muscles to relax (causing less tension)
- preventing seizures
Off-label uses of Lorazepam include treating restless legs syndrome, insomnia, muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy (CP), or symptoms of a withdrawal from alcohol.
Lorazepam is not approved for “everyday” anxiousness.
How does Lorazepam Work?
Lorazepam is thought to work by stimulating the chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to work in the nervous system. GABA receptors react by slowing or blocking signals and calming nerves in the brain.
Lorazepam Dosage Information
Lorazepam is available in tablet, oral suspension (liquid) and injection forms. Take Lorazepam only as directed by your doctor. Read all instructions before using and follow directions to ensure effectiveness of Lorazepam. Lorazepam may be addictive; do not change your doses of Lorazepam unless instructed to do so. See “Side Effects” tab for information about withdrawals.
Lorazepam has not been approved for use in children under the age of 12. Patients younger than 12 years old should consult doctor before use.
Other Names for Lorazepam
Brand name:
Generic name:
Lawsuits & Legal Information for Lorazepam
