Lorazepam oral solution
What is lorazepam oral solution?
LORAZEPAM (Ativan Intensol® ) is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines belong to a group of medicines that slow down the central nervous system. Lorazepam relieves anxiety and nervousness. Federal law prohibits the transfer of lorazepam to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic lorazepam oral solution is not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- an alcohol or drug abuse problem
- bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health condition
- glaucoma
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties
- myasthenia gravis
- Parkinson’s disease
- seizures or a history of seizures
- shortness of breath
- snoring
- suicidal thoughts
- an unusual or allergic reaction to lorazepam, other benzodiazepines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take lorazepam oral solution by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use the specially marked dropper supplied with this solution to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. The lorazepam can be mixed with water, soda, applesauce or pudding. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber’s advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose and remember within an hour, take it as soon as you can. If it is more than an hour since you missed a dose, skip that dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with lorazepam?
- alcohol
- barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions), like phenobarbital
- caffeine
- female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
- herbal or dietary supplements such as kava kava, melatonin, or valerian
- levodopa
- medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as alprazolam, diazepam, or triazolam
- medicines for depression, mental problems or psychiatric disturbances
- phenytoin
- prescription pain medicines
- probenecid
- some medicines for colds, hay fever or other allergies
- theophylline
- valproic acid
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking lorazepam?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- confusion
- depression
- double vision or abnormal eye movements
- hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that are not really there)
- lightheadedness or fainting spells
- mood changes, excitability or aggressive behavior
- movement difficulty, staggering or jerky movements
- muscle cramps
- restlessness
- tremors
- weakness or tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- constipation or diarrhea
- difficulty sleeping, nightmares
- dizziness, drowsiness, clumsiness, or unsteadiness; a “hangover” effect
- headache
- loss of memory
- nausea, vomiting
What should I watch for while taking lorazepam?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your body may become dependent on lorazepam, ask your prescriber or health care professional if you still need to take it. However, if you have been taking lorazepam regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get severe side effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice before increasing or decreasing the dose. Even after you stop taking lorazepam it can still affect your body for several days.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how lorazepam affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking lorazepam.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 1/28/2003 3:57:00 PM ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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