Lorazepam
About
Lorazepam belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines primarily used to treat epilepsy (status epilepticus) and anxiety disorder. Lorazepam may be prescribed as short-term therapy for sleeping difficulties due to anxiety. It may also be used as a sedative prior to surgery. An anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by feelings of excessive fear or worry that affect an individual's daily activities. Epilepsy is a chronic disorder characterised by episodes of seizures (fits).
Lorazepam contains lorazepam, which works by increasing levels of the calming chemical mediator known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, this helps relieve anxiety, stops seizures attacks (fits) and relaxes the tense muscles.
Take Lorazepam exactly as prescribed. The common side-effects of Lorazepam are sleepiness, tiredness, muscle weakness and problems with co-ordination. Most of these side effects of Lorazepam do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not take Lorazepam if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have lung disease, muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), sleeping disorder, severe liver disease, problems with alcohol or other recreational drugs. Lorazepam is a habit-forming drug, and hence there is a risk of dependence on this medicine. Before stopping this medicine, contact a doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, increased heart rate, tremors or general unwell feeling.
Uses of Lorazepam
Medicinal Benefits
Lorazepam belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepine primarily used to treat epilepsy (fits) and anxiety disorder. Lorazepam contains lorazepam, which works by increasing levels of the chemical mediator that calms brain cells (neurons), known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), this helps relieve anxiety, stops seizures attacks (fits) and relaxes tense muscles. Additionally, Lorazepam may be prescribed as short-term therapy for sleeping difficulties due to anxiety. It may also be used as a sedative prior to surgery.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lorazepam
- Sleepiness
- Tiredness
- Muscle weakness
- Problems with co-ordination
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you have had severe breathing problems, are allergic to lorazepam or other related benzodiazepines, have muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), serious liver problems, breathing problems, or glaucoma (high blood pressure in eyes), are breastfeeding, pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Avoid using Lorazepam with opioid medicines as it can cause severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, and death. Lorazepam should be taken with extreme caution in patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. If you feel suicidal thoughts, difficulty in concentration, sleep disturbances, dizziness, or sleepiness, let your doctor know about this.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Lorazepam may interact with antianxiety or antiepileptic medicines (carbamazepine, fluvoxamine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), anti-HIV drugs (amprenavir, ritonavir), acidity medicine (cimetidine), medicines used to treat chronic alcoholism (disulfiram), anti TB drug (rifampicin), anti-Parkinson’s drug (levodopa), asthma drugs (theophylline), and antidepressants.
Drug-Food Interactions: Grapefruit, grapefruit juice and caffeine-containing food or drinks should be avoided as they can affect the working of Lorazepam.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have acute alcohol intoxication, closed-angle glaucoma, drug dependence, renal/liver disease, respiratory depression, seizures, prolonged hypotension, prematurity, depression, obesity, paradoxical reactions and upper gastrointestinal disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid taking Lorazepam with alcohol as it can increase the side effects of this medicine like dizziness, drowsiness and difficulty in concentrating.
Pregnancy
unsafeLorazepam is considered unsafe for pregnant women. Lorazepam may cause harmful effects on the baby (foetus), so your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing it.
Breast Feeding
unsafeLorazepam passes into the breast milk and may harm the baby. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Lorazepam.
Driving
unsafeLorazepam may cause sleepiness, dizziness, and drowsiness. So, it is not recommended to drive or operate machinery after taking Lorazepam.
Liver
cautionLorazepam to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionLorazepam to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disease. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeThe safety and effectiveness of Lorazepam in children have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do regular exercise, this can help lower anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving your sleep and self-image.
- You can increase your mindfulness by including yoga, meditation, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction.
- Drink enough water to stay hydrated.
- Include a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
- Herbs like turmeric, ginger and chamomile contain anti-inflammatory properties. They can reduce inflammation caused due to anxiety disorder.
- Reduce your alcohol, caffeine, added sugar, high salt and high fat intake.
- Try to spend time with your friends and family. Having a strong social network may help lower the risk of anxiety.
Special Advise
- Abrupt stoppage of Lorazepam can lead to significant withdrawal symptoms. Always discuss this with your doctor before completely stopping its usage.
- To avoid getting addicted to Lorazepam, take it only in prescribed quantities and only as directed by your doctor. Do not self-medicate.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anxiety Disorder: An anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by feelings of excessive fear or worry that affect an individual's daily activities. Anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of anxiety and nervousness, involving excessive anxiety, fear or worry. Anxiety disorders can affect an individual’s job performance, work and personal relationships.
Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a chronic disorder characterised by seizures (fits) episodes. In this condition, there is a chemical change in the brain cells (neurons) that leads to a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain, followed by sudden jerky movements of limbs or a part of the body.
FAQs
Lorazepam works by increasing levels of the chemical mediator which calms brain cells (neurons), known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), thus helps relieve anxiety.
Elderly patients are more likely to have confusion and sleepiness or age-related health issues, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Lorazepam is a habit-forming drug. It is not likely to be addictive if you take it for 2-4 weeks. Lorazepam may be habit-forming if you previously had problems with drugs or alcohol. Therefore, notify your doctor if you had problems with recreational drugs or alcohol.
Do not stop taking Lorazepam until instructed by your doctor. Stopping Lorazepam suddenly may cause side effects like confusion, depression, nervousness, sweating and diarrhoea.
If you have taken a double dose or overdosed on Lorazepam, you need immediate medical help. Call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital or clinic.
