Overview Of Lorazepam

Lorazepam is prescribed to treat anxiety-related conditions and panic disorder, and it is used by anesthesiologists to prevent the patient from remembering a surgical procedure. Patients who need mechanical ventilation may be given lorazepam for sedation, and it can help stop active seizures. Depending on the setting, patients may take lorazepam as an oral tablet or they may receive it as an injection at the hospital. In the treatment of anxiety disorders, patients are typically prescribed two to three milligrams every eight to twelve hours. Individuals who have the medicine as a sedative injection before surgery often receive a dose of 0.05 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, and this is given as an intramuscular injection around two hours before the operation. Alternatively, a dose of 0.044 milligrams per kilogram of body weight can be administered intravenously fifteen to twenty minutes before surgery.

The uses, side effects, precautions, and interactions associated with lorazepam are described below.

Class Of Medication

Lorazepam belongs to a group of medicines known as benzodiazepines, which includes medicines such as alprazolam (Xanax), clobazam, diazepam, midazolam, and clorazepate. First developed in the 1960s, benzodiazepines work by increasing the amount of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This slows the nervous system down and produces a feeling of relaxation and calm. Some benzodiazepines are more effective for particular conditions than others. For example, alprazolam is particularly effective for anxiety, and clonazepam is beneficial for seizures, nerve pain, and panic disorder. All benzodiazepines are regulated as controlled substances due to the risk of dependency, and they are typically prescribed for only two to four weeks to reduce this risk.

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Uses For Lorazepam

Lorazepam is used for a wide variety of mental and physical health conditions. It is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines for patients with anxiety disorders, and it is also widely used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and panic attacks. Some healthcare providers prescribe it as part of a combination of drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia, and it helps ease the symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. Patients with certain types of epilepsy could benefit from lorazepam as well, and it is used to stop active seizures. Lorazepam is an effective sleep aid that can reduce the symptoms of insomnia, and it reduces feelings of aggression in patients with mental health concerns.

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Potential Side Effects

The most commonly reported potential side effects of lorazepam include sedation, drowsiness, and a feeling of relaxation and calm. Patients have also experienced headaches, nausea, blurry vision, changes in appetite, heartburn, and constipation. In certain patients, more serious side effects could occur. For example, patients might notice slurred speech, hallucinations, depression, suicidal thoughts, weakness, and memory problems. These side effects may be accompanied by coordination and walking difficulties, and the patient might display signs of infection such as a fever or a persistent sore throat. Side effects, especially drowsiness and loss of coordination, may be worse in elderly patients and in individuals who have multiple chronic health conditions or who are taking multiple medications.

Rare side effects associated with lorazepam include slow or shallow breathing, seizures, and jaundice. If serious or rare side effects occur, patients should inform their doctor immediately, and emergency medical care should be obtained if the patient has a seizure, jaundice, or breathing difficulties. Patients who have troubling mental health changes such as suicidal thoughts or hallucinations should inform their healthcare team and check if it may be possible to switch to another medicine that does not cause these effects. Any troublesome or persistent side effects should be discussed with the patient's doctors so the effects can be minimized.

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Precautions To Remember

Before lorazepam is prescribed, patients should let their doctor know about any history of kidney disease, liver issues, breathing problems, sleep apnea, and glaucoma. The doctor will also need to know if the patient has a personal history of mental health conditions such as depression or psychosis, and patients should mention any family or personal history of substance use issues involving alcohol or drugs. Lorazepam may not be safe for patients with a history of these conditions, and doctors will carefully weigh the risks and benefits for the patient before deciding to prescribe it. Lorazepam should not be taken during pregnancy as it could harm the unborn baby. Since it passes into breast milk, it should not be used while breastfeeding. Alcohol and marijuana can increase dizziness and drowsiness, and patients should not use these during treatment with lorazepam.

Stopping lorazepam abruptly could cause withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, convulsions, tremors, cramps, sweating, and insomnia. To avoid these effects, patients should speak with their healthcare team about how to safely taper their dose of lorazepam when coming off of the medication. In pediatric and elderly patients, lorazepam may sometimes increase anxiety, agitation, and restlessness instead of producing a feeling of relaxation, and these patient populations should be carefully monitored after starting lorazepam.

Discover the potential medication interactions with lorazepam now.

Medication Interactions

Lorazepam interacts with other benzodiazepines such as alprazolam and clonazepam, as well as with opioids. Due to the risk of medication interactions, lorazepam should not be used with pain relievers or cough medicines containing codeine or hydrocodone, and it should not be used with other medicines that cause sedation. For example, it is not to be taken with some types of antidepressants, antipsychotics, or antihistamines with a sedating effect. Experts advise against using it with muscle relaxants such as carisoprodol and cyclobenzaprine, and it has strong interactions with kava, clozapine, and sodium oxybate (GHB). To avoid complications from potential medication interactions, patients should inform their medical team about all medications they take, including over-the-counter medicines, prescriptions, herbal and natural remedies, vitamins, and supplements. Doctors should check the patient's medication list for potential interactions before prescribing lorazepam, and the pharmacist should also check for interactions before the drug is dispensed.