Overview Of Lorazepam

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.

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