Before taking lorazepam

Before taking lorazepam make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have any breathing problems.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have ever had a problem with drug or alcohol addiction.
• If you have sleep apnoea syndrome (short periods in your sleep where you stop breathing).
• If you have depression, a personality disorder, psychosis or any other mental health problem.
• If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle-weakening disease) or any other muscle weakness.
• If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take lorazepam

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take lorazepam exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take lorazepam at the same time(s) each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you are taking lorazepam for sleeplessness and you forget to take a dose, do not worry. Just take the next dose when it is due.
• If you are not taking lorazepam for sleeplessness and you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are taking lorazepam. It will increase the drowsiness you feel.
• Lorazepam is usually prescribed for short periods of time only, from a few days up to four weeks. It should not normally be taken for longer periods of time, as this may lead to your feeling dependent on it. If you have already been taking lorazepam for longer periods of time than this, check with your doctor before stopping taking it. It must be stopped gradually as stopping suddenly can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremor and sleeplessness.
• If you buy any medicines while you are taking lorazepam, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take together.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking lorazepam.

Can lorazepam cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store lorazepam

• Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)