Lorazepam

About lorazepam

Lorazepam works by acting on receptors in the brain that are involved in the transmission of messages to produce calmness and relaxation of muscles. This helps to reduce anxiety and promote sleepiness.

Before taking lorazepam

Before taking lorazepam make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
• If you suffer from liver, kidney or respiratory (breathing) problems.
• If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
• If you suffer from phobias or obsessional conditions.
• If you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
• If you suffer from sleep apnoea (temporary stopping of breathing during sleep).
• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.

How to take lorazepam

• Take lorazepam exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Lorazepam is usually prescribed in short courses of between 2 to 4 weeks, but can be taken for longer periods at your doctor's discretion. If taken for more than a few weeks, it should not be stopped suddenly but gradually reduced to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
• Signs of overdose include persistent slurred speech, confusion, severe drowsiness and excessive weakness. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of lorazepam contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked.
• Lorazepam can cause people to feel drowsy, dizzy, light-headed, clumsy, unsteady or less alert than normal. Make sure you know how you react to lorazepam before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.

Can lorazepam cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Other side-effects include muscle weakness, headache, confusion, forgetfulness, aggression, blurred vision, shakiness, sexual problems, problems urinating (passing water), depression and skin rashes. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them 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