There's no evidence that lorazepam will affect fertility in either men or women. Do not drive a car or ride a bike if lorazepam makes you sleepy, gives you blurred vision, or makes you feel dizzy, clumsy or unable to concentrate or make decisions.
This may be more likely when you first start taking lorazepam, but could happen at any time for example, when starting another medicine. It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive. Even if your ability to drive is not affected, the police have the right to request a saliva sample to check how much lorazepam is in your body.
UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking lorazepam. If you have anxiety, lifestyle changes you can make to help ease your symptoms include:. If you're having trouble sleeping, things you can do to help yourself get better sleep include:.
Page last reviewed: 2 January Next review due: 2 January Lorazepam On this page About lorazepam Key facts Who can and cannot take lorazepam How and when to take it Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.
About lorazepam Lorazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It's also known by the brand name Ativan. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today? The full sedating effect lasts for around 6 to 8 hours. The most common side effect is feeling sleepy drowsy during the daytime. It's not recommended to use lorazepam for longer than 4 weeks.
If lorazepam makes you feel sleepy, do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery. Do not drink alcohol while taking lorazepam.
It can make you sleep very deeply. Lorazepam is not suitable for everyone. To make sure it's safe for you, tell a doctor before starting lorazepam if you: have had an allergic reaction to lorazepam or any other medicine in the past have liver or kidney problems have breathing or chest problems have myasthenia gravis , a condition that causes muscle weakness have sleep apnoea , a condition that causes breathing problems when you're asleep have or have had depression or thoughts of harming yourself have been diagnosed with personality disorder have or have had problems with alcohol or drugs have arteriosclerosis , a condition that affects blood flow are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or breastfeeding have glaucoma , a condition that causes high blood pressure in the eye are going to have a general anaesthetic for an operation or dental treatment.
Always take lorazepam exactly as a doctor or pharmacist has told you. Will my dose go up or down? What if I forget to take it? If you forget to take your lorazepam: for anxiety — if it's less than 3 hours since your missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 3 hours have passed, skip the missed dose.
Take you usual dose the next night. If it does not, call the hospital to ask what to do next. What if I take too much? Urgent advice: Contact for advice if:. Common side effects These common side effects happen to more than 1 in people. If you get these side effects, keep taking the medicine and speak to a doctor: feeling sleepy or very tired in the daytime muscle weakness problems with your coordination or controlling your movements Serious side effects It happens rarely in less than 1 in people, but some people have serious side effects when taking lorazepam.
Tell a doctor straightaway if: your breathing becomes very slow or shallow your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow; this could be a sign of liver problems you find it difficult to remember things amnesia you see or hear things that are not there hallucinations you think things that are not true delusions you keep falling over you notice mood changes such as talking too much, feeling overexcited, restless, irritable or aggressive Mood changes can become serious and are more likely in children or if you're over Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, lorazepam may cause a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis.
Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer time than your doctor tells you to. Tell your doctor if you have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol, if you use or have ever used street drugs, or have overused prescription medications. Do not drink alcohol or use street drugs during your treatment. Drinking alcohol or using street drugs during your treatment with lorazepam also increases the risk that you will experience these serious, life-threatening side effects.
Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had depression or another mental illness. Lorazepam may cause a physical dependence a condition in which unpleasant physical symptoms occur if a medication is suddenly stopped or taken in smaller doses , especially if you take it for several days to several weeks. Do not stop taking this medication or take fewer doses without talking to your doctor.
Stopping lorazepam suddenly can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms that may last for several weeks to more than 12 months. Your doctor probably will decrease your lorazepam dose gradually. Call your doctor or get emergency medical treatment if you experience any of the following symptoms: unusual movements; ringing in your ears; anxiety; memory problems; difficulty concentrating; sleep problems; seizures; shaking; muscle twitching; changes in mental health; depression; burning or prickling feeling in your hands, arms, legs or feet; seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear; thoughts of harming or killing yourself or others; overexcitement; or losing touch with reality.
Lorazepam is used to relieve anxiety. Lorazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow for relaxation. Lorazepam comes as a tablet and concentrate liquid to take by mouth.
It usually is taken two or three times a day and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take lorazepam exactly as directed. Lorazepam concentrate liquid comes with a specially marked dropper for measuring the dose.
Ask your pharmacist to show you how to use the dropper. Other symptoms include:. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you because you may notice that you feel tired or dizzy. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam, are often used for short periods of time only.
With input from you, your health care provider will assess how long you will need to take the medicine. Do not stop taking lorazepam without talking to your health care provider first. Stopping lorazepam abruptly may result in one or more of the following withdrawal symptoms: trouble sleeping, anxiety, irritability, nausea, tremor, dizziness, blood pressure changes, rapid heart rate, and seizures.
Withdrawal reactions may occur when dosage reduction occurs for any reason. The use of lorazepam with drugs like opioid medications has led to serious side effects including slowed and difficulty breathing and death. Opioid drugs are medications used to treat pain and include medications such as: codeine, oxycodone, morphine, and illegal drugs like heroin.
Some opioid medications are also found in cough syrup. If you are taking lorazepam with an opioid medication, get medical assistance immediately if you feel dizziness, sleepiness, have slow or troubled breathing, or if you pass out. Caregivers must get medical help right away if a patient does not respond and does not wake up. If you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your healthcare provider to best manage your medications. People living with anxiety disorders who wish to become pregnant face important decisions regarding risk versus benefit of benzodiazepine use in pregnancy.
Lorazepam can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. It is important to discuss this with your doctor and caregivers. Typically, your healthcare provider will limit the number of doses you should take in one day. Your health care provider will determine the dose and method of taking the medication that is right for you based upon your response. Lorazepam liquid: Measure with a dosing spoon or oral syringe which you can get from your pharmacy.
You may also ask a family member or a friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication. If you miss a dose of lorazepam, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose.
Discuss this with your healthcare provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed. Avoid drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs while you are taking lorazepam.
They may decrease the benefits e. Side Effects What are the side effects of Lorazepam Ativan? Call your doctor at once if you have: severe drowsiness; unusual changes in mood or behavior; sudden restless feeling or excitement; thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself; confusion, aggression, hallucinations; sleep problems; vision changes; or dark urine, or jaundice yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Common side effects may include: dizziness, drowsiness; weakness; or feeling unsteady. Interactions What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Lorazepam Ativan? Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur. If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. What should I do if I missed a dose of Lorazepam Ativan?
If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Lorazepam Ativan , call your doctor or the Poison Control center.
If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Lorazepam Ativan , call What to Expect Lorazepam starts to work in about 20 to 30 minutes. Additional Dosage Information Your dosage will depend on your medical condition, your age, your weight, and other factors. The typical dosage range is between 2 and 6 milligrams per day, in divided doses. When you stop taking lorazepam, your doctor will lower your dose gradually. M, Color : white Shape : round Imprint : M, See More. Medical Disclaimer Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place.
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