Lorazepam Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures ... - WebMD

Who should not use lorazepam?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take lorazepam.

• Lorazepam
• Ativan
• Loreev XR
• Any other medicine known as a benzodiazepine
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific lorazepam products they stock.

Glaucoma. Do not use lorazepam if you have acute narrow-angle glaucoma. There are different types of glaucoma. If you do not know what type you have, talk with your healthcare provider before taking lorazepam.

What should I know about lorazepam before using it?

Do not take lorazepam unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share lorazepam with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep lorazepam out of the reach of children. Lorazepam is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store lorazepam in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.

Lorazepam can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how lorazepam affects you.

Extended-Release Oral Capsules. Do not crush or chew lorazepam extended-release oral capsules. Swallow lorazepam extended-release oral capsules whole. If you cannot swallow the capsules whole, they may be opened and sprinkled on applesauce, followed by drinking water, making sure the swallow the entire contents of the capsule.

Oral Concentrate. Use the syringe that comes with your medicine to draw up your dose, then add the dose to a liquid such as water, juice or soda. Lorazepam oral concentrate can also be added to applesauce, pudding, or other semi-solid foods. Make sure to swallow the entire dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. A patient instruction sheet is enclosed in your medicine container to show you how to use the oral syringe.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using lorazepam?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if lorazepam is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Mental Health Problems. Tell your healthcare provider about your recent and current mental health problems, especially if you have had depression, thoughts of suicide or dying, or have ever attempted suicide.

Substance Use Disorder. Lorazepam is a controlled substance and may be misused or lead to dependence. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of a drug or alcohol disorder. 

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

• Liver problems
• Kidney problems
• Lung disease or breathing problems, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or respiratory insufficiency
• Seizures or epilepsy
• A certain eye condition called acute narrow-angle glaucoma
• A sleep problem called sleep apnea syndrome

Other Medicines and Supplements. Lorazepam may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using lorazepam, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how lorazepam could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Taking lorazepam during the later stages of pregnancy can cause withdrawal and the following symptoms in newborns.

• Breathing problems
• Sluggish
• Low muscle tone
• Jittery
• Fussiness or irritability
• Restlessness
• Shaking
• Excessive crying
• Feeding problems

Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use lorazepam while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications. This registry collects information about the safety of psychiatric medicines during pregnancy. You can register by calling 866-961-2388 or online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/pregnancyregistry/.

Breastfeeding. Lorazepam passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take lorazepam while breastfeeding.