Lorazepam
About Lorazepam
Lorazepam belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines primarily used to treat epilepsy (status epilepticus) and anxiety disorder. Lorazepam may be prescribed as short-term therapy for sleeping difficulties due to anxiety. It may also be used as a sedative prior to surgery. An anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by feelings of excessive fear or worry that affect an individual's daily activities. Epilepsy is a chronic disorder characterised by episodes of seizures (fits).
Lorazepam contains lorazepam, which works by increasing levels of the calming chemical mediator known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, this helps relieve anxiety, stops seizures attacks (fits) and relaxes the tense muscles.
Lorazepam will be administered by a healthcare professional. The common side-effects of Lorazepam are pain, itching, swelling or redness around the injection site, drowsiness, sedation, and tiredness. Most of these side effects of Lorazepam do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not take Lorazepam if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have any lung disease, muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), sleeping disorder, severe liver disease, problems with alcohol or other recreational drugs. Lorazepam is a habit-forming drug, and hence there is a risk of dependence on this medicine. So, before stopping this medicine, contact a doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, increased heart rate, tremors or general unwell feeling. Lorazepam alters the ability to drive, so do not drive or operate machinery.
Uses of Lorazepam
Medicinal Benefits
Lorazepam belongs to a group of medications called Benzodiazepine (BZD), primarily used to treat epilepsy (fits) and anxiety disorder. Lorazepam contains lorazepam, which works by increasing levels of the chemical mediator that calms brain cells (neurons), known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), this helps relieve anxiety, stops seizures attacks (fits) and relaxes tense muscles. Additionally, Lorazepam may be prescribed as short-term therapy for sleeping difficulties due to anxiety. It may also be used as a sedative prior to surgery.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lorazepam
- Pain, itching, swelling or redness at the site of injection.
- Drowsiness
- Sedation
- Tiredness
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you have had severe breathing problems, are allergic to lorazepam or other related benzodiazepines, have muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), serious liver problems, breathing problems, or glaucoma (high blood pressure in eyes), are breastfeeding, pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Using Lorazepam with opioid medicines can cause severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, and death. Lorazepam should be taken with extreme caution in patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. If you feel suicidal thoughts, difficulty in concentration, sleep disturbances, dizziness, or sleepiness, let your doctor know about this. Lorazepam alters the ability to drive, so do not drive or operate machinery.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Lorazepam may interact with antianxiety or antiepileptic medicines (carbamazepine, fluvoxamine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), anti-HIV drugs (amprenavir, ritonavir), acidity medicine (cimetidine), medicines used to treat chronic alcoholism (disulfiram), anti TB drug (rifampicin), anti-Parkinson’s drug (levodopa), asthma drugs (theophylline), and antidepressants.
Drug-Food Interactions: Grapefruit, grapefruit juice and caffeine-containing food or drinks should be avoided as they can affect the working of Lorazepam.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Lorazepam may interact with disease conditions including acute alcohol intoxication, closed-angle glaucoma, drug dependence, renal/liver disease, respiratory depression, seizures, prolonged hypotension, prematurity, depression, obesity, paradoxical reactions and upper gastrointestinal disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid taking Lorazepam with alcohol as it can increase the side effects of this medicine like dizziness, drowsiness and difficulty in concentrating.
Pregnancy
unsafeLorazepam is considered unsafe for pregnant women. Lorazepam may cause harmful effects on the baby (foetus), so your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing it.
Breast Feeding
unsafeLorazepam passes into the breast milk and may harm the baby. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Lorazepam.
Driving
unsafeLorazepam may cause sleepiness, dizziness, and drowsiness. So, it is not recommended to drive or operate machinery after taking Lorazepam.
Liver
cautionLorazepam to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionLorazepam to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disease. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeThe safety and effectiveness of Lorazepam in children have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do regular exercise, this can help lower anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving your sleep.
- You can increase your mindfulness by including yoga, meditation, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction.
- Drink enough water to stay hydrated and limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine to relieve anxiety.
- Include a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruits. This is a healthier option than eating a lot of simple carbohydrates found in processed foods.
- Herbs like turmeric, ginger and chamomile contain anti-inflammatory properties. Including these in the meal can reduce inflammation caused due to anxiety disorder.
- Reduce alcohol, caffeine, added sugar, high salt and high fat intake.
- You can include antioxidants in your daily diet like ashwagandha, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea and lemon balm.
- Try to spend time with your friends and family. Having a strong social network may help lower your risk of anxiety.
Special Advise
- Abrupt stoppage of Lorazepam can lead to significant withdrawal symptoms. Always discuss with your doctor about decreasing the dosage before completely stopping its usage.
- To avoid getting addicted to Lorazepam, take it only in prescribed quantities and only as directed by your doctor. Do not self-medicate.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anxiety Disorder: An anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by feelings of excessive fear or worry that affect an individual's daily activities. Anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of anxiety and nervousness, involving excessive anxiety, fear or worry. Anxiety disorders can affect an individual’s job performance, school work and personal relationships.
Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a chronic disorder characterised by seizures (fits) episodes. In this condition, there is a chemical change in the brain cells (neurons) that leads to a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain, followed by sudden jerky movements of limbs or a part of the body.
FAQs
Lorazepam belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines primarily used to treat epilepsy (status epilepticus) and anxiety disorder. It may be prescribed as short-term therapy for sleeping difficulties due to anxiety. It may also be used as a sedative prior to surgery.
Lorazepam works by increasing levels of the chemical mediator which calms brain cells (neurons), known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), this helps relieve anxiety, stops seizures attacks (fits) and relaxes the tense muscles.
Caffeine is a stimulant that may reduce the calming effects of Lorazepam. So, it is advisable to avoid the intake of caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea and cola or chocolate that contain caffeine.
Elderly patients are more likely to have confusion, sleepiness or age-related health issues, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose. So, it is better to consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
There is no clinical evidence that Lorazepam affects fertility in either men or women. But, if you are trying to get pregnant or having problems getting pregnant while on Lorazepam, consult a doctor.
